Yvonne E. Casildo-Flowers

Yvonne E. Casildo-Flowers’ professional journey began at the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 1990. Over the course of 16 years, she progressed from Compiler to Statistical Assistant and eventually to Statistician II. In 2006, she joined the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST), where she served as a Statistician II within the Policy, Planning, Research and Evaluation (PPRE) Unit. Throughout her career with the Ministry of Education, Yvonne had the privilege of contributing to several important initiatives that support education planning and decision-making in Belize. One of the most significant of these has been the Belize Education Management Information System (BEMIS), the Ministry’s national information system used to monitor and manage educational institutions, teachers, and students throughout Belize.

She also contributed to the production of the Abstract of Education Statistics, Stats at a Glance, and Education Quick Facts. These publications serve as critical resources for data-driven educational planning and policy development in Belize. Another important contribution was her involvement in the Belize Education Sector Plan, whose main objectives are to provide equitable access to education, improve the quality and relevance of education, and strengthen the governance of the education sector.

Yvonne’s work also provided her with opportunities to represent Belize at several UNESCO and CECC/SICA Regional Workshops on Education Statistics, allowing her to participate in regional capacity-building initiatives throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Beyond the statistics and reports, one of the most rewarding aspects of her career was the opportunity to visit schools throughout the country of Belize. These visits allowed her to experience communities and villages she may never otherwise have had the opportunity to visit. Her professional journey also took her beyond Belize, to places such as Curaçao, Singapore, Chile, Mexico City, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica, to name a few. For these experiences, she is forever grateful.

First and foremost, Yvonne gives thanks to God, who has been her guiding support throughout this journey. She believes that He led her to where she is today, and for everything she has achieved and continues to achieve, she is and will forever be grateful.
She would especially like to thank Mr. Sylvan Roberts, who introduced her to a field she never knew existed and opened the door to a career and a journey she never dreamed she would experience. She remains deeply grateful to him for that opportunity.

To the Ministry of Education, and by extension, the Government and people of Belize, Yvonne extends her heartfelt thanks for entrusting her with the responsibility of working with some of the country’s most valuable resources—its children and teachers. It has been an honour for her to contribute to the planning and development of education in Belize.
Of course, Yvonne acknowledges that she would not have been able to accomplish this journey without the love and support of her wonderful family. To Stephen, Sherice, Rejann, and Regina, she extends her deepest gratitude. They were there with her through it all, every long day, every challenge, every achievement, and every journey. Their love and support have meant more to her than words can express.
To Kadeem and Kaidi, who came into her life when she least expected it, Yvonne believes that God knew they were just what she needed. She wants them to know that she truly appreciates them both and that she will always love them.
And to all those whom she has not mentioned by name, but who she will always hold near and dear to her heart, Yvonne says, thank you, thank you, thank you.

As Yvonne reflects on this remarkable journey, she is filled with gratitude for the people she met, the places she visited, the knowledge she gained, and the lives she had the privilege of touching through her work.
What began as a career became a journey filled with purpose, memories, friendships, and blessings. She looks back with a heart full of gratitude and forward with faith for all that lies ahead.