But even with heavy hearts and preoccupied minds, 24 PUP area representatives were sworn in, along with the five opposition members.
It's the start of the new National Assembly session which will last for the next five years - and it opens with the PUP controlling 84% of the seats in the house, a super majority - and then some.
Courtney Menzies was at the ceremonial opening, and has this report.
Courtney Menzies:
Today saw another monumental event etched in Belize's history books. The commencement of the 13th session of the National Assembly for the House of Representatives saw the swearing in of the parliamentarians. But it was not all cake and champagne as the government is not only dealing with a loss in their party but also two major countrywide crises. PM John Briceno described the mood as being somber one.
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"In a speech I wasn't too triumphant, I was more somber, and trying to alert Belizeans to understand that we are in the midst of the worst crisis this country has ever seen, both health and economic, and that the government can do as much as possible to try to fix things but if Belizeans do not participate, if they do not help, we are going to lose this battle. That's my message. You have to help us."
Indeed, the ceremony and speeches were not at all like the last times new governments were swept into office with a massive mandate - it happened in 1998 when the PUP, with Said Musa as their leader, rose to power…
And in 2008 when Dean Barrow and the UDP took back the proverbial throne - which it held for three terms.
But today, rather than celebrate their victory, PM Briceno gave Belizeans a stark reminder that we are living in a pandemic that is taking more lives everyday.
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"2020 has been a living hell. Sadly, a hundred and eight three of us have lost their lives to COVID-19. 8,805 persons have tested positive. These include frontline workers, security forces, healthcare workers and others who risk their lives in service to our people. To their loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences and gratitude for their exemplary service. We're urging Belizeans and companies to adopt a frontline worker. Companies can adopt a frontline worker instead of having a Christmas party. This will be coordinated by the Ministry of Health."
But that's not all the government will be doing. The PM announced how they will continue to handle the steady rise in cases.
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Testing has been dramatically scaled up. We have introduced rapid testing at all community and regional hospitals and at polyclinics. We will be rolling out additional fixed testing sites, and mobile testing services across the country. To wage war against this virus, we need to identify those who are positive. So that they know their status and are able to isolate. My government recognizes that when we isolate people we cannot abandon them. Therefore we will be providing a minimum of 14 days food supplies and stipend to assist families in need."
"We are constantly reviewing the COVID-19 threat to our way of life and we'll take all measures, however drastic to contain the spread. No doubt new measures will be necessary. We have a sacred duty to preserve life, we will discharge our duty. Winston Churchill said, I never worry about ation, but only about inaction. Belizeans, now more than ever, it is time for action. We must summon the courage to fight and defeat this pandemic."
And if a pandemic wasn't enough, Belizeans across the country are still recovering from the floods caused by Hurricanes Eta and Iota. For the agricultural sector, the total loss is estimated to be at 18.2 million dollars. Before that, producers were also feeling the crunch when the weather was the opposite - a drought.
The PM today recognized climate change as a major issue.
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"The 2020 hurricane season was the most active on record, the droughts we have experienced is a part of our new normal. Too much rain, and too little rain. Climate change is real and it is cruel. The science is clear."
"We must respond and respond urgently. We have created the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management to signal my government's commitment to driving an ambitious agenda to address an urgent need to change the way we live."
The governor general also reiterated these pressing health, economic, and agricultural issues in his Throne Speech.
Sir Colvin Young, Governor General
"The Belizeans people are depending on you to get this nation back on track to develop a strong COVID-19 response, to pass laws for the good governance of the nation, to spend the people's money fairly and equitably, and to work together to build a Belize that works for everyone, where everybody could win."
And the PM heard him loud and clear, because at the end of his speech, he announced salary cuts for the entire cabinet.
Hon. John Briceno, Prime Minister
"To show our commitment to a national effort, my Cabinet will take a 10% salary cut, effective 1st January."
The new Speaker of the House is Valerie Woods, a past senator. She replaces Laura Tucker-Longsworth. The deputy speaker is Marconi Leal, area rep for Belize Rural North. The new macebearer is Henry Morris, replacing Brian "Yellowman" Audinett.
The senators were also sworn in today, and we'll have that story for you later in the news.
