The United States Embassy has formally addressed the political controversy surrounding former Belizean minister Abelardo Mai’s resignation, breaking its official silence on the matter. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Katharine Beamer spoke with journalists regarding her diplomatic engagements with Belizean leadership, though she carefully avoided direct commentary on Mai’s departure.
Mai resigned from his ministerial position in mid-November under circumstances that continue to generate political speculation. While Prime Minister John Briceño maintains the resignation resulted solely from health concerns related to a horseback riding injury, persistent rumors suggest potential pressure from both domestic and international sources.
During the press engagement, Beamer emphasized the robust partnership between the United States and Belize, specifically highlighting counter-narcotics operations as a principal bilateral priority. When questioned about Belize’s role in regional drug trafficking, the diplomat acknowledged the country’s position on major narcotics transportation routes, characterizing it as a transit zone for illicit substances moving from South American production centers to U.S. markets.
‘The United States and Belize enjoy a really robust partnership,’ Beamer stated. ‘Certainly, countering narcotics trafficking and improving the relationship between Belize and the United States is among my foremost priorities.’
The former minister’s exit followed October social media allegations connecting him to criminal activities, which Mai vehemently denied as ‘fabricated and defamatory.’ His official removal from government was finalized on November 18, though political repercussions continue to resonate throughout Belize’s government circles.