BELIZE CITY, Fri. June 12, 2020– The People’s United Party (PUP) held a virtual press conference on Wednesday, June 10, and Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Briceño, remarked, “I am fully satisfied that the People’s United Party’s presentation on the National Oversight Committee and on the other committees contributed significantly to our country’s successful efforts to contain the coronavirus. I am proud of my party’s participation in this national effort, and I thank all those who gave so selflessly of their time, energy and ideas.”

Those remarks, in retrospect, turned out to be Hon. Briceño’s swan song. What Hon. Briceño did not reveal, however, was that he had resigned as co-chair of the National Oversight Committee.

On the same day on which he held his virtual press conference, Briceño had penned his resignation letter to Prime Minister Barrow, saying in part,” “As the country faced the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it was imperative that both government and Opposition work together for the benefit of all Belizeans. Fully satisfied that we have contributed to the best of our ability and with Cabinet and the CEO caucus making final determinations on all issues, I believe it is now time for me to return to my full- time duties as Leader of the Opposition.”

Since Briceño submitted his resignation, there has been no response from the Office of the Prime Minister. At the end of the month, the Governor General will proclaim that the State of Emergency has come to an end, and there has been no indication from government whether the National Oversight Committee will continue its work.

Feature photo: Hon. John Briceño