When John Briceno was elected as PUP party leader eight days ago, there was some question s to whether he could rope in the support from a majority of his colleagues in parliament to become leader of the opposition. It should be automatic for any party leaders - but the majority of parliamentarians had supported Francis Fonseca in the leadership race, so there was some question as to whether they would switch over to Briceno. They did so last week as the party closed ranks after the divisive convention. And so today, for a second time, Briceno was sworn in as leader of the opposition. Courtney Weatherburne was there:..
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
John Briceno and his family arrived at the Belize House a bit after 10 in his polished Prado. He stood outside, greeted a few supporters and police officers - appearing almost reluctant to go inside.
But after his chit chat he and his family finally strolled into the Belize House for the short ceremony.
Inside - instead of a large spirited crowd of supporters like those at the convention - he greeted by a small very composed, almost tense group. The all looked on in silence as the new leader of the opposition took his oath
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition
"I John Briceno so swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Belize and to uphold the constitution and the law and that I will conscientiously, impartially and to the best of my ability, discharge my duties as leader of the opposition and do right to all manner of people without fear or favor, affection or ill will. So help me God."
With that, he signed the declaration - officially designating him as the new leader of the PUP. While all the niceties and formalities are over - the real work now has to begin.
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition
"As leader of the opposition, one of the first things I want to do is to meet with my parliamentarians. So that we can then discuss on the way forward. There are a number of issues we have to look at. We have to look at the issue of the house committees. There are I think at least a dozen house committees that we need to look at the composition and see how we can make sure that everybody participates and everybody have a function to do. We certainly need to look at the issue of senators to decide whether we are going to keep the senators or whether we are going to change them. That is something that we have to decide. Certainly when it comes to the issue of the seating arrangements, well there is going to be some changes. Not a lot of changes. We have new deputy leaders for instance, who are in the house. Certainly we have to give them the  respect. But it's something that I have not finish as to how exactly it's going to look. But yes we are starting to look at it. As to the issue of senators, there will be some changes. We need to do some changes. As the former leader of the opposition pointed out, that the 3 senators were in effect care takers until a new leader is elected and then that new leader will have a free hand as to how they want see the composition in the senate. I will be looking at that and pretty soon we will be announcing what are the changes in any, that we are going to be making."
Certainly those changes need to be addressed but right now - the main focus is strengthening and unifying the party.
Hon. John Briceno, Leader of the Opposition
"I come with a lot of hope. I am person that is full of optimism. I believe in the good of people. When it comes to unity within the party, I believe that something of the past. Because everywhere we went in all the meetings that we had across this country from Corozal all the way to the Toledo District - everybody was crying out saying that they want a party that is united. I have been speaking to the different leaders of the PUP and all them have pledge their unqualified support to me as the leader of the part and as the leader of the opposition."
Hon. Cordel Hyde, Lake Independence Representative
"That's been the clear message from people all over the country from inside the party, that they want the party to work together, to fight together to return to government. It's been a long time since we won an election, since 2003 and we've had 9 defeats in 9 years starting in 2006 and I think our people are tired of losing."
And the man now charged with the duty of leading to party to victory is John Briceno, who's hoping that when he next comes here it will be for a swearing in as prime minister.
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