And that led to celebration in Orange Walk - where, for the first time in Belize's history, we have a leader form outside the city. 60-year-old John Brinceo is a political veteran - who's been an elected representative for 27 years, and party leader for a total of 7 years.
And, finally, he has brought the PUP back to Belmopan, after 12 years in the political wilderness.
Here's his trip from Orange Walk today:
The John Briceno motorcade arrived from Orange Walk to the Lord Ridge Cemetery this morning under full fanfare.
With chief of staff Stuart Leslie sweeping open the door for him, Briceno and his wife Rosanna arrived at the Cemetery to hugs and fist bumps.
After a blessing for Briceno he explained the importance of the wreath laying
Hon. John Briceno - Prime Minister "It is fitting to be here at the father of the nation grave to pay tribute to him to but at the same time for us to be here symbolically accept his teachings and what he stands for and that the PUP is about service to the people, that the people must come first."
After some more hugs, handshakes and elbow bumps, It was off to Belmopan where throngs of supporters waited at Belize House
As Briceno took the slow walk up the curved driveway flanked this time by his inner circle. To be there for the swearing in.
Sir Colville Young - Governor General "The voice of the people is the voice of god - the people have spoken."
Hon. John Briceno "I John Briceno do swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Belize and will uphold the constitution and the law and that I will conscientiously impartially and to the best of my ability discharge by duties as prime minister and do right to all manner of people without fear or favour, affection or ill will, so help me god."
And while the fly swat may not have been a good omen - such are the hazards of an outdoor swearing - the first we've seen, necessitated, of course, by Covid-19 regulations which did not allow a big crowd inside.
Hon. John Briceno "As of today we are no longer PUP standard bearers but we are representatives of the people, we are a government of the people of Belize and I want to assure everyone that we are going to be an open, accountable, transparent and accessible government for the people of Belize."
And on those foundational principles, Briceno the Prime Minister stepped into view, flanked by his presumptive Deputy Prime Minister - Briceno gave his first interview:
Jules Vasquez "Mr Prime Minister how does it feel, you have reached, so to speak, the mountain top."
Hon. John Briceno "It's an awesome feeling but at the same time when you feel the burden of the office it is also very humbling to realise that this nation is depending on myself as prime minister and to our colleagues who were elected yesterday as representatives. I think it will take some time to sink in."
But it better sink in quickly, because while today was for hearty hugs and handshakes, tomorrow the problems start piling up.
So, as Briceno rolled out today to waves and well wishes - he'd best remember it well, because this will be his easiest day in office - and hereafter, the crises start coming in rapid succession.
