Yolda Sho

It is with great honour that she reflects on a remarkable journey of 35 years of service to the Government and people of Belize.

A proud Belizean from Santa Elena, Cayo District, she is married to a wonderful husband from the Toledo District. Together, they are blessed with four children—three boys and one girl. Her family has been an important source of strength, encouragement, and support throughout her personal and professional journey.

Her career in the Belize Public Service began in 1990 at the Ministry of Labour, where she served as a Secretary. She subsequently broadened her professional experience at the Government Printer, where she worked as a Data Entry Clerk, and later at the Ministry of Finance, particularly within Budget Management. During her tenure there, she served in various capacities, including Secretary, Accounts Officer, and Research Officer.

Between 1994 and 2000, she worked at the Statistical Office as a Data Entry Clerk. This period proved particularly meaningful, as it exposed her to the growing importance of technology in government operations and highlighted the need for public officers to continuously adapt to an evolving workplace.

As part of her professional development, she participated in ASYCUDA—Automated System for Customs Data—training and travelled to Minnesota, United States, to receive training in scanning technology. She also assisted with the wiring and establishment of computer networks. These experiences reinforced her belief in the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new technologies.

In 2000, she joined the Financial Services Commission (FSC), beginning what would become the longest chapter of her professional career and continuing until her retirement in March 2026.

Her years at the FSC provided her with opportunities to serve in a wide range of capacities. She worked as a Senior Administration Officer and later as Department Head of Human Resources and Administration. She also carried out responsibilities in accounting, research, and secretarial services, and served at various times as a Foundation Officer, LLC Officer, and Trust Officer.

One of the most significant chapters of her career was her opportunity to work alongside the late Director General and Legal Counsel, Mr. Gian Gandhi. She had the privilege of providing extensive support to him as the organization navigated major institutional changes, transitions, and developments.

During this period, she assisted with the transformation of IBC, IMMARBE, BHSFU, and BELIPO from private entities into government institutions. She also supported subsequent transitions and takeovers involving IMMARBE, High Seas Fishing, and BCCAR.

These responsibilities were often challenging and required considerable flexibility, confidentiality, commitment, and professionalism. She learned that public service frequently requires officers to go beyond the boundaries of their formal job descriptions and to take on whatever responsibilities are necessary to support their organization and advance its objectives.

Throughout her years at the FSC, she contributed to numerous areas of institutional development. She assisted with the establishment of the Human Resources and Administration Department, supported the transition to OrangeHRM, and helped implement a web-based system for human resource processes and personnel management.

She also played an instrumental role in the early implementation of the Exchange of Information Upon Request process. In addition, she assisted with the physical oversight and security of the FSC's offices in Belmopan and Belize City.

Throughout her career, she consistently sought to carry out her responsibilities with loyalty, dedication, discretion, and professionalism. She firmly believes that accepting a position in the Public Service means accepting a responsibility to serve—not only one's organization, but ultimately the people of Belize.

Following the passing of Mr. Gandhi, new leadership was appointed, and under the new Director General, the FSC underwent a significant organizational restructuring. During this period of change, she was asked to indicate the area in which she wished to continue serving. She chose Human Resources and Administration, an area in which she believed she could continue to make a meaningful contribution to the organization.

She was subsequently appointed Department Head of Human Resources and Administration. In this role, she worked diligently to develop and manage the department while contributing to the preparation of policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures. She also ensured that the department continued to respond effectively to the needs of the organization.

The workload associated with the department was significant. She raised her concerns regarding the demands placed upon the department and was eventually assigned one support staff member. Despite this assistance, the workload remained considerable. Following further discussions, the department was eventually divided, and she was assigned the role of Department Head of Administration.

Through each organizational change and professional challenge, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her responsibilities and to the institution she served.

When reflecting on her 35 years of public service, she recognizes that her career was never simply about the positions she held. Rather, it was about the people with whom she worked, the institutions she helped to strengthen, the challenges she overcame, and the many opportunities she received to contribute to the development of Belize's Public Service.

She began her career as a Secretary and Data Entry Clerk. Over the years, her professional journey expanded to encompass statistics, accounting, research, human resources, administration, technology, regulatory work, and institutional transformation. Each role provided valuable lessons and contributed to the professional she ultimately became.

One of the most important lessons her career has taught her is that one does not have to begin at the top to make a meaningful contribution. What matters is a willingness to learn, a positive attitude toward one's responsibilities, integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to giving one's best wherever one is placed.

She remains deeply grateful to the many people who formed part of her professional journey—those who taught her, challenged her, trusted her with important responsibilities, and shared with her the privilege of serving the people of Belize.

She is equally grateful to her family, whose love, encouragement, understanding, and unwavering support sustained her throughout the demands and responsibilities of her career.

After 35 years of dedicated service, she can look back with a profound sense of gratitude and satisfaction, knowing that she gave a significant part of her life to serving her country. Although she has retired from the Public Service, she will always carry with her the pride of having served as a Public Officer of Belize.

Her greatest satisfaction is knowing that, in whatever capacity she served, she sought to make a positive contribution and to leave the institutions and people around her better supported because of her service.

Thirty-five years later, her formal journey in the Public Service has come to an end. However, the memories, lessons, friendships, accomplishments, and legacy of service built throughout those years will remain an enduring part of her life.

Her career is a testament to dedication, adaptability, resilience, professionalism, and the belief that every public officer, regardless of position, has the ability to make a meaningful contribution to the development of Belize.

As she closes this important chapter of her life, she does so with gratitude for the opportunity to have served, pride in the work she accomplished, and appreciation for the many people who made her 35-year journey one of purpose and fulfillment.