Two former ministers remain outside Cabinet, an audit is nearing completion, and the Prime Minister is approaching a decision that could define his administration’s response to the “Mira Millions” scandal. Oscar Mira’s three-month administrative leave has now reached its deadline, but the investigation into the controversy is not yet complete. That leaves Prime Minister John Briceño weighing the political futures of Mira and Florencio Marin Junior as calls for accountability continue. With the first audit report expected within weeks, the findings could determine not only whether the two men return to government, but also how the public judges the administration’s handling of the scandal. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Could Oscar Mira return to Cabinet before auditors complete their work? His three-month administrative leave ends today, following his temporary removal amid the “Mira Millions” controversy. The audit is examining procurement concerns involving Mira and several members of his family. Auditor General Maria Rodriguez says the section dealing with an alleged conflict of interest should be completed by the end of September. Until then, Mira’s political future remains uncertain.
Maria Rodriquez
Maria Rodriquez, Auditor General, (File: Sep 3rd, 2026)
“We are on time, we are on schedule. We have began some interviews. We have done site visits to confirm information and analysis has been completed for the first report. So we are on time for submission at the end of September.”
When we asked Prime Minister John Briceno about Mira’s fate last week he was still undecided.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño , (File: Sep 15th, 2026)
“Well, I think you’re, you’re asking something that it is a prerogative of the prime minister. Uh, when that time comes, I will let you know.”
That decision is fast approaching. Mira’s three-month leave expires today, and within weeks, Prime Minister John Briceño will have to decide whether he returns to Cabinet. Mira, meanwhile, has remained confident that the audit will clear his name.
Oscar Mira
Oscar Mira, Former Minister of Home Affairs, (File: July 1st, 2026)
“I am focused on working. I am focused on the development. We have a plan to develop Belmopan, to make it the city we want to be. I can’t be deterred by the noise. That noise is going to be extinguished by itself. That noise is going to, people will realize at the end of the day it is political noise and I am prepared to see the process through. I think it is one of the reasons why I asked the PM let me go on leave.”
Mira’s leave of absence paved the way for Minister Julius Espat to take the reins at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mira’s possible return could mean another change at the top, even as Espat is credited with transforming the Belize Police Department and boosting morale within three months.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Over the past two months, we have significantly improved the interdiction capability by acquiring fifteen vehicles for the Police Department, installing numerous surveillance cameras at strategic locations, and, most importantly, strengthening the morale of the men and women of the Police Department.”
But Mira is only one part of the Prime Minister’s looming Cabinet decision. Florencio Marin Junior also remains on administrative leave pending the audit’s findings. Government sent the former Defense Minister on leave about two weeks after Mira, and since then, Marin has largely disappeared from the political spotlight. The last time we questioned him, he avoided giving us any clear answers.
Florencio Marin Jr.
Florencio Marin Jr., Former Minister of Defense, ( File: June 26th, 2026)
“I am prepared to speak, but please let us have the audit finished first. Right now it is ongoing and I believe that it is prudent that we reserve our comments for when that comes up.”
As auditors prepare to submit their first report, will Marin finally break his silence? Will the findings clear him and Mira, or raise even more questions? And after the controversy shook public confidence, could their return to Cabinet become a major political liability for the People’s United Party? Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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