By Belize Live News Staff: In the latest Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister John Briceño, Francis Fonseca will once again take the helm of the Ministry of Education, the government’s largest and most heavily funded portfolio.
Fonseca’s return to the Education Ministry marks a full-circle moment in his political career. Before assuming leadership of the Ministry of Immigration and Foreign Affairs, Fonseca had previously served as Minister of Education under the People’s United Party (PUP) during an earlier administration. His experience and familiarity with the system are seen as key assets as the government seeks to address growing challenges in the education sector.
The Education Ministry continues to receive the largest share of Belize’s national budget, covering pre-primary to tertiary education, teacher training, and school infrastructure. With new reforms on the horizon, Fonseca’s reappointment signals the Briceño administration’s intent to strengthen quality, access, and accountability within the sector.
The reshuffle, effective November 17, 2025, also brings other major changes: Kareem Musa has been reassigned from Home Affairs to Immigration, while Henry Charles Usher now takes over Home Affairs and Enterprise. Jose Mai, meanwhile, loses the Enterprise portfolio but gains oversight of New Growth Industries.
Political observers suggest that Fonseca’s reinstatement is a strategic move to stabilize the ministry ahead of the 2026–2027 academic planning cycle. With ongoing issues such as teacher shortages, learning loss, and infrastructure demands, the veteran minister faces a challenging yet familiar task.
The Prime Minister also announced that Ambassador Stuart Leslie will now serve as Cabinet Secretary and Chief of Staff, signaling a broader administrative reshuffle across key government departments.
