BELIZE CITY, Wed. Dec. 9, 2020– The press conference hosted by the United Democratic Party on Wednesday, December 9, was Patrick Faber’s first opportunity as Leader of the Opposition to set a course for his defeated party. The UDP suffered one of the most embarrassing defeats under his watch, and while Faber took ownership of this disgrace, he asked to be judged by what he intends to create as his legacy.
“Watch me fix it, watch me develop this party into one of the most winning machines that we’ve ever seen. The judgment that I want people to put on me is what I am able to do. You see, because, if we had won with half of the members of the House or one less than half, you would have said that Barrow give the man that, that’s why the man win.
“Well, what I have inherited is clear. If you want to put it on me, fine. I’m not into the business of pointing fingers, but watch what will come out when this Phoenix rises; you will see the beauty of the United Democratic Party,” Faber vowed.
In making this bold statement, he also mentioned that rebuilding the UDP will not be an easy task. Faber attributes the UDP’s defeat to the elements of corruption inside the Barrow administration and overall disenchantment with the behaviors, practices and approaches that had become deeply rooted within the UDP.
“We tried to listen to what message the people sent on election day. They said, ‘Listen, we want a party that is vibrant. We want a party that is energized. We want to see some fresh new faces and we want greater ideas from you.’ As a party, there are things that you need to put in check, things you need to rework, re-engage, and that is what we’ve done,” Faber said.
H said, in moving forward, that many in his party will not be happy with some decisions that will be made. “Already we are seeing a different face of the UDP, with many of the old stalwarts being pushed aside for younger blood”, he said.
“Everybody is not going to be happy, but there are some things that we have to listen to, and we cannot disregard. And so, in putting together the Shadow Cabinet, we simply listened to those who have said, ‘Listen, I am somebody who wants to contribute to the party moving forward,’” remarked the Opposition leader.
Faber also spoke of some UDP supporters who have refused to be a part of the shadow Cabinet due to fear of political victimization. He hinted at a silent retrenchment taking place within the PUP government.
As for the corruption in the former UDP administration, Faber agreed that there were blatant elements of corruption present inside the Barrow administration and revealed that at times it even tore them apart inside the party. Faber said that his UDP will condemn any act of corruption that surfaces, and will disassociate itself from any official found associated with it.
“Even in the party, there were those of us who felt differently, who felt that there were quite a few acts of corruption, and I am telling you now that if those come out very glaringly and blatantly, don’t expect any defense, because this is why the people voted us out. We are going to ensure that those elements of bad that were in the United Democratic Party will no longer be,” pledged Faber.
And in a stark warning to the new Briceño administration, he said, “It is in fact our duty to make it known that these things ought not to be happening. We will be on you, we will ensure that we side with those who are standing for righteousness.”
What Faber forgot was that his predecessor, former prime minister Hon. Dean Barrow, had told the nation that he had a “corruption machete” that he would use at the faintest sign of corruption in the party.
Well, as evidenced by all the massive corruption that occurred during the UDP’s 13-year term in office, Barrow apparently threw his “corruption machete” into the Blue Hole as soon as he won the elections.
The party’s track record, in that regard, is terrible. Faber, nevertheless, said, “Don’t tell me about the sins of the UDP in the past. This is now a party under new management, and we will do our job and do it well to build back the confidence and the trust of the people and at the same time, keep the government in check … we are about pushing ahead with a new agenda; this party has enjoyed tremendous success up until the point of November 11.
“So, it is time now for us to find new feet, for us to find something new, and that is why we did what we did in terms of the Shadow Cabinet, embracing some of what was, with some of what is to come, and showing people that there is life in this party, and there is continuity even after three terms of Government and a devastating loss at the poll. We will recover.”