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And with the name change comes a change in apparel. We joined Mayor Bernard Wagner at City Hall this morning for the official presentation.

They were among the essential workers who fought though lockdown to continue to provide such vital services as garbage removal, custodial work, and even maintenance of burial grounds, and this morning Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner described them as having stood on the wall amidst uncertainty.

Now, they're getting a new look which the City council hopes will bring some much-needed respect to the contributions of a profession often overlooked.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
"From we came in office we knew that we had to change the entire culture at city hall and we want it to be a culture where our workers are at the forefront and our workers are recognized each and every day and we wanted to ensure that our workers have the proper attire. It's important. We knew that we had to protect our frontline workers not only from the natural elements but also we needed to protect them from day to day stigmatization and the negative connotation that comes with the name sanitation department. That is why today we have a new name, Operational Support Team, these new outfits like miss Rudon said will be delivered to the Operational Support, RMNS, Cemetery department, our market staff, our parks and playground staff and our, works staff. All of them will be receiving these apparel."

Charlene Rudon, Director, Human Resources
"We are pleased to know that our employees will now be easily identifiable, better protected and professionally dressed to suit their roles in their respective departments. The distribution of these uniforms will afford our employees added support and functionality as they continue to serve our city every day."

And the Council's efforts are not lost on their "Operational Support"

Robert Pott, Belize City Council
"It helps us to work in a more comfortable environment and do our job to our best so thanks to the mayor and the council."

Shelmadine Lynch, Belize City Council
"I'm very happy about this outfit right, very good because so far I could keep my clothes put it up right because you have two outfits to wear everyday. Looking nice thanks to the mayor, Fix up me look good. With the uniform right now after this COVID-19 it will be better because we;ll be more covered up."

"We will be more cover-up completely, ok first we never quite covered up everything, but now we have everything quite covered up, so the COVID thing and as far as where the 19 is concerned babes I need to get back to work because I love my work, you know, I 've been home from the 23rd of March and it's every two weeks we, and I really want to come back and do my work because 01:05 gosh I am dying at home."

It's a new look for these workers and another piece of the City Council's wider re-branding in its efforts to alter Belize City's image in a manner comparable to that of metropolitan center's worldwide.

Each member of the City Council's operational support team will receive two uniforms along with their required gloves and equipment. They will also be provided with face masks and hand sanitizer.