PM Briceño: “Quite likely it is going to be my last election” 

John Briceño, the fifth Prime Minister of Belize, is preparing for what he says will likely be his final election. Today, Briceño told reporters, “If you were to ask me today, I would tell you that probably, quite likely it is going to be my last election. At least that is my plan, my hope, and even within my family.” He pointed out the importance of managing both the People’s United Party (PUP) and the government with a firm hand.

He said he intends to finish his term, barring any unforeseen changes. “I don’t want to be in a position where people say, Oh, he di lef, mek we start plan and connive and whatever. I find that unacceptable,” Briceño said. “I have to continue to manage the party and the government the way that I have done with a firm hand, and I have to show that I have full command of the party and the government and the ministers,” he added.

When asked about what will happen with the succession of the leadership to avoid the chaos that is happening within the United Democratic Party, Briceño stated he is determined not to leave a leadership vacuum in the PUP. “What has happened to the UDP is they had a very small bench after Dean Barrow, who could have taken over the UDP,” he said, adding, “I do believe the PUP is in a much better position. We have a deep bench. From Francis Fonseca to Cordel Hyde, Anthony Mahler, and Kareem Musa.”

When News 5 asked if that is his top four, he said, “I am just giving names right now.”