Fonseca Responds to Cabinet Reshuffle: “More Work, But I’m Committed”

Following Prime Minister John Briceño’s Cabinet reshuffle, Minister Francis Fonseca has responded to his expanded responsibilities, describing the move as “more work” but affirming his commitment to serve.

Fonseca returns to heading the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in addition to his existing portfolios of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Culture. He previously held the education portfolio before it was reassigned to Oscar Requena, who now returns to Rural Transformation, Local Government and Community Development.

In a message to News Five, Fonseca said:

“I respect that decision and look forward to once again working with our dynamic team at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and engaging with our education community to address the challenges we face. Obviously this means more work, but I’m committed to doing the best I can in service to the Belizean people.”

The reshuffle, described by the government as a Cabinet “adjustment”, takes effect Monday, November 17th. It has sparked public interest over which ministers were promoted, reassigned, or sidelined.

Among the key changes in the Cabinet, Kareem Musa was reassigned from Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, a post he held for five years, to now lead Immigration, Governance, and Labour. Henry Charles Usher takes over Musa’s former post and will now head both Home Affairs and Enterprise, absorbing responsibilities previously held by Jose Abelardo Mai. 

Mai retains his role as Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and has also been assigned the Ministry of New Growth Industries. Meanwhile, Florencio Marin Jr takes charge of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, with his previous portfolio handed over to Oscar Requena, who served less than a year as Minister of Education.

News Five also contacted Musa, Usher, Mai, and Requena for comment.