In a public statement released on October 13, 2026, Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca has publicly distanced himself from profane comments made by Prime Minister Briceno during a recent sit-down with reporters. The top diplomat’s remarks came in direct response to press questions asking whether he backed the prime minister’s uncivil language toward members of the media during the interview.
Fonseca made clear that his longstanding guidance to the prime minister has been to avoid engaging in retaliatory language when faced with public criticism, and that position has not shifted. “I always advise him not to do so, not to do so and not to respond to criticism. And I think for the most part he tries to do that,” Fonseca told reporters. “So, I don’t support profanity and especially against our media colleagues. So, again I would continue to advise him not to do so.”
Following the public fallout over the incident, Prime Minister Briceño has committed to adjusting his approach, promising that all future interactions and exchanges with members of the press will be conducted with full respect. This report is adapted from a verbatim transcript of an evening television news broadcast, with Kriol language portions transcribed using a standardized spelling system for accuracy and accessibility.