By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño says Julius Espat preferred to remain Minister of Infrastructure Development and Housing rather than take permanent responsibility for the country’s police portfolio.
Speaking following his return from Bangkok, Briceño explained that Espat had reluctantly accepted temporary responsibility for the Ministry of Home Affairs following the removal of Oscar Mira from the portfolio.
According to the Prime Minister, Espat agreed to the assignment because he considered himself a team player but ultimately expressed a preference for remaining in Infrastructure Development.
Briceño said he respected that decision and subsequently selected Michel Chebat to head the newly established Ministry of National Security.
He defended Chebat’s appointment, pointing to his legal background, hands-on leadership style and strong personality as qualities that would help him oversee the Belize Police Department and Belize Defence Force.
The Prime Minister said he expects Chebat to implement positive changes and strengthen cooperation between the country’s security institutions.
Briceño also explained that the Cabinet reshuffle could not wait indefinitely for the Auditor General’s investigation involving former minister Oscar Mira, which he now expects will not be completed until sometime next year.
Espat had taken over the police portfolio in June following Mira’s removal amid the controversy surrounding the so-called Mira Millions scandal.
As BBN previously reported, Espat’s departure came despite support from members of the Police Department who had called for him to remain in the position.
The Prime Minister maintained that the decision was based on finding the appropriate fit for the government’s national security portfolio.
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