A rare political divide is unfolding at the highest levels of government. House Speaker Valerie Woods is openly challenging the decision to keep Ambassador Alexis Rosado on Belize’s ICJ legal team. While the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister insist Rosado remains essential, Woods is asking whether government is making an extraordinary exception for one individual. Here’s Shane Williams with that story.
Shane Williams, Reporting
“Any comment ambassador?”
Alexis Rosado
Alexis Rosado, Accused (File: October 16, 2026)
“Talk to my attorney. I can’t speak on this. You know that.”
Shane Williams
“How about, how is it affecting your preparation for the ICJ case?”
Alexis Rosado
“I can’t speak on any of this, sorry.”
Shane Williams
“But you are still assisting with the case?
Alexis Rosado
“That is part of my job, yeah.”
What role is so important that government cannot sideline someone facing such a serious criminal charge? The controversy has exposed an unusual divide at the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister John Briceño insisting that removing Alexis Rosado would not serve Belize’s national interest.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño (File: October 21, 2026)
“I don’t think it would be in the best interest of the nation to remove him. It is unfortunate at that it is at this time. But, it is what it is, that is reality and we need to be able to put the best case possible to defend the sovereignty of our nation.”
Government says Rosado is too important to remove from the ICJ team. House Speaker Valerie Woods is asking whether that position could affect the criminal case, asking “If, at this stage, there is still an insistence on his keeping the position, it raises the question whether the high-profile title is being used as a kind of unspoken influence.” Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca has made essentially the same argument, leaning on the advice of Assad Shoman who considers Rosado’s continued presence on the team vital to the work still ahead.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs (File: October 22, 2026)
“The government, on this issue, is guided by the advice of the agent, Assad Shoman. He has worked, as you all know, for decades on this issue. So we are guided his advice and he has made it clear to us that his co-agent, Mr. Rosado, is, in his view, vital to the ongoing work of this case.”
Woods challenges the idea that Rosado’s experience makes him indispensable pointing out that he is not the lead co-agent, will not argue Belize’s case and that the country’s written submissions have already been filed. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton joins Woods in questioning what message this sends to young girls about men in positions of power.
Tracy Panton
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“It is unacceptable behaviour. It should not be countenance. It should not be tolerated. And we must support, as a society, support those who find themselves in a vulnerable situation. This young woman was brave enough to bring this matter forward. And so, we must safeguard, in my view, this entire process. We safeguard her from any further exposure or criticism as a result of taking that brave and bold step, not only for herself, I’m sure but for other young women who may find themselves in this kind of situation.”
While Rosado remains innocent until proven guilty, Woods is not alone in calling for his removal while the matter is ongoing. Cabinet Minister Henry Charles Usher says he should be held to the same standards as any other public officer.
Henry Charles Usher
Henry Charles Usher, Cabinet Minister
“If he was a public officer and the regulations state very clearly, while this process is ongoing that he would be put on interdiction. So, I think that although he does not fall under the regulations, because he is not a section 106 public officer, that something similar could be done. He has contributed, I understand that as coagent he has contributed significantly to the case, but as I said, if the procedure is going to be followed it needs to be followed and in life nobody is indispensable.”
And she is also joined by Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde arguing in a less than direct manner that no one is irreplaceable and beyond recall.
Cordel Hyde
Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister
“You know I asked myself this question if I were to go to sleep tonight and not wake up tomorrow would they try to preserve me or would they have to bury me I think ultimately they would have to bury me and that is how I will answer that.”
Alexis Rosado is presumed innocent. But should he remain in such a high-profile role while facing criminal proceedings? Government says he is vital to Belize’s ICJ case. Critics argue that keeping him there risks creating one standard for the powerful and another for everyone else. Rosado returns to court on November twentieth, just months before the ICJ proceedings begin. Shane Williams for News Five.
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