PM Leaves Door Open for Abi Mai’s Return 

Prime Minister John Briceño says he is open to bringing former Agriculture Minister Jose Abelardo Mai back into Cabinet.

“I’ve already set a cabinet and, you know, at the appropriate time, if I make any changes, I’d certainly consider bringing Jose Mai back,” Briceño told News 5 on Wednesday.

The PM went further and praised Mai’s record in agriculture, describing him as “one of the best agriculture ministers we’ve had probably since before 1981.”

The Agriculture portfolio is currently held by Minister Rodwell Ferguson, who replaced Mai after his resignation in November 2025. Mai’s departure came amid reports of pressure from the US Embassy and allegations by a Mexican news outlet linking him to criminal activity. Mai denied the allegations. 

Since then, Briceño has made approximately four major Cabinet reshuffles, the latest in October, when Michel Chebat was appointed Minister of National Security, Energy and Ports.

Mai, meanwhile, says he is ready to return whenever the PM makes the call, stating, “Whenever the Prime Minister is ready, I am ready… Because the only thing I can do is agriculture to me. And so I keep that close to my heart.”

However, Mai says he is still recovering and puts his health at about 90%. He says he needs more time for therapy. “I just need a little more time,” he added.

PM Briceño has said he would consider bringing Mai back “at the appropriate time.”