By Belize Live News Staff: The Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister John Briceño today brings significant changes for several senior ministers — including Jose Abelardo Mai, who has lost oversight of the Enterprise portfolio but gained responsibility for New Growth Industries.
Mai, who previously headed the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise, will now lead the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and New Growth Industries. The Enterprise component — which includes the oversight of the Free Zones and Supplies Control — has been reassigned to Henry Charles Usher, now Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise.
The change signals a strategic shift by the Briceño administration, consolidating enterprise and trade under one ministry while allowing Mai to focus on agricultural expansion and emerging industries such as agro-tech and sustainable farming.
Mai will be supported by Minister of State Alex Balona, while Osmond Martinez assumes the role of Minister of State for Economic Development under the Prime Minister’s Office.
Observers view the reshuffle as part of a broader effort to realign responsibilities and strengthen performance in key economic ministries as the administration prepares for its next phase.
