Serving a population of almost 400,000, the Vital Statistics Unit (VSU), under the Attorney General’s Ministry, is a crucial agency in Belize, responsible for managing the country’s civil registry including the issuance of identity credentials and documentations including births, deaths, marriages, adoptions, and other vital records. As the sole organization for managing civil registry in the country, the VSU faces the significant challenge of maintaining accurate and accessible records.

In recent years, the unit has encountered several issues such as technical malfunctions, inconsistent and inefficient operational processes, and limited ability to integrate systems with relevant stakeholders. These challenges have led to unsatisfactory customer service, characterized by lengthy processing times, poor record management, and a lack of awareness about the services offered.

To tackle these issues, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belize, in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Ministry and the E-Governance and Digitalization Department of the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, & E-Governance, has provided essential support aimed at enhancing the VSU’s capabilities and ensuring accessibility to vital events documents.
 

• Restructuring the unit – To enhance the VSU’s functionality, an Organizational Management Strategy was developed, focusing on resourcing the unit with additional skilled personnel. This strategy promotes a digital transformation roadmap, detailing steps for a revised organizational structure, process optimization, and improved management.

• Improving public engagement - A comprehensive Brand and Communication Strategy was launched to bolster the unit's engagement with the public and enhance service delivery. New communication channels aim to rebuild public trust and foster an environment of open dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders. An interactive workshop was also hosted to prepare the unit's staff for an increasingly digital and communicative environment.
• Upgrading ICT equipment – The acquisition of new desktop computers, headsets, keyboards, and a printer has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the VSU. These upgrades have not only facilitated a smoother transition to digital systems.

Thanks to these initiatives by the UNDP and other stakeholders, a foundation for digital transformation has been established at the VSU. This transformation complements further investments, such as the Inter-American Development Bank loan, which funded the development of a fully digital platform for the unit.

By adopting modernization and digitization strategies, the Belize Vital Statistics Unit continues to improve accessibility for the most vulnerable populations, reduce costs, enhance customer service, and significantly boost overall efficiency, thus delivering substantial benefits to the citizens of Belize.