Briceño Reshapes Cabinet for Second Term with New Faces and Portfolios

Prime Minister John Briceño has reshuffled his Cabinet for his second term, introducing new ministerial portfolios and reassigning key positions. These are the key changes, additions, and removals.

John Briceño (Prime Minister)

Previous: Finance, Economic Development, Investment, Civil Aviation, and Immigration
Now: Finance, Investment & Economic Transformation, Civil Aviation, and E-Governance
Key Change: Economic Transformation added, Immigration removed, E-Governance added.
Ministers of State: Dolores Balderamos Garcia (Office of the Prime Minister), Rodwell Ferguson (Office of the Prime Minister), Dr. Osmond Martinez (Economic Transformation)

Cordel Hyde

Previous: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining
Current: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining
No change

Jose Mai

Previous: Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, & Enterprise
Current: Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, & Enterprise
No Change
Minister of State Alex Balona: Agriculture

Julius Espat

Previous: Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing
Current: Minister of Infrastructure Development & Housing
No Change

Kareem Musa

Previous: Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries
Current: Minister of Home Affairs & New Growth Industries
No Change

Kevin Bernard

Previous: Minister of Health and Wellness
Current: Minister of Health and Wellness
No Change

Francis Fonseca

Previous: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Culture, Science, and Technology
Now: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration
Key Change: Education, Science & Technology removed; Immigration added.
Marconi Leal Jr. is Minister of State: Foreign Trade.

Oscar Requena

Previous: Rural Transformation, Community Development, Local Government & Labour
Now: Education, Science & Technology
Key Change: Shifted from Rural Development to Education.
Ramon Cervantes is Minister of State: Education, Science & Technology.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh

Previous: Minister of State in Education, Culture, Science & Technology
Now: Full Minister of Indigenous Constitution, Religious Affairs & Transport
Key Change: New portfolio focusing on indigenous affairs and transport.

Michel Chebat

Previous: Public Utilities, Logistics & E-Governance
Now: Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics
Key Change: E-Governance moved to the Prime Minister’s portfolio. Energy added.
Gilroy Usher Sr. is Minister of State: Public Utilities, Energy & Logistics.

Henry Charles Usher

Previous: Public Service, Constitutional & Political Reform, and Religious Affairs
Now: Public Service & Governance and NEMO
Key Change: Constitutional & Political Reform removed, NEMO (National Emergency Management Organisation) and Governance added.

Orlando Habet

Previous: Sustainable Development & Climate Change
Now: Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Solid Waste Management
Key Change: Solid Waste Management added.
Ramiro Ramirez is Minister of State: Sustainable Development & Solid Waste Management.

Anthony Mahler

Previous: Tourism & Diaspora Relations
Now: Tourism, Youth, Sports & Diaspora Relations
Key Change: Youth & Sports added.
Devin Daly is Minister of State: Youth & Sports.

Andre Perez

Previous: Blue Economy & Disaster Risk Management
Now: Blue Economy & Marine Conservation
Key Change: Disaster Risk Management removed, Marine Conservation added.

Florencio Marin Jr.

Previous: National Defence & Border Security
Now: Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour & Local Government
Key Change: Moved from Defence to Rural Transformation.

Oscar Mira

Previous: Minister of State in National Defence & Border Security
Now: Full Minister of National Defence & Border Security
Key Change: Promoted to full minister.

Thea Ramirez (New Addition)

Portfolio: Human Development, Family Support & Gender Affairs
Key Change: New minister replacing Dolores Balderamos Garcia in a restructured ministry.

Elvia Vega-Samos (Previously: Minister of State in Human Development). Not listed in new Cabinet. She ran as an independent and was not elected.

Jorge “Milin” Espat (Previously: Minister of State for Investment in Finance, Economic Development, Civil Aviation, and Immigration). Not listed in new Cabinet. He was not elected.

Anthony Sylvester is the Attorney General.

Ambassador Stuart Leslie will serve as Cabinet Secretary and Chief of Staff.

Shyne Barrow Vows to Keep Serving Mesopotamia After Election Loss

Despite his defeat in the March 12 general election, outgoing Mesopotamia area representative Shyne Barrow has vowed to continue working for his constituents. In a social media post, Barrow said, “When I was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 I went back to work the next day, even though I was not reelected on Wednesday I am here today continuing the work I started 12 years ago when I first began my journey to serve the people in Parliament.”

He added, “My love for the people of Mesopotamia is unconditional! I will continue to work with our Mesopotamia family to develop our Constituency!”

Barrow secured only 318 votes. UDP’s Chang won the constituency by a total of 601 votes. Meanwhile, the People’s United Party’s (PUP) candidate, Lawrence Ellis, garnered 503 votes. The total voter turnout on March 12 in the Mesopotamia constituency stood at 1,422 out of 2,253 registered voters.

On Wednesday, when asked about the future of the UDP party, he stated, “I certainly will resign effective once we have a national convention to elect a new leader. Obviously you can’t be a leader of the United Democratic Party once you’re not a member of the House, and I would not want to be appointed as a senator or anything to hold on to the leadership.”

OAS Praises Belize’s Peaceful and Transparent Elections

The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission has praised Belize’s 2025 General Elections for their peaceful and transparent execution. In a statement issued by Chief of Mission Maricarmen Plata, the OAS commended Belizean voters for their enthusiastic participation in the March 12 polls, as well as electoral authorities for the smooth conduct of the process.

The mission, composed of 12 experts and observers from seven countries, was present in 12 of the 29 electoral divisions. Observers monitored the elections from the opening of polling stations to the transfer and counting of ballots, ensuring transparency throughout the process. Plata noted that the mission engaged with key stakeholders, including electoral authorities, government officials, political parties, candidates, and civil society organisations, to gain insight into the election’s organisation and overall framework.

In addition to congratulating elected and re-elected members of the National Assembly, the mission welcomed Prime Minister John Briceño’s commitment to implementing OAS recommendations. These include the redrawing of electoral boundaries early in his new term and exploring options for campaign finance legislation tailored to Belize’s political and social context.

The OAS mission expressed its gratitude to the Government of Belize, particularly the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Elections and Boundaries Commission, for their cooperation. Special recognition was also given to international donors, including Canada, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, and Panama, whose financial contributions made the mission possible.

Plata concluded by commending Belizeans for their strong commitment to democracy, highlighting their patience, civic duty, and peaceful participation. The mission hopes its findings and recommendations will contribute to strengthening future electoral processes and reinforcing democratic principles in Belize.

John Briceño Sworn in for Second Term as Prime Minister

John Briceño, the leader of the People’s United Party (PUP), has been sworn in for a second term as Prime Minister after his party secured an overwhelming victory in the recent general elections, winning 26 out of the 31 seats.

In his oath of office, Briceño reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the constitution and the law while leading the country with fairness and dedication. He pledged to serve all Belizeans impartially and promised to make decisions that will improve the lives of the people. He called on his colleagues in the National Assembly to remain grounded and focused on the needs of the nation as they navigate the challenges ahead.

The Prime Minister highlighted that, despite the challenges of the second term, his administration will continue to build on the successes of the past and strive to meet the expectations of the Belizean people.

PM Briceño Hails Democratic Victory, Unveils ‘Plan Belize 2.0

During his victory speech from Orange Walk Central, Prime Minister and Leader of the People’s United Party John Briceño declared that the nation’s latest vote is a resounding affirmation of Belize’s struggle for independence and its constitutional freedoms.

The PUP won 26 seats. The PUP’s Anthony Mahler of Pickstock and Henry Charles Usher of Fort George were uncontested and were declared winners on nomination day. The UDP secured 5 seats.

In his victory speech, Briceño stated that this collective demonstration of democracy sends a clear message to the world that Belize remains capable of free and fair elections.

The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to every PUP candidate, campaign committee, and supporter, acknowledging that whether they won or fought valiantly, each played a crucial role in securing this historic victory. “Tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow the work begins anew,” he declared, outlining his vision for “Plan Belize 2.0.”

Briceño said that the new plan will entail a thorough review of policies and programs affecting the lives of Belizeans, with a focus on creating more high-paying jobs, advancing economic transformation, improving education and healthcare, increasing access to housing, and taking a firm stance against lawbreakers. He also pledged to implement measures to mitigate rising living costs.

Briceño also paid personal tribute to his family—thanking his wife, sons, granddaughter, and extended relatives for their support over the years—and specifically acknowledged the exemplary work of campaign manager Jaime, whom he described as possibly the best in the country since 1993.

With a call to action for his supporters to move forward with unwavering faith, Briceño concluded his remarks by reaffirming his commitment to the people of Belize. “Belize for all, long live Belize,” he declared.

Honourable No More, Shyne Loses

The Honourable “Shyne” is no longer ‘Honourable’ after he lost his division in the March 12 general election. Just after 9 p.m., Moses “Shyne” Barrow conceded defeat after being unseated by another candidate running under the same United Democratic Party (UDP) banner, businessman Lee Mark Chang.

Upon his defeat, Barrow addressed the outcome, stating, “The people have spoken; congratulations to Lee Mark Chang—he’s now the new area representative of Mesopotamia, and I wish him well.” He added that the voter turnout was a clear reflection of the public’s sentiment. “I was confident; that was the interaction I was having with the people, but they made a decision to go in another direction, and I respect that,” he said.

Chang’s victory marks a historic moment for the constituency and Belize as a whole. Chang’s win against Barrow had made him the first Belizean-Chinese to secure a seat in the House of Representatives. Despite running under the UDP banner, Chang was part of Tracy Panton’s slate of 13 candidates. This was because an October 2024 “unity convention” led by Panton was the beginning of the haemorrhaging fracture of the UDP. A series of legal disputes followed after that convention, with both Barrow and Panton claiming to be the rightful leader of the party.

Chang had previously stated during an appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning show, “We need to remove the ‘cancer,'” referring to Barrow. He went on to accuse Barrow of leaving voters disillusioned with unmet promises, claiming, “The people are realising they have been bamboozled.”

To add insult to injury, Panton, who is leading her slate under the traditional UDP red banner, was re-elected for a third term as the area representative of the Albert constituency.

Barrow’s defeat raises critical questions regarding the ongoing internal divisions of the party. When asked about the future of the UDP party, he stated, “I certainly will resign effective once we have a national convention to elect a new leader. Obviously you can’t be a leader of the United Democratic Party once you’re not a member of the House, and I would not want to be appointed as a senator or anything to hold on to the leadership.” He added once more, “The people have spoken here.”

Does this mean the end of his political career?

#Decision2025: Live Election Results

These are the unofficial results:

PUP 26

UDP 5

The PUP’s Anthony Mahler of Pickstock and Henry Charles Usher of Fort George were uncontested and were declared winners on nomination day.

Belize District

Albert

Kaya Cattouse (PUP)

Jose Luis “Jun” Espat (UDP)

Cornelio Day Rogelio Galvez (PDM)

Tracy Panton (UDP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 3111

Caribbean Shores

Andrew Leo Bradley (UDP)

Tyrone “Ty” Louriano (UDP)

Kareem David Musa (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 4383

Collet

Devin Daly (PUP) (ELECTED)

Patrick Jason Faber (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 3625

Freetown

Abraham Erlington Flowers (UDP)

Francis William Fonseca (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 4055

Lake Independence

Samuel Cutkelvin (UDP)

Cordel Hyde (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Cecil Jenkins (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 6807

Mesopotamia

Moses “Shyne” Barrow (UDP)

Lee Mark Chang (UDP) (ELECTED)

Lawrence Russel Ellis (PUP)

Total Voters Registered 2253

Port Loyola

Nelma “Mortis” Jones (UDP)

Anthony “Boots” Martinez (UDP)

Wilmore “Tab” Tablada (PDM)

Gilroy Dinsdale Usher (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Philip “Tracy Panton” Willoughby (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 4804

Queen’s Square

Godwin Dominic Haylock (UDP) (ELECTED)

Garry Matus (PDM)

Dr. Lorna Marie McKay (PUP)

Shane Devon Williams (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 2824

Belize Rural North

Marconi Devane Leal (PUP) (ELECTED)

Andrew “Lion Truth” Reynolds (PNP)

Eustace Aiden “Big C” Shaw (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 5246

Belize Rural Central

David Almendarez (UDP)

Dolores Balderamos Garcia (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Estevan Alejandro Perera (PDM)

Beverly “Ms. Bev” Williams (UDP)

Aaron “Bunny T” Wilson (BJM)

Total Voters Registered 7832

Belize Rural South

Abner “Chamber” Bacab (BJM)

Manuel Jr. “Don Jun” Heredia (UDP)

Lagha “Dani” Mahmoud (UDP)

Andre Perez (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 10149

Corozal District

Corozal Bay

Thea Garcia Ramirez (PUP) (ELECTED)

Hernan Andre Riverol (UDP)

Elvia “Elvie” Vega Samos (Independent)

Total Voters Registered 6691

Corozal North

David “Dave” Castillo (PUP)

Condace “Lowe” Espedido (BJM)

Hugo Patt (UDP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 7466

Corozal South East

Antonio “Tony” Herrera (UDP)

Florencio Julian Marin Jr. (PUP) (LEADING)

Total Voters Registered 7337

Corozal South West

Ramiro Ramirez (PUP) (LEADING)

Martin Rivera (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 6424

Orange Walk District

Orange Walk Central

John “Johnny” Antonio Briceño (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Denni Grijalva Cruz (UDP)

Yara Mariza Cal Villeda (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 6524

Orange Walk North

Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Carlos Gabriel Zetina (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 8534

Orange Walk East

Kevin Bernard (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Lance Bentley Pelayo (UDP)

Marlo Alexis Perera (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 7633

Orange Walk South

Jose Abelardo Mai (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

German Evan Tillett (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 7534

Cayo District

Belmopan

Ralston Edward “Fraze” Frazer (UDP)

Oscar Mira (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

John Birchman Saldivar (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 10381

Cayo North

Michel “Micho” Chebat (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Omar Antonio Figueroa (UDP)

Leroy “Lee” Lisbey (BJM)

Total Voters Registered 8980

Cayo North East

Albert Joseph Fernandez (UDP)

Orlando “Landy” Habet (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 6578

Cayo Central

Alex Balona (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Francisco Concepcion “Junie” Escobar (GODP)

Mark Roland “OB” O’Brien (UDP)

Roody Lewinskey Wade (BJM)

Total Voters Registered 8761

Cayo West

Jorge “Milin” Espat (PUP)

Miguel “Mike” Guerra (UDP) (ELECTED)

Esduit Ariel “Yey” Moralez (BJM)

Total Voters Registered 7674

Cayo South

Julius Espat (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Jose Antonio Samayoa (UDP)

June Young (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 8244

Stann Creek District

Dangriga

Cyril “Uruwei” Garcia (Independent)

Louis “Dr. Zab” Zabaneh (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Total Voters Registered 6213

Stann Creek West

Macario “Maca Jr.” Augustine (UDP)

Rodwell Stephen “Rado” Ferguson (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Mateo Tomas Polanco (Independent)

Domingo Francis Valerio (BJM)

Ivan “Junie” Williams (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 10597

Toledo District

Toledo East

William Anthony “Wil” Maheia (PNP)

Osmond Reynaldo Martinez (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Orlando Albert “Landy” Muschamp (Independent)

Total Voters Registered 8554

Toledo West

Oscar Ruben Requena (PUP) (RE-ELECTED)

Alfonso Sanchez Jr. (UDP)

Total Voters Registered 7804

65.1% Voter Turnout Nationwide

As of 7:47 p.m. on March 12, 2025, the Belize Elections & Boundaries Department reported a 65.1% voter turnout in the General Election 2025 across 29 of the 31 electoral divisions. Out of 197,018 registered electors, 128,262 ballots have been cast at 484 polling stations, with female voters representing 51.83% of the votes compared to 48.1% by male voters.

High turnout was noted in several divisions, with Corozal North leading at 80.20%, followed by Corozal South West at 78.36% and Albert at 75.22%. Corozal South East and Lake Independence registered 74.74% and 73.84%, respectively, while Orange Walk South and Queen’s Square saw 72.23% and 71.78% turnout. Cayo North and Corozal Bay also reported robust participation, with 71.14% and 71.11% of registered voters casting ballots.

Turnout in other areas remained strong, with Orange Walk North at 69.98%, Toledo West at 69.00%, and Orange Walk Central at 68.59%. Mesopotamia and Collet recorded 67.20% and 67.09%, while Cayo West and Toledo East reported 66.90% and 64.71%, respectively. Slightly lower participation was seen in Cayo Central (63.25%), Belize Rural North (63.19%), and Cayo North East (62.89%), with Cayo South and Orange Walk East close behind at 62.88% and 62.27%.

Lower voter turnout was observed in Freetown (59.70%), Belmopan (59.65%), and Belize Rural Central (59.49%). Caribbean Shores and Belize Rural South registered 57.18% and 56.64%, respectively, while Port Loyola, Stann Creek West, and Dangriga had the lowest turnouts at 53.02%, 50.94%, and 47.11%.

The total voter turnout in the 2020 general election was 81.86%.

PM Briceño Confident in PUP Victory as Polls Close

As polling stations closed across Belize, Prime Minister and People’s United Party (PUP) Leader John Briceño expressed confidence in his party’s re-election. Speaking from Orange Walk Central, Briceño shared that early reports from across the country suggest a PUP victory, though the final seat count remains uncertain.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling, but based on the reports we’ve received countrywide, we believe we will be re-elected to continue the work we started with Plan Belize in November 2020,” Briceño stated. He predicted that the PUP could secure a seat count close to the 26 seats won in the last general election—possibly even more.

While acknowledging that final results are still pending, Briceño said he feels “fairly confident” in a PUP win. Briceño is also confident that the people of Orange Walk Central have elected him to office once again.

He also expressed confidence that his fellow PUP candidates in Orange Walk District, Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes (Orange Walk North), Kevin Bernard (Orange Walk East), Jose Mai (Orange Walk South) would also be re-elected.

Briceño suggested that internal divisions within the UDP had contributed to low voter turnout among their supporters. “Many hardcore UDP supporters were ashamed of their party’s state and chose to stay home. Others, seeing the division within the UDP, decided to support us instead,” he claimed.

Briceño camp has set up a stage by the Orange Walk Town Council for the Prime Minister’s announcement.

OAS Chief of Mission Observes Calm and Orderly Election Process in Belize

The Organization of American States (OAS) has deployed a 12-member observation team from seven different nationalities to monitor Belize’s 2025 General Election. The mission, led by Chief of Mission Maricarmen Plata, has been actively observing the process since the opening of polls and has reported a peaceful and orderly election so far.

Speaking from St. Martin’s, Plata noted that the OAS team has been deployed across the country, gathering feedback from various constituencies. While voter turnout has been steady, she expressed hope that participation would increase throughout the afternoon. “We have the team deployed in different parts of the country, so everybody has been observing and letting us know the feedback of the different constituencies.”

The mission has engaged with political parties, electoral authorities, and other key stakeholders, assessing aspects such as technology, electoral processes, and governance issues. Plata stressed that their role is to support electoral authorities and democracy in Belize, ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

She added, “ We have seen a very calm election. We have been seeing. Good turnout. Um, but hopefully that will increase during the afternoon. So we’re looking forward to seeing more people coming out this afternoon. There’s still a couple of hours left in the day, and we do wanna encourage people to come out because it’s important to have as much participation as we can.”

One of the ongoing concerns raised by previous OAS observer missions is electoral redistricting, which has yet to be implemented. Plata confirmed that the issue remains under review and will be included in the preliminary report to be released in the coming days, followed by a comprehensive final report. She said, “ We are reviewing, uh, the present situation of that, and that will be included also in our report. We’ve of course, uh, been asking and, and following up on our prior recommendations, and that will be included also in the report. We will issue a report at the, be at the end of the process, a preliminary report in the coming days and later on a full report. So definitely something that we’ll be looking into and reporting on.”
The mission is also reviewing Belize’s campaign financing regulations, or the lack thereof. Plata noted that Belize currently does not have strong laws governing campaign financing, a concern that has been highlighted in past reports. ”

“ If you do, um, see anybody wearing the, the, the vest and you can reach out to those people and they will have a process to take in the report and consider that as well in the information that we are compiling. It’s interesting that you had mention campaign financing and the fact that in Belize there’s not necessarily any laws that govern how these things are done,” Plata added.

This is the fourth OAS electoral observer mission in Belize.