Appointing Cabinet Members and Senator for Service 

After every general election, the prime minister assigns ministerial portfolios to elected representatives. These ministers steer the direction of their respective ministries throughout their term. Their leadership impacts the quality of service Belizeans receive, and the decisions made within those ministries. Senate appointments are equally important and follow a similar process. Leaders of major political parties and social partner organizations appoint members to the Senate. In tonight’s installment of Five Point Breakdown, News Five’s Paul Lopez delves into these selection processes and highlights why service is at the core of these roles. Here’s the report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The prime minister’s choice of leaders for government ministries can shape how these institutions serve the public throughout the administration’s term. For instance, look at the Ministry of Human Development over the last two administrations. The previous UDP administration set up a social assistance pantry program, while Minister Dolores Balderamos-Garcia and her team took a different approach in the last administration.

 

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Former Minister of Human Development (File: Nov 23^rd, 2020)

“Now we want to help the people who need it most, but clearly as a new administration we have to make a little bit of review. It won’t stop right now but clearly the policy decisions going forward will have to come from the cabinet.”

 

When it comes to foreign affairs, people expect the Minister of Foreign Affairs to speak out against illegal incursions by Guatemalans on Belizean territory and to staunchly defend the nation’s sovereignty.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs (File: Sep 09th, 2024)

“We absolutely, of course, state very clearly that we, our sovereignty and territorial integrity over, a part of the Sarstoon River that is absolutely clear.”

 

[Qualification Is Not the Only Criteria]

The same can be applied to every other area of society, from health to infrastructure, agriculture and education. These appointments, however, are made entirely at the prime minister’s discretion, with some consultation.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“At the end of the day it is on me. I as the leader of the prime minister, thanks to my colleagues, I am the one that tries to find the right fit when setting up this Cabinet.”

 

Finding the right fit for a ministry doesn’t always mean the person has all the qualifications or experience. Prime Minister John Briceño looks beyond just qualifications. He also considers factors like geographic representation, gender equity, ethnic balance, and leadership within the party.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“It is a lot of work trying to put together a cabinet that has regional balance, ethnicity and gender and it is very, very though.”

 

[Cabinet Appointments Can Be Shuffled]

 

The prime minister can reshuffle the Cabinet at any time during the term if he believes another elected representative would better serve the public as the head of a ministry. In 2022, Prime Minister John Briceño removed Michel Chebat from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and placed Kevin Bernard in his stead. Public disapproval of Chebat’s performance in the ministry preceded that decision.

 

Michel Chebat, Former Minister of Health and Wellness (File: Jan 1st, 2022)

“I was surprised, but I don’t think it was unexpected, so yes, yes.”

 

This week, a new Briceno administration was sworn to serve for the next five years.

 

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Youth and Sports

“The prime minister in his infinite wisdom decided I can take up the role for youth and sports.”

 

Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities

“The portfolios are determined by the prime minister, he has the ultimate decision.”

 

Thea Garcia- Ramirez, Minister of Human Development

“I am humbled and honored to have been chosen by the P.M. for this huge responsibility.”

 

[The Appointment of Senators]

 

Just as crucial as Cabinet appointments are the appointments of Senators in the upper house. The Senate debates the legislative measures from the House of Representatives and decides whether to approve or send them back. Out of the thirteen seats, six are appointed by the ruling party, three by the opposition, and the remaining four by social partners.

 

Valerie Woods, Speaker of the House (File: Sep 11th, 2024)

“Every decision taken in the national assembly of Belize, both the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is about people’s lives. It is about the direction of country and ultimately will impact your life.”

 

[Who Will Be Appointed to The Senate?]

On the opposition’s end, those three members are yet to be selected. But Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton has already stated what considerations will be made during the selection process.

 

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“We have to be sure that whether the western region, the northern region, the southern region, the cayes, have a voice in the National Assembly that can champion their concerns and vote for the things they need in their constituencies and communities.”

 

Louis Wade Junior has been appointed as the senator representing the churches, while Janelle Chanona has been re-appointed as the NGO senator. The Briceño administration has yet to announce its picks for these crucial roles, including those for the business community and the NTUCB. Senator Chanona shared her thoughts on the significance of her role in the Senate.

 

Janelle Chanona, NGO Senator

“To call for the type of leadership we deserve and committing to working with the government of Belize, with our fellow civil society partners to make Belize the Belize we deserve as Belizean.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez