In an exclusive interview with local outlet News 5 on Wednesday, Prime Minister John Briceño confirmed he is actively considering a potential Cabinet return for former Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo “Abi” Mai, a figure he hailed as one of the most accomplished leaders to ever oversee the nation’s agriculture portfolio in the modern era. “My current Cabinet is already fully constituted, but when the right moment arrives for any adjustments to the team, bringing Jose Mai back will absolutely be on the table for consideration,” Briceño stated during the on-the-record discussion. The Prime Minister went on to emphasize Mai’s exceptional track record advancing Belize’s agricultural sector, noting his performance stands out as arguably unmatched by any agriculture minister dating back to the nation’s 1981 independence. Mai stepped down from his Cabinet post in November 2025, amid swirling unsubstantiated claims published by a Mexican media outlet that attempted to tie him to criminal activity, alongside unconfirmed reports of external pressure from the United States Embassy. Mai forcefully denied all the allegations at the time of his resignation, and no formal charges have ever been filed against him. Since Mai’s departure, the agriculture portfolio has been led by sitting Minister Rodwell Ferguson. Over the 12 months following the 2025 resignation, Briceño has rolled out four major Cabinet reshuffles, the most recent of which took place in October 2026, when Michel Chebat was appointed to the high-stakes combined portfolio of National Security, Energy and Ports. For his part, Mai has publicly expressed full eagerness to rejoin the executive team whenever the Prime Minister extends an official offer. “The second the Prime Minister says he is ready for me, I am ready to step right back in. Agriculture is more than a job to me – it is a lifelong passion, something I hold very close to my heart,” Mai shared in a recent public statement. The former minister did note one key caveat to a potential immediate return: he is still in the final stages of post-resignation health recovery, estimating his current well-being sits at roughly 90% of full capacity, and requires additional ongoing therapy sessions before he can take on the full, demanding workload of a senior Cabinet role. Briceño reiterated that any final decision on Mai’s reinstatement will be timed to align with both the former minister’s full recovery and the broader operational needs of the ruling administration.