BELIZE CITY – United Democratic Party leader Tracy Panton has publicly questioned Prime Minister John Briceño’s justification for the sudden dismissal of cabinet minister José Mai, while simultaneously extending well-wishes for his alleged health concerns.
During a press conference at UDP headquarters on December 9, 2025, Panton expressed widespread public skepticism regarding the official explanation provided for Mai’s removal from government. The opposition leader stated that most Belizeans remain unconvinced by the Prime Minister’s account of the cabinet reshuffle, which reportedly involved health-related reasons.
“No Belizean believes the kind of justification that the Prime Minister provided on the revocation of Jose Mai’s appointment as a minister of government,” Panton asserted, highlighting the sudden nature of the dismissal that caught both the public and political observers by surprise.
The UDP leader noted that the Governor General had formally revoked Mai’s cabinet appointment, but the circumstances surrounding this political development remained unclear until government officials were compelled to address the situation. Panton referenced cryptic official statements suggesting either a horseback riding accident or another unusual medical incident as potential explanations.
Despite her skepticism about the government’s narrative, Panton emphasized that her party extends genuine concern for Mai’s welfare: “If indeed Mr. Mai needs medical attention, he can be assured of our thoughts and prayers.”
The political controversy emerges as Belize approaches its high tourism season, with recent reports indicating visitor declines in popular destinations like Ambergris Caye, adding economic concerns to the current political tensions.