By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño says representatives of the National Garifuna Council did not demand an apology during their recent meeting over his controversial remarks about the size of Belize’s Garifuna population.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Briceño was asked whether he had apologized to the organization for providing inaccurate population figures in earlier public comments.
“They never did ask for an apology,” the Prime Minister responded.
Briceño said the meeting instead focused on more substantive issues affecting the Garifuna community and efforts to determine how government could address those concerns.
The controversy began after Briceño, during an exchange with Trinidadian soca artist Machel Montano, suggested that Belize’s Garifuna population numbered only approximately 3,000 to 4,000 people.
The figure drew criticism from members of the Garifuna community, who challenged its accuracy and expressed concern about the apparent underestimation of their population.
Briceño subsequently acknowledged the mistake and apologized for the incorrect figures.
National Garifuna Council President Alex Nolberto previously confirmed that the Prime Minister had reached out and acknowledged his error.
The discussions between the government and the council have also involved broader concerns, including cultural preservation, land rights and a proposed Memorandum of Understanding.
Briceño indicated Wednesday that dialogue with the council is continuing and that further consideration is being given to the issues raised by its representatives.
He maintained that the meeting was intended to advance discussions on matters affecting the Garifuna community rather than focus exclusively on the controversy surrounding his remarks.
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