Four Ministers Later, Can Chebat Deliver Stability?

Four ministers since the 2025 general elections, and another who reportedly turned down the job. Leadership of the ministry responsible for policing Belize has changed repeatedly, and now Prime Minister John Briceño is trying a new approach. He has consolidated Home Affairs and National defense under a single Ministry of National Security, placing Michel Chebat in charge of both the police and defense portfolios. News Five’s Shane Williams examines the latest Cabinet reshuffle and whether Chebat can bring stability to one of government’s most critical ministries.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

For the fourth time since the 2025 general elections, the Belize Police Department has a new political boss. Kareem Musa began the Briceño administration’s second term with the Home Affairs portfolio, but remained in the post for only eight months. Prime Minister John Briceño then offered the assignment to Henry Charles Usher, who declined it.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño (File: November 18th, 2025)

“When I spoke with Minister Usher, I might as well deal with it now, when I asked him to do Home Affairs; afterwards, we did discuss and he did mention that he thinks he’d be better suited to remain where he is at the Public Service.”

 

The Prime Minister then turned to Oscar Mira, who entered the ministry promising to work closely with the police and the other departments under his command.

 

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs  (File: November 20th, 2025)

“I come to the Ministry of Home Affairs with an open mind. I don’t know everything. I come to the Ministry of Home Affairs with the intention of working with the Police Department and all the other departments that fall under Home Affairs and Enterprise.”

 

But seven months later, Mira stepped aside amid scrutiny over procurement practices at the Ministry of National defense. His departure triggered yet another change, this time on an interim basis. Prime Minister Briceño called on Julius Espat, who accepted the additional responsibility while continuing to oversee the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing.

 

Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs (File: June 22, 2026)

“Prime Minister called me yesterday in the evening and we had a long conversation and he asked that I take on this additional responsibility. And after a while I accepted. It is a difficult one. It is one of the biggest challenges I believe that I will have in my life, but we are here to serve.”

 

Espat’s three-month tenure brought an unusual partnership between Home Affairs and the Infrastructure Ministry. That arrangement produced upgrades at police facilities across the country and, according to Espat, helped lift morale within the department. But Espat always made it clear that his appointment was temporary. As the weeks passed, he publicly pressed the Prime Minister to make a long-term decision.

 

Julius Espat, Minister of Home Affairs

“I did it because he’s my Prime Minister and he needed help, and I offered to help. And I’ve mentioned to him, if he needs my help, I am willing, but I’m not begging. So he has to decide.”

 

The Prime Minister initially tied the appointment to the Defense Ministry audit. While exit interviews continue, he has moved ahead, placing Michel Chebat in charge of both the police and defense forces under the new Ministry of National Security.

 

Stuart Leslie, Cabinet Secretary

“This evening the Prime Minister instructed our office to send out some adjustments to portfolios. So Minister Julius Espat will remain as Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing. He did a great job as the minister responsible for police. That is now going to be handed over to Minister Chebat, who will become the new Minister of National Security. Prime Minister has asked Minister Chebat to take on that responsibility, along with ports and along with energy.”

 

The appointment gives Chebat one of the widest areas of responsibility in Cabinet. Along with National Security, he retains the portfolios for ports and energy. Multiple chief executive officers will now operate under his ministerial authority. Dr. Leroy Almendarez remains responsible for ports and energy, while Francis Usher takes over as Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of National Security. Usher believes Chebat has already demonstrated a keen interest in the country’s security affairs.

 

On the Phone: Francis Usher, CEO, Ministry of National Security

“I believe that Minister Chebat will bring a new and good perspective. I can say that prior to becoming Minister of National Security, every Cabinet paper, every matter that has been sent to Cabinet from the Ministry of Defence, Minister Chebat has reached out and asked for clarity on the paper. So it shows that he is interested in the national security of this country. So I believe his new perspective will be well received.”

 

Chebat takes charge with Belize’s security apparatus under pressure. The Budna controversy, a Defence Ministry audit and Sarstoon tensions remain unresolved, while his Cabinet track record also faces questions. But the Prime Minister says Chebat is the best choice.

 

Shane Williams:

“PM, are you satisfied with the choices?”

 

Prime Minister John Briceño:

“Well, I think it is the best choice.”

 

Chebat says he plans to hit the ground running, but has deferred an interview until he receives a full briefing from the ministry. In a statement, he pledged to work in partnership with Belize’s men and women in uniform, listen to those serving on the front lines and ensure they have the training, resources and institutional support needed to do their jobs. “They must know that this Ministry will approach its responsibilities as a true partner, listening to those on the front lines, supporting their professional development, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to carry out their duties effectively, and recognizing the sacrifices they and their families make in service to Belize.”

 

And with Chebat officially taking command, Julius Espat’s temporary tenure has come to an end.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I just want to officially thank Minister Espat, who did a wonderful job as Minister of Police, but we prefer, I think, he will be best at MIDH, and I want to thank him for that.”

 

Espat also thanked the men and women of the Belize Police Department, saying their work must continue with integrity, commitment and a shared purpose: protecting Belizeans and keeping the country safe. But after four ministers in eleven months, the key question is whether Chebat’s appointment marks the end of the revolving door, or simply the latest turn. Shane Williams for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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