Amid ongoing political turbulence following the resignation of Agriculture Minister Abelardo Mai, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer found herself at the center of speculation during recent press engagements. While journalists deliberately avoided direct inquiries about Mai’s departure, they pressed Beamer regarding her October 30th meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño.
Beamer strategically deflected requests for specific details about the diplomatic discussion. ‘I maintain excellent relationships with all Belizean counterparts,’ she stated. ‘Our conversation covered numerous subjects, though I prefer not to discuss particular details. The United States and Belize share a strong partnership, with counter-narcotics operations and bilateral relationship enhancement ranking among my primary objectives.’
The ministerial crisis began in mid-November when Mai unexpectedly resigned from his position. Multiple reports suggest the resignation resulted from pressure exerted by Prime Minister Briceño, who allegedly faced his own diplomatic pressures from United States officials. The administration officially attributed Mai’s departure to health concerns, specifically referencing a horseback riding injury from approximately one year ago that necessitated lower back surgery.
This political drama follows a significant October controversy where Mai vehemently denied viral social media allegations connecting him to criminal enterprises. The minister denounced these claims as completely fabricated and legally defamatory at the time.
The formal revocation of Mai’s ministerial appointment occurred on November 18, 2025, when Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam executed the constitutional procedure under Section 40 advice from Prime Minister Briceño. Mai’s cabinet tenure, which began March 17, 2025, thus concluded abruptly after just eight months.