分类： politics

In a remarkable political reversal, former Belize Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai has dramatically shifted his position on the contentious issue of contraband carrots affecting local farmers. Having recently stepped down from his ministerial role, Mai now openly champions the cause of carrot growers in San Carlos Village, Orange Walk—a stark contrast to his previous dismissive stance while in government.

The controversy centers on the annual market saturation caused by illegally imported carrots, which domestic farmers claim devastates their livelihoods through price depression and unfair competition. During his tenure, Minister Mai consistently downplayed these concerns, characterizing them as political opportunism and questioning the evidence of significant smuggling operations.

In January 2025, Mai publicly dismissed the issue as “primary school politics,” specifically referencing opposition figures Tracy Taegar-Panton and Shyne Barrow who had raised the matter. He argued then that market forces of supply and demand were the primary factors, while maintaining that border control fell outside his ministry’s direct jurisdiction.

Now, as a private citizen and opposition representative for Orange Walk South, Mai has completely reversed his position. He recently revealed receiving direct communications from farmers unable to sell their harvest due to market flooding by imported carrots. Acknowledging these must be illegal imports, Mai has attempted to contact customs officials and the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) to request intensified enforcement measures.

The former minister’s about-face highlights the perennial challenge of agricultural smuggling through Belize’s porous borders and raises questions about political accountability and the consistency of policy positions between government and opposition roles.

In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Belizean Prime Minister Johnny Briceño has appointed Rodwell Ferguson as the nation’s new Minister of Agriculture, succeeding Jose Abelardo Mai. This transition comes amid concerns regarding Ferguson’s management style, which has drawn attention during his previous tenure. His track record at the Ministry of Transport, Sports, and Youth reveals a pattern of rapid leadership turnover, having cycled through three Chief Executive Officers within a four-year period. His approach included revoking financial authority from his first CEO and leaving key institutions like the Department of Youth Services and the National Sports Council without permanent leadership for extended durations. In response to these concerns, former Minister Mai has publicly endorsed Ferguson’s capabilities while emphasizing the critical importance of his successor relying on the ministry’s existing professional cadre. Mai highlighted that the agricultural portfolio benefits from an exceptionally competent and diligent team that requires continued motivation and strategic direction rather than overhaul. He cautioned against surrounding oneself with sycophants, noting that effective leadership necessitates collaboration with knowledgeable experts rather than ideological loyalists. Despite Ferguson’s lack of formal agronomy background, Mai expressed confidence that success is achievable through delegation and trust in qualified personnel.

The Government of Belize has initiated a comprehensive border security enhancement program titled ‘Operation Northern Fortress’ amid escalating concerns about transnational cartel operations. Prime Minister John Briceño confirmed an $8 million investment to bolster security personnel and resources along the nation’s northern frontier with Mexico.

The strategic move comes in response to growing security challenges in the Corozal Free Zone, where authorities are combating organized crime infiltration and illegal cross-border activities. Prime Minister Briceño revealed during a press briefing that cartel threats have been a persistent concern since his December 2020 meetings with U.S. Embassy officials, where he identified drug cartels as Belize’s most pressing national security challenge.

The government is implementing multi-layered security measures including heightened surveillance, tightened entry controls at the Free Zone, and enhanced police presence. Prime Minister Briceño has personally engaged Mexican leadership, writing to President Claudia Sheinbaum to request increased Mexican security forces along the shared border to address transnational criminal elements.

While cigarettes have been identified as a significant contraband commodity driving criminal activity in the region, the Prime Minister clarified that multiple goods are involved in cross-border smuggling operations. The administration has consulted with the Ministry of Foreign Trade regarding tobacco regulation but indicates World Trade Organization regulations present limitations on restricting cigarette movements through the Free Zone.

The security overhaul represents Belize’s most significant border protection initiative in recent years, focusing on preventing cartel infiltration while maintaining legitimate cross-border commerce essential to regional economies.

BELIZE CITY – The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a stark warning regarding Belize’s fiscal trajectory, accusing the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) administration of excessive borrowing that threatens the nation’s economic future.

In a forceful address, UDP Senator Patrick Faber revealed that government borrowing has reached approximately six hundred million Belize dollars ($600 million) over the past five years. Faber emphasized the magnitude of this debt accumulation, specifically noting for clarity: “For those who like it like the former prime minister, Musa, that is point six million dollars with a B.”

The opposition senator framed this borrowing spree as a generational burden, asserting that while the borrowed funds have been expended, the financial obligations will persist for decades. “The point is, that money is now gone, but the stench from borrowing all that money remains for our children and our children’s children and even our children’s children’s children to pay,” Faber stated during his presentation.

Faber’s criticism targeted the PUP’s governing approach, claiming this pattern of debt accumulation reflects the party’s operational philosophy. The UDP has consequently demanded an immediate cessation of further national borrowing.

“The UDP calls for a cease and desist of borrowing in the name of this country, a cease and desist of borrowing in the name of our children’s children,” Faber declared, emphasizing that current policies are saddling future generations with unsustainable debt while citizens remain unaware of the long-term implications.

The statement represents the latest escalation in Belize’s ongoing political debate over fiscal responsibility and economic management, setting the stage for continued parliamentary confrontation over the nation’s financial direction.

BELIZE CITY – Political tensions have escalated surrounding the rumored acquisition of telecommunications provider Speednet by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). The United Democratic Party (UDP) has formally challenged the government’s transparency regarding the potential consolidation, demanding immediate public disclosure of all details concerning the speculated deal.

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative for Mesopotamia, delivered a forceful critique of the alleged negotiations, highlighting the conspicuous absence of concrete information. “For months we have been hearing whispers, rumors of a deal,” Chang stated. He emphasized that BTL is a national asset, with 91% Belizean ownership, and questioned the rationale behind using its resources to acquire competitors like Smart, NEXGEN, and Centaur.

The opposition’s central argument hinges on a profound lack of transparency. Chang challenged the government’s narrative, asking, “They tell us that it is a good deal for Belize. But if it is such a good deal then why all the secrets?” He pointed to the absence of a signed agreement, a public report, or a disclosed purchase price, describing the process as shrouded in secrecy.

Employing a vivid analogy, Chang compared the situation to a business owner inexplicably directing customers to a competitor, only to later be forced to buy that same rival. The core of his inquiry focused on the ultimate beneficiaries of the transaction. He posited that the primary winners would not be the Belizean public or the national economy, but rather the private family owners of the acquired companies, who would receive a “risk-free, massive payday” that would secure wealth for generations.

The UDP’s demands have thrust the rumored corporate maneuver into the political spotlight, framing it as a matter of national interest that requires rigorous public scrutiny and accountability from the current administration.

Prime Minister John Briceño of Belize has strategically deflected inquiries regarding a prospective acquisition involving telecommunications providers BTL and Speednet, citing his brother’s financial stake in Speednet as grounds for non-participation in discussions. The situation presents a potential conflict of interest given that Briceño’s administration maintains majority ownership of BTL while his brother holds direct investments in Speednet.

During a recent press engagement, Briceño acknowledged the familial financial connection but emphasized his personal detachment from Speednet investments. “Belize is a small country and you all know I have never lived off my government salary,” Briceño stated. “I do not have any direct investments with Speednet—it is my brother.”

The Prime Minister defended the government’s approach to state-owned enterprises, noting that despite government majority ownership, BTL operates as a private entity with autonomous decision-making authority. Briceño pointed to BTL’s remarkable financial turnaround under his administration, highlighting how the company transformed from generating one million dollars in 2019 under the previous UDP government to exceeding twenty million dollars in recent performance.

Drawing parallels to his private business experience with Centaur, Briceño explained the logical business case for expansion through acquisition. He detailed how his company grew from a small Orange Walk Town operation through strategic purchases of smaller companies across multiple communities, ultimately expanding into cable services. This growth strategy, according to Briceño, mirrors what BTL might pursue to enhance cash flow and profitability.

The Prime Minister concluded that BTL’s leadership should make decisions based solely on the company’s best interests, despite the overlapping familial and governmental connections that have raised questions about potential conflicts in the proposed telecommunications merger.

Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly countered opposition criticism regarding the nation’s escalating cost of living, defending his administration’s economic measures during a recent appearance on the ‘Open Your Eyes’ program. The United Democratic Party (UDP) has intensified its critique of government policies, claiming many citizens are experiencing severe financial strain from rising prices.

Prime Minister Briceño acknowledged the inflationary pressures affecting imported goods while emphasizing his government’s multifaceted approach to alleviate economic burdens on citizens. ‘We understand the issue of the cost of goods, but we do not have control of it. These goods are imported,’ Briceño stated, redirecting focus toward his administration’s proactive interventions.

The government’s economic relief strategy includes several key initiatives: implementation of a higher national minimum wage, expansion of scholarship programs, provision of meals for approximately 15,000 schoolchildren, and free education access for tens of thousands of students. Additionally, the administration has significantly broadened National Health Insurance coverage, now serving about 22,000 Belizeans at minimal cost.

Briceño highlighted targeted tax relief measures including GST-free weekends during Christmas and back-to-school periods, characterizing these incremental benefits as collectively ‘putting more money in Belizean people pockets.’

Contrasting this optimistic assessment, UDP Second Deputy Miguel Guerra presented a starkly different perspective during a press conference, asserting that everyday expenses—particularly grocery costs—have reached unsustainable levels for many households. Guerra emphasized that the cost of living crisis represents an urgent reality that cannot be overlooked by policymakers.

New data from Belize’s Statistical Institute indicates a 1.2% increase in household goods and services costs during the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, providing statistical context to the ongoing economic debate.

BELIZE CITY – Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly addressed growing concerns regarding potential monopoly formation in Belize’s telecommunications sector, following revelations that government-owned Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) is considering acquiring Speednet Communications and multiple cable providers.

Speaking on December 10, 2025, PM Briceño firmly rejected suggestions that his family connections to Speednet created a conflict of interest, stating: “Belize is a small country. I have never lived off my government salary. I do investments with my family. I do not have any direct investments with Speednet, so I have none. It’s my brother.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that despite BTL being 95% government-owned, the company operates under a commercial structure. “As a private company, we allow them to manage the company and make whatever decisions they believe are in the company’s best interest. I am not involved in that discussion. I’ve stayed away from that,” Briceño clarified.

The situation has gained complexity since June, when Speednet—parent company of SMART—was granted judicial review permission to challenge the Government of Belize. The legal dispute centers on two “ConnectED” contracts awarded to BTL for providing internet services to schools, which Speednet claims should have undergone competitive tender processes as required by the Finance and Audit (Reform) Act for contracts exceeding $5 million.

Public apprehension now focuses on the prospect of a single dominant provider controlling mobile, internet, and cable services nationwide. PM Briceño identified the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) as the primary regulatory safeguard, noting: “The PUC regulates. The PUC has to set the rates. BTL, BEL, and BWS just can’t set any rates as they wish.” He added that the PUC “will have to become even more vigilant in ensuring that the rates being set will not be taking advantage of the Belizean public.”