_{Hon. Tracy Panton backed as leader of the UDP by 27 Opposition standard bearers}

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Mar. 18, 2025

Having been sworn in as Belize’s first woman Leader of the Opposition on Friday, March 14, Hon. Tracy Panton moved swiftly to begin the work of unifying the United Democratic Party (UDP). Following a 3-hour meeting at the Belize Biltmore Plaza today, Panton announced, “We have been able to achieve that in fine fashion,” referring to a decision of 25 standard bearers who signed a resolution throwing their support behind her as the party leader. (Miguel Guerra, area representative for Cayo West was absent, but supports Panton. Missing were the standard bearers for the Pickstock, Dangriga, Toledo East, Belize Rural North and Fort George constituencies.) “We are leaving this room united,” she proclaimed, and added that “it is the mark of a good leader that’s able to do this in such short amount of time.” Panton further noted that she expects to be endorsed as party leader at the next National Convention of the party. The date for the convention is to be set two weeks from now, when the National Party Council (NPC) meets.

_{Shyne Barrow}

Among the 25 standard bearers at the meeting were former supporters of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, who tendered his resignation to UDP chairman Michael Peyrefitte on March 17. Barrow indicated in his brief letter that he was handing over the leadership to 1st Deputy Leader Hugo Patt, who would serve as interim leader; however, Patt had almost immediately indicated his support for Panton after the outcome of the March 12 general elections in which Barrow lost his Mesopotamia seat. He told Amandala after today’s meeting at the Belize Biltmore Plaza that as far as he is concerned, they only have one leader. Asked if he could face any pressure to withdraw his support for Panton, Patt responded that “the people spoke, and the message was clear: we need to unify, and that unification will only happen under the leadership of Honorable Tracy Panton.” To the question of whether he regrets his choices and decisions, he responded, “The elections actually decided everything. That chapter of our history has closed. We are starting a new one, and from here we are moving forward.” Patt will remain 1st Deputy Leader of the party under Panton, while Beverly Williams will remain 2nd Deputy Leader.

Panton affirmed that the upcoming convention will merely be a formality to cement her leadership. “It is a convention that will settle all the leadership ambiguities of the party,” she declared. She said that after the convention, the work of rebuilding can begin “so we [the UDP] can be the government in 2030.” Speaking on the hallmark of her leadership, Panton committed to ensuring that the party will be people-centred.

With regard to any participation of Peyrefitte as a member of the party, Panton indicated that he has not been expelled, nor has he effectively resigned, or been exiled. Therefore, she says, his participation in the rebuilding effort will be his choice. However, he will no longer serve as Senator for the UDP. “I can say to you that there is going to be a new outlook for the party as it relates to our representation in the Senate”, Panton informed. She added, “Mr. Peyrefitte has served in the Senate on behalf of the United Democratic Party. His tenure is now over, and we move forward with fresh new talent that I believe will bring a lot to the table.” Panton, however, would not reveal whether Patrick Faber or John Saldivar would hold any of the party’s three posts in the Senate.

As to any olive branch being extended to Barrow for him to play any role in the party moving forward, Panton said it is a matter for Barrow and the people of Mesopotamia to decide. At the same time, she stated that they will not make any harsh decisions, and will take the time necessary to solidify the party.

Notably, Panton shared the news that three of the five claimants who joined Barrow in his lawsuit which sought a court designation of Barrow’s faction as the real UDP, are withdrawing their claim, as they now support her leadership. Panton stated, though, “If we have to show up to court, we will do so. We have a very capable, competent legal team representing us, and I’m sure they will make the arguments that will vindicate us in the court.”

For his part, Peyrefitte maintains that Patt is the interim leader of the UDP until a new leader is selected at a national convention. On that point he stated, “I think, if you are a betting person, you should bet who the new leader will be.” At the same time, he said that processes must be followed if Panton will formally assume the leadership of the UDP. He was speaking a day before Barrow tendered his resignation, and shared his opinion at that time that, just as Manuel Esquivel resigned right after losing his division in 1998, Barrow should also resign. According to Peyrefitte, the NPC of the party should decide several issues, including how to proceed regarding the court case, as well as clear the air regarding those who were expelled.