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.
标签： Belize
伯利兹
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Jose Mai Steps Down Amid Health, Speculation Swirls
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.
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Mai’s Sudden Exit Adds Fuel to Cabinet Turmoil
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.
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Coast Guard Busts Illicit Cigarette Cargo in Corozal Free Zone
In a significant crackdown on illicit trade, the Belize Coast Guard has intercepted a large shipment of contraband cigarettes near the Corozal Free Zone, raising concerns about security and oversight in one of the country’s busiest commercial hubs. The operation, conducted around midnight on October 12, 2025, targeted suspicious cargo believed to be destined for Mexico. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, confirmed the seizure, stating that the cargo was discovered outside the zone’s permit area. Despite the successful interception, no individuals were detained as they fled upon the Coast Guard’s approach. The seized goods were promptly handed over to the police and customs departments in the presence of a justice of the peace. Admiral Bennett emphasized the Coast Guard’s increased operations in the northern border region, particularly around the Rio Hondo River, which has become a hotspot for illicit activities. While the exact origin of the cargo remains under investigation, authorities suspect it may have originated from the Corozal Free Zone. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in combating cartel influence and illegal trade in the region.
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Cartel Influence at Belize’s Northern Border?
Growing concerns over cartel activity near Belize’s northern border have prompted Prime Minister John Briceño to address the issue publicly. Reports suggest that criminal networks are increasingly encroaching on the Corozal Free Zone, raising alarms about national security. Briceño acknowledged the seriousness of the threat, emphasizing his government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation. He highlighted recent efforts to bolster border security, including increased patrols by the police, Belize Defence Force (BDF), and Coast Guard. An additional $8 million has been allocated to equip these forces with necessary resources and compensate them for extended working hours. Briceño, who has consistently expressed concerns about cartel influence since taking office in 2020, reiterated that the safety of Belize’s citizens remains the top priority. Despite the challenges, the administration remains resolute in its efforts to curb cartel infiltration and protect the country’s borders.
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Coast Guard Ramps Up Security Amid Corozal Free Zone Threats
In response to escalating security concerns around the Corozal Free Zone, the Belize Coast Guard has significantly bolstered its patrols and surveillance efforts. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the threats are genuine and deeply rooted in illicit trade activities. While the Coast Guard has not yet confirmed the involvement of cartel operatives in the recently seized cargo, Bennett underscored that the individuals behind these operations are undoubtedly engaged in illegal trade. The seized cargo, found outside the designated Free Zone area along the riverside, was suspected to be en route to Mexico, prompting the Coast Guard’s intervention. Bennett clarified that the Coast Guard does not operate within the Free Zone itself, limiting their direct oversight of cargo storage and shipment dynamics. However, the discovery of unauthorized cargo movements has raised significant alarms, leading to heightened security measures. Despite the operation, no individuals were detained, and the specific groups responsible remain unidentified. The Coast Guard’s proactive stance aims to curb criminal networks and ensure the safety and integrity of the region’s trade activities.
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PM Urges Belizeans to Cash In on Tax-Free Weekends
In a bid to ease the financial burden on Belizeans amid rising living costs, Prime Minister John Briceño has announced the introduction of tax-free weekends scheduled for December. The initiative, which will waive the General Sales Tax (GST) on specific dates, aims to provide relief to families as they prepare for the holiday season. The tax-free periods are set for December 6-7 and December 20-21, coinciding with payday cycles to maximize consumer spending power.
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PM Says Water Rate Increase Tough but Necessary
In a recent announcement, Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the Public Utilities Commission’s approval of a 13.5% increase in water rates, set to take effect in the coming year. Briceño acknowledged the hardship this decision may impose on citizens but emphasized its necessity due to rising inflation and the urgent need for critical infrastructure projects. He explained that the tariff adjustment is vital to fund $130 million in capital investments, including $20 million allocated for water and sewage system expansions in key areas like San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia. These regions, Briceño noted, are significant economic drivers attracting substantial investment, making their development a priority. While expressing regret over the increase, the Prime Minister stressed that the move is unavoidable to ensure the country’s long-term growth and sustainability.
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Plastic Cake: A Belizean Delicacy Born from Tradition
As Garifuna Settlement Day approaches, Belizeans are immersed in celebrations, from dancing to Punta music to savoring traditional dishes. For Daisy Mae Valencio and her daughter Marsha, the holiday is a time to honor their heritage through culinary craftsmanship. In their Belize City kitchen, the duo prepares authentic Garifuna delicacies, with cassava pudding—locally known as plastic cake—stealing the spotlight. This dense, sticky dessert, made from grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and spices, is a testament to their cultural legacy. Daisy Mae, a seasoned cook with over three decades of experience, learned the recipe from her mother and now passes it down to Marsha. The mother-daughter team emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients and precise spice blends, including nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, to achieve the perfect flavor. Despite the labor-intensive process, they find joy in preserving their traditions and sharing their culture with the community. As Daisy Mae notes, the demand for their homemade dishes is unwavering, ensuring that Garifuna culinary traditions remain alive for future generations.
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Caribica Soul Cuisine Opens in Digi Park
On November 18, 2025, Belize welcomed a new culinary experience with the opening of Caribica Soul, a food stall in Digi Park. Owned by Arton Williams, a seasoned restaurateur with over three decades of experience in the United States, Caribica Soul offers a unique fusion of Caribbean and soul food. Williams aims to blend the rich flavors of Caribbean cuisine with the comforting essence of soul food, creating a dining experience that transcends cultural boundaries.
Williams explained that Caribica Soul is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of diverse cultures. He has developed a proprietary multi-seasoning blend, drawing inspiration from various Caribbean regions and Mexico. This seasoning, along with his signature ‘Sweet Daddy Tea’—a natural blend of ginger and lemon—will be manufactured in Belize, marking a significant step in local entrepreneurship.
The opening of Caribica Soul is not just a culinary event but also a cultural milestone for Belize. By introducing international flavors to the local market, Williams hopes to elevate Belize’s culinary scene on a global scale. The restaurant’s unique offerings and commitment to natural ingredients promise to make it a standout destination in Digi Park.