By: Omar Silva

Editor/Publisher: National Perspective Bz – Digital 2025

www.nationalperspectivebz.com

Belize City: Sunday 16th March 2025

The landslide victory of the People’s United Party (PUP) in the 2025 General Elections was seen as a resounding mandate from the Belizean people, reaffirming their trust in the party to govern. However, as Prime Minister John Briceño unveils his new Cabinet, a stark reality emerges: a consolidation of power at the top, at the expense of key representatives who played an instrumental role in securing this victory.

Briceño's Power Grab

Prime Minister Briceño has retained direct control over five key ministries: Finance, Investment and Economic Transformation, Civil Aviation, and E-Governance. This self-appointment raises serious concerns about whether he is genuinely capable of managing these critical portfolios or simply unwilling to relinquish control to more capable hands. His move suggests a lack of trust in his ministers and an intent to exert tighter control over government operations, cementing his hold on power.

Victors Sidelined: The Case of Rodwell Ferguson

Among the most glaring casualties of this reshuffle is Rodwell Ferguson, the former Minister of Transport, Youth, and Sports. Ferguson, the representative for Stann Creek West, commands one of the most populated constituencies in Belize. His dedication and efforts were crucial to the PUP's election success, particularly in the southern districts. Yet, he has been demoted to Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, a move that signals political punishment rather than merit-based governance.

This decision raises eyebrows as Ferguson’s constituency has been one of the most consistently loyal to the PUP. His removal from a full ministerial role could be interpreted as an intentional weakening of his political influence, despite his proven track record of delivering for his people.

Other Key Ministers Clipped

Ferguson is not the only minister who has seen his wings clipped. Dolores Balderamos Garcia, previously in charge of Human Development and Family Services, has also been relegated to Minister of State, with her former portfolio handed over to Thea Garcia Ramirez, a political newcomer and daughter of the Prime Minister’s CEO. Similarly, Florencio Marin Jr., who held a prominent role in the previous administration, has been relegated to overseeing Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government.

These moves suggest that loyalty to the Prime Minister, rather than competence and effectiveness, determines political elevation within the PUP government.

The Rise of Political Nepotism

In contrast to the sidelining of experienced representatives, Briceño has ensured that his close allies and political protégés maintain or expand their power. The appointment of Thea Garcia Ramirez to a full ministerial position over a seasoned politician like Balderamos Garcia raises questions of nepotism and favoritism within the administration. It sends a troubling message that political lineage and personal connections outweigh experience and service to the electorate.

A Cabinet of Loyalists, Not Reformers

Despite the rhetoric of a government for the people, the composition of Briceño's second-term Cabinet suggests a tightly controlled inner circle of loyalists. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, despite his significant influence, holds on to three ministries, while Francis Fonseca and Anthony Mahler maintain control over multiple portfolios. Meanwhile, other representatives, particularly those with strong grassroots connections, have been pushed to the periphery.

The inclusion of numerous Ministers of State, who function as little more than glorified assistants, further strengthens Briceño’s authority. These junior ministers wield no real power, reinforcing the idea that this Cabinet is built to serve the Prime Minister’s agenda rather than provide balanced and effective governance.

What This Means for Belize

Briceño’s grip on power is a dangerous precedent for Belizean democracy. The sidelining of competent and hardworking ministers in favor of political favoritism and nepotism weakens governance and accountability. It suggests that personal loyalty and political obedience are valued more than the will of the people.

For the people of Belize, particularly those in Stann Creek West and other sidelined constituencies, this reshuffle signals that their voices may carry less weight in national decision-making. It raises a crucial question: Is this the government the people voted for, or has power been seized by an extractive political class?

As Briceño embarks on his second term, his decisions will undoubtedly shape the PUP’s future and Belize’s democratic landscape. Whether the people accept this consolidation of power or demand greater transparency and accountability will define the nation’s political trajectory in the years ahead.