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In an unprecedented move, Belize’s Briceño administration has undergone two Cabinet reshuffles within a single week, raising questions about the stability and direction of the government. The latest adjustments were finalized during a high-level meeting of senior ministers at the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan. This comes just days after the People’s United Party (PUP) celebrated its fifth anniversary in office, a milestone overshadowed by sudden resignations and portfolio reassignments. Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the changes, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in governance. He clarified that only one reshuffle had been officially enacted, despite reports suggesting multiple adjustments. Among the notable changes, Orange Walk South Area Representative Jose Abelardo Mai resigned from his role as Minister of Agriculture, a position he held since the PUP’s rise to power in 2020. His successor, Rodwell Ferguson, brings extensive experience as a deputy party leader and long-serving area representative. Meanwhile, Belmopan Area Representative Oscar Mira has transitioned from Minister of National Defense and Border Security to Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise, a move aimed at addressing cross-border security concerns. Other key appointments include Florencio Marin Jr. taking over National Defense and Oscar Requena returning to his former role in Rural Transformation and Community Development. These rapid changes have sparked debates about their implications for governance and voter confidence in the administration.

In a surprising turn of events, Jose Abelardo Mai, Belize’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, resigned from his Cabinet position on Monday, November 18, 2025. Prime Minister John Briceño attributed Mai’s departure to health concerns, specifically an upcoming back surgery. However, the resignation has sparked widespread speculation, as the timing coincides with recent controversies and diplomatic murmurs. Notably, Mai had recently traveled to Brazil to represent Belize at the Conference of Ministers of Agriculture, raising questions about the severity of his condition given the extensive travel involved. Prime Minister Briceño emphasized Mai’s contributions, calling him the best agriculture minister since 1981, but the distinction between resignation and a leave of absence has left many skeptical. Mai’s recent public appearances, including photos on the Ministry’s Facebook page, showed no visible signs of health issues, further fueling doubts. Despite Briceño’s assurances that the U.S. Embassy had no role in Mai’s resignation, the lack of transparency has left the public questioning the true reasons behind the decision. Mai remains the Area Representative for Orange Walk South, but his ability to serve effectively post-surgery remains uncertain. Requests for comment from Mai have gone unanswered, leaving the future of his political career in limbo.

The Briceno administration faced heightened turmoil as Orange Walk South Area Representative Jose Abelardo Mai abruptly resigned from his position as Minister of Agriculture on Monday. Mai’s departure came amid escalating allegations of cartel involvement and mounting pressure from the U.S. Embassy to address these accusations. The resignation occurred during an ongoing Cabinet reshuffle, which Prime Minister John Briceno initiated last Tuesday to mark the administration’s fifth anniversary. The sudden vacancy in the agriculture portfolio has intensified political tensions, with Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton demanding transparency from the Prime Minister regarding the circumstances surrounding Mai’s exit. The administration is now grappling with the dual challenges of restoring public trust and stabilizing its leadership team.