Martinez: Mood in Cabinet Was “Excellent”

Dr. Osmond Martinez says the atmosphere inside Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting was positive, even as speculation about a shake-up built outside the room. The Prime Minister has since reshuffled key portfolios, and Martinez has been promoted to full Minister of Economic Transformation.

Ministers who usually stop to speak with the press hurried past cameras on Tuesday, and security restricted access to the ground floor of the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan. After the meeting ended around 4:30pm, Prime Minister John Briceño asked several ministers to stay behind for another discussion. Martinez joined by special invitation.

“Yesterday, the atmosphere was excellent. The spirit was high. It was interesting because everyone was actually in good spirit. As normal, bringing out some very good points, and at the same time not forgetting the importance of serving our nation and looking at the needs, such as inflation.”

Martinez said he took on the new responsibility with mixed feelings. “We serve at the Prime Minister’s pleasure, and he has placed that trust. So for me, in addition to having that satisfaction, it also comes with a huge responsibility. Right away, I felt some mixed emotions. One of being excited and happy, but at the same time knowing that we have a critical work to do for the people and country of Belize.”

Under the reshuffle, Michel Chebat becomes Minister of National Security, Energy and Ports, ending Julius Espat’s interim responsibility for Home Affairs. Ramon “Monchi” Cervantes will lead the Ministry of Public Utilities, Logistics and Solid Waste Management, with Ramiro Ramirez remaining in that ministry as Minister of State. Henry Charles Usher takes the substantive post of minister responsible for Enterprise.

The government has replaced the Home Affairs title with the broader Ministry of National Security. Briceño thanked Espat for his “stellar work” in the interim role, but the release did not announce a new portfolio for him.