分类： politics

In a surprising turn of events, Minister Henry Charles Usher has reportedly declined to accept his newly assigned ministerial portfolio, which includes the Ministry of Home Affairs. This position was previously held by his brother, Kareem Musa. According to insider sources from the Cabinet, Minister Usher expressed a strong preference to continue leading the Ministry of Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management. In light of this decision, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been reassigned to Belmopan Area Representative Oscar Mira, who will now oversee this department in addition to his existing responsibilities in National Defence and Border Security. This development marks a significant shift in the Cabinet’s leadership structure, with further updates expected as the situation unfolds.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) is poised to embark on a critical journey of renewal and unity at its upcoming convention on November 30th, 2025. After enduring over a year of internal strife, leadership disputes, and fragmented campaigns, the party is determined to reset its trajectory ahead of the 2027 municipal and 2030 general elections. UDP leader Panton expressed optimism, stating she is ‘very encouraged’ by the support from delegates and emphasizing that the convention will chart a path forward for the party’s unification and rebuilding. The event is expected to endorse a new executive to steer the UDP’s recovery following its fractured performance in the March 12th general elections, where internal divisions led to multiple candidates contesting the same constituencies. However, concerns have emerged over the party’s failure to meet a constitutional requirement to circulate convention documents 21 days in advance. Despite this, Panton remains resolute, asserting the UDP’s readiness to form a united front and serve as a robust opposition to the current administration. Notably, the convention will proceed without Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow, who lost both his constituency and leadership role in the March elections. Panton, if elected as party leader, would make history as the first woman to lead a major political party in Belize.

Prime Minister John Briceño has publicly defended his recent Cabinet reshuffle, emphasizing that the changes were driven by strategic considerations rather than punitive measures. In an exclusive interview with News Five, Briceño explained that the adjustments were made to optimize the effectiveness of his administration as it marked its fifth anniversary. He stated, “As a Prime Minister, I’m constantly evaluating where adjustments can be made to enhance performance.” One of the most significant changes was the reassignment of Kareem Musa from the Ministry of Home Affairs after five years. Briceño praised Musa’s tenure but noted the demanding nature of the role, saying, “Kareem has done an excellent job, but the ministry can be exhausting. I felt the fifth anniversary was the right time for a change.” Musa had previously expressed interest in a new challenge, aligning with the timing of the reshuffle. Another notable change involved Oscar Requena, who was moved from the Education Ministry back to Rural Transformation after just eight months. Briceño clarified that this was not a reflection of poor performance but rather a recognition of Requena’s strengths in rural development. “Minister Requena was more effective and comfortable in his previous role,” Briceño explained. The Education portfolio was reassigned to Francis Fonseca, whom Briceño described as one of the administration’s most transformative and capable leaders. “Minister Fonseca has my full support and is exceptionally hardworking,” Briceño affirmed. The reshuffle reflects Briceño’s commitment to aligning ministerial roles with individual strengths and the evolving needs of the government.

In a surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump has publicly defended the H-1B visa program, despite his administration’s historically stringent immigration policies. During a recent interview on Fox News with host Laura Ingraham, Trump argued that the United States lacks the domestic talent necessary to maintain its global competitiveness. This stance has sparked significant backlash from his political base, particularly among those who advocate for stricter immigration controls. When questioned about the potential impact of foreign visas on American wages, Trump emphasized the necessity of importing skilled workers. ‘You also do have to bring in talent,’ he stated. Ingraham countered by asserting that the U.S. has ample homegrown talent, to which Trump replied, ‘No, you don’t … you don’t have certain talents, and people have to learn.’ He further explained that certain specialized jobs cannot be filled by unemployed Americans, using the example of missile manufacturing. Trump’s comments come at a time when his administration is implementing measures to tighten immigration rules, including a proposed $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas. These visas, which allow skilled foreign professionals to work in the U.S. for up to six years, are particularly prevalent in the technology and engineering sectors. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who took to social media to express her belief that American workers are ‘talented, creative, intelligent’ and should not be ‘replaced by foreign labor.’ Trump responded by accusing Greene of having ‘lost her way’ and ‘catering to the other side.’