Opposition Says Mai Exit Signals Growing Instability in Government

Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton, has issued a strong statement following today’s confirmation that José Abelardo Mai has resigned from Cabinet. The Opposition says the development signals what it describes as, “deepening instability and internal fractures” within the Briceño Administration.  Panton notes that it comes at a time of heightened public concern over crime, governance, and accountability.  According to the statement, Minister Mai’s sudden departure raises pressing questions for the public, particularly given the timing, immediately after the Cabinet reshuffle and subsequent “remix” announced earlier this week. The Opposition is calling on the Prime Minister to disclose what internal or external pressures may have led to the resignation.  Interestingly, Panton referenced a recent meeting between her and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, asserting that Belize’s governance challenges have now drawn international attention. The Opposition claims that diplomatic partners have expressed interest in seeing political stability, transparency, and adherence to democratic norms.  Describing the resignation as part of broader dysfunction, the Opposition argues that the administration is “being dismantled by the weight of its own incompetence and internal discord.” The United Democratic Party (UDP) is renewing its call for full transparency from the Prime Minister regarding the circumstances of Mai’s exit.