PSU Objects to Troy Gabb as Acting PSU Chair

The Public Service Union has objected to Troy Gabb’s appointment as acting chair of the Public Services Commission, questioning whether his public political commentary is compatible with the independence expected of the body.

The objection comes more than two months after Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam appointed Gabb to act as chairperson of the Commission, effective July 20, 2026, while substantive Chairperson Diana Price-Murillo is on leave.

According to the July 23 Gazette notice, Gabb was appointed under Section 105(10) of the Belize Constitution, which provides for the appointment of a person to perform the functions of a Commission member who is temporarily unable to do so. The Gazette states that Gabb is qualified for appointment as a member of the Commission.

The PSC holds significant authority over the careers of public officers, with responsibility for appointments, promotions and transfers, disciplinary control and removal from office.

It is that authority which the PSU says makes the political independence of the Commission particularly important.

In a press release issued Thursday, October 1, the union said Gabb’s role as a weekly political commentator on Love FM has placed him publicly on political and policy issues, including matters involving the PSU.

The union alleges that Gabb has repeatedly displayed hostility toward trade unions, opposed PSU positions on public policy and criticised public officers. It also described him as widely perceived to be politically partisan.

Those assertions represent the PSU’s assessment of Gabb’s public commentary. The Gazette notice appointing him does not address his political views or media work, stating only that he is qualified to serve on the Commission and setting out the constitutional authority under which the acting appointment was made.

The union maintains, however, that public officers must be able to have confidence in the impartiality of a body with authority over their appointments, promotions and discipline.

The PSU has also linked its objection to the Briceño administration’s Plan Belize commitment to restore independence within the Public Service, arguing that the appointment runs counter to that pledge.

Gabb is not new to the Commission. He was appointed as one of its commissioners in 2022, when Price-Murillo became chairperson. At the time, the other commissioners included William Skeen and Alfredo Cruz.

The union’s concern also extends beyond the temporary chairmanship. With Gabb’s current term reportedly due to expire in November, the PSU said it does not support his reappointment to the Commission.

The PSU express-ed support for Price-Murillo and said it hopes the issues surrounding the acting chairmanship can be resolved before she returns to office.

It has since written Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher outlining its concerns and is calling on the Government, when making future appointments to the Commission, to select persons it considers knowledgeable about the Public Service and capable of commanding the confidence of both public officers and the wider public.

The Government had not issued a response to the union’s October 1 objections at the time of writing.