Tracy Panton was officially sworn in as the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives, making her the first woman to hold the position. Her appointment came after the United Democratic Party (UDP) lost the March 12 general election. The UDP won only five of 31 seats.
Panton, who led the Alliance for Democracy faction within the UDP, secured enough support to assume the leadership role. She received backing from key party members, including Lee Mark Chang and Godwin Haylock, solidifying her position despite earlier challenges from former Leader of the Opposition Moses Shyne Barrow. Barrow lost his seat to Chang in the Mesopotamia Division.
Belize remains under the BLU wave for the next five years—let’s unpack the March 12 general election. Leading up to election day, there were several experts dissecting the possible outcomes, with a few of them landing as expected.
Before midnight, 26 candidates of the People’s United Party (PUP) were celebrating their victory. Out of 31 constituencies, 26 went blue for the PUP and 5 went red for the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Although the UDP remains in opposition, the party’s internal battles may have cost the party’s return in this year’s general election.
UDP’s Pyrrhic Victory in the 2025 General Election
The United Democratic Party (UDP) entered the 2025 general election fractured after the October 2024 “unity convention,” which was held to elect a new party leader. The convention was organised by the Alliance for Democracy, led by Tracy Panton, despite Panton and other key UDP figures being labelled as “constructively resigned” from the party by the then UDP leader, Moses “Shyne” Barrow.
In a statement issued the following day, and branding the official UDP’s press release header, it said that the UDP was “proud to announce that Hon. Tracy Panton has been elected as the Interim Leader of the UDP, making history as the first female to lead a mass political party in Belize.” The aftermath of the convention is what led to the months-long power struggle between Moses “Shyne” Barrow and Tracy Panton over who is the legitimate leader of the UDP.
This internal conflict ended with Barrow and Panton leading their separate slate of candidates under the UDP banner in the 2025 general election.
On election night, as polling stations closed and results began to trickle in, Barrow’s defeat was confirmed—not by a PUP opponent but by Lee Mark Chang, a candidate from Panton’s faction within the UDP. Barrow lost his seat in Mesopotamia to Chang, who garnered 601 votes to Barrow’s 318.
Barrow conceded defeat shortly after 9 p.m., stating, “The people have spoken; congratulations to Lee Mark Chang—he’s now the new area representative of Mesopotamia, and I wish him well.” He added that the voter turnout was a clear reflection of the public’s sentiment. “I was confident; that was the interaction I was having with the people, but they made a decision to go in another direction, and I respect that,” he added.
Chang’s victory marks a historic moment for the constituency and Belize as a whole. His win against Barrow makes him the first Belizean-Chinese to secure a seat in the House of Representatives.
For those wondering why winning this seat was important for Barrow, it’s simple: it was the key to continuing his leadership of the UDP.
In another blow to Barrow, Panton secured her third term in the Albert constituency, while another key Panton ally, Godwin Haylock, also triumphed in Queen Square—a stronghold previously held by Barrow’s father, Dean Oliver Barrow, and aunt, Denise ‘Sista B’ Barrow.
Meanwhile, Barrow’s faction was only able to secure two victories: Hugo Patt in Corozal North and first-time candidate Miguel Guerra in Cayo West.
With only 5 seats in the House of Representatives, and Barrow not being one, who is the new Leader of the Opposition?
Tracy Panton is the first female candidate leading a major political party. She will be sworn in later today as the first female Leader of the Opposition.
While Panton’s victory marks an important moment in Belize’s political history, it comes with a bittersweet reality. After all, her defeated UDP brothers, Patrick Faber and John Saldivar, will not be treading the same path she’s to face now. Faber lost his seat in Collet, while Saldivar failed to reclaim his seat in Belmopan.
Voter Turnout: A “Boring” Election or Just Peaceful?
Whether you followed #Decision2025 on Channel 5, kept up with News 5 Live on social media, or experienced it firsthand, it was hard to ignore the sense that this election felt ‘slow’—or as many on social media put it, it just felt “boring.” Was it a sign of voter apathy, or was it simply a reflection of a peaceful election where citizens quietly exercised their democratic rights?
According to the Belize Election and Boundaries, the voter turnout was noticeably lower this election compared to previous elections. Only 64.97% of registered electors participated, a significant drop from the 81.86% turnout in the 2020 election. Out of 197,018 registered voters, only 128,002 ballots were cast. Of those, 125,299 were valid, while 2,703 ballots were spoilt.
Corozal North boasted the highest turnout at 80.22%, while Dangriga recorded the lowest at 47.08%. Corozal North’s area representative is Hugo Patt for a fourth consecutive time. He won the division with a total of 3,497 votes, his PUP opponent received 2,385, and the Belize Justice Movement’s candidate received 44 votes.
Voter engagement in Dangriga was particularly low, with only 2,925 ballots cast out of 6,213 registered voters. For a second time, Louis Zabaneh of the PUP won the Dangriga seat by a wide margin, with 2,237 votes, while independent candidate Cyril Garcia garnered 628 votes.
A Fresh Face in Collet
One of the most surprising victories of the 2025 election was Patrick Faber’s loss of Collet, a position he had held for 22 years. Faber, a veteran UDP and long-time fixture in the constituency since 2003, was unseated on March 12 by PUP’s Devin Daly. Daly narrowly triumphed, winning by just 163 votes—1,271 to Faber’s 1,108.
Faber’s bitter defeat was nothing short of shocking. Throughout the campaign, he appeared confident, dismissing Daly’s challenge. He believed that his extensive five-term track record gave him the edge. He had said in an interview, “People are telling me that they know the relationship we’ve shared for many years, and they have no intention of changing course.”
But the results of the voter count showed otherwise. In a social media statement, Faber conceded defeat on election night, saying, “Tonight, while the election results were not what we hoped for, I respect the will of the people. Congratulations to the new area representative—I pray that he serves with integrity and puts the people of Collet first.”
Now, Collet will see both the passing of the mantle from a “once-young” leader and the shift in power from the UDP’s red to the PUP’s blue. Faber, who first won the seat at 25, has seen his reign end, handing it over to 29-year-old Devin Daly—another “young, fresh, and energetic” leader.
What can be learnt from Collet, a constituency that has produced two young leaders who have both risen to prominence and built a connection so deeply with their community?
Surviving Scandals, Losing Battles
While politics can bring breakthroughs and moments of inspiration, it is also a field often marked by its messiness. Scandals, power struggles, and bitter battles are all part of the terrain. This is especially the case as election day draws near and tensions rise.
One of the most notable controversies was the fracture within the UDP, but the PUP was not without its own scandals. Alex Balona, the PUP candidate for Cayo Central, found himself at the centre of two viral incidents that sparked intense scrutiny.
The first scandal occurred in 2020 when a video surfaced showing Balona spitting at his UDP opponent. Balona defended his actions during an appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning show, explaining that he had been provoked by an assault in the form of a phone being thrown at him.
Just days before election day, Balona was captured again in a separate video where he appeared mocking a local journalist’s speech impediment during a campaign rally in San Antonio Village. In response, Balona posted an apology video on social media, saying, “I, Alex Balona, deeply regret what occurred on Thursday night at the public function. I sincerely apologise to everyone.” He continued, “I want to extend my heartfelt apologies to all members of our community, especially to those who live with impairments or challenges, including Mr. Kent Pandy.”
Despite the controversies, Balona’s support in Cayo Central remained strong. Out of 5,514 votes cast, Balona received 3,031, winning the division by 721 votes over his opponent, UDP candidate Mark O’Brien. Experts questioned whether the scandals would impact his electoral chances, but Balona’s victory demonstrated that his support base remained intact.
In contrast, Kaya Cattouse, another PUP candidate, faced a different fate. Cattouse contested the Albert constituency against the prominent UDP incumbent Tracy Panton. Cattouse earned 1,014 votes out of 2,340 cast, while Panton received 1,243. The 229-vote difference is a reminder of just how some factors can ultimately sway an election result.
Some argue that Cattouse’s downfall may have stemmed from the snarky remarks she made during a campaign event in Independence Village, Stann Creek. Confident that the PUP would win across the country, Cattouse boldly declared, “Because the PUP will win across the north, the south, the west, and in Belize District. We will win, Albert, and do you know why? Because Tracy’s time has come, and Tracy’s time is done.”
It was her follow-up comment that raised eyebrows. Cattouse added, “Because mek we be real, she can’t keep up with me—nuh pan the bike, worse on the campaign trail—and nuh mek we talk bout we ina the mirror.” Panton condemned the remarks as “body shaming” and labelled them as “poor, poor taste.” Cattouse defended her comments, explaining they were taken out of context, stating, “This is a competition… And for anybody who took my comments to be other than that, definitely got my message wrong.” Cattouse called her statements an “introspection,” adding, “Take a book out of Michael Jackson’s page—The Man in the Mirror. When I look in the mirror, I see a young, fresh, new politician. One that no opponent can keep up with. And that is what I was referring to.”
Though the Prime Minister himself, John Briceño, walked shoulder to shoulder with Cattouse in support during a campaign walk in the constituency, Cattouse was defeated. Some political panellists wonder: will Kaya Cattouse return to the ballot for the next general election?
Tensions were also high in Corozal Bay, where a bitter feud between PUP candidate Thea Garcia-Ramirez and former PUP area representative Elvia Vega-Samos dominated the division. The conflict traces back to a July 2024 convention, where Garcia-Ramirez defeated Vega-Samos to become the PUP’s standard bearer. Vega-Samos accused the party of electoral malpractice, alleging that her supporters were removed from the delegates’ list and that coercion was used to ensure Garcia-Ramirez’s victory.
Vega-Samos responded by declaring herself an independent candidate for the general election. In turn, the PUP expelled her from the party, citing the constitution’s prohibition against running for public office without the party’s endorsement. Vega-Samos stood firm in her candidacy.
On March 12, the results were clear: Garcia-Ramirez emerged victorious with a massive 3,122 votes, while Vega-Samos received 1,160 votes. Garcia-Ramirez’s victory was a testament to her strong support, despite the internal party conflict.
Caught in the middle of this feud was UDP candidate Hernan Riverol. Running under Tracy Panton’s slate, Riverol was accused of “betraying” his party. Barrow dismissed Riverol’s chances of winning, calling his candidacy a “betrayal,” adding that Riverol “has no chances of winning.”
2025’s General Election Women Leaders
As mentioned earlier, UDP’s Tracy Panton, who led 13 candidates under her slate, secured her seat in the House of Representatives. Also victorious was Thea Garcia-Ramirez of the PUP, who won the Corozal Bay constituency.
Another notable victory was Dolores Balderamos-Garcia of the PUP, who won Belize Rural Central for the fourth time. A long-serving female politician, Balderamos-Garcia secured 2,895 votes, defeating two UDP candidates—Beverly Williams, who ran on Tracy Panton’s slate with 1,367 votes, and David Almendarez, who received 142 votes under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s faction. Even when combining the votes of the two UDP candidates, Balderamos-Garcia’s margin of victory was overwhelming.
Of the 10 women candidates running in this year’s election, only three managed to secure seats—two from the PUP and one from the UDP.
OAS Observes Belize’s 2025 Election Process
As part of its commitment to promoting election transparency, the Organization of American States (OAS) deployed a 12-member observation team to monitor the election process in Belize. The team was led by Chief of Mission Maricarmen Plata as they tracked the election from start to finish and ensured its fairness and transparency.
Plata noted that the election day was peaceful and orderly, with a good turnout. “We have seen a very calm election… good turnout,” she said. Plata also encouraged more people to come out and vote in the afternoon.
One issue raised by the OAS was the lack of campaign finance regulations in Belize. Plata pointed out the need for stronger laws governing campaign spending. “We will issue a report at the end of the process… that will include recommendations on these issues,” she added.
This is the fourth OAS electoral observer mission in Belize.
After the Election High: What’s Next for Belize?
For many, the election excitement has come and gone, and just like that, March 13 rolled in, certainly quiet. There are still remnants of the campaign—red and blue banners clinging to light poles and campaign t-shirts thrown to the corner of some people’s closets. What now? What comes between now and 2030?
The winning party wasted no time in outlining his government’s next steps, which they call Plan Belize 2.0. A second phase to the transformative era of Belize, Prime Minister John Briceño said in his victory address on Wednesday night. Briceño was re-elected for a second term.
Today, Briceño was sworn in for his second term, following the decisive victory of the People’s United Party in the recent general elections. In his formal swearing-in ceremony, Briceño expressed his gratitude. “It is an honour and privilege to be re-elected in Orange Walk Central,” he said. “But also, to have the support of my colleagues in the National Assembly to be appointed Prime Minister.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead and declared his commitment to adapting to the evolving global landscape while prioritising the well-being of Belizeans.
The ceremony also featured a wreath-laying tribute at Lord Ridge Cemetery to honour the late George Price, marking the 75th anniversary of the PUP.
Despite his defeat in the March 12 general election, outgoing Mesopotamia area representative Shyne Barrow has vowed to continue working for his constituents. In a social media post, Barrow said, “When I was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 I went back to work the next day, even though I was not reelected on Wednesday I am here today continuing the work I started 12 years ago when I first began my journey to serve the people in Parliament.”
He added, “My love for the people of Mesopotamia is unconditional! I will continue to work with our Mesopotamia family to develop our Constituency!”
Barrow secured only 318 votes. UDP’s Chang won the constituency by a total of 601 votes. Meanwhile, the People’s United Party’s (PUP) candidate, Lawrence Ellis, garnered 503 votes. The total voter turnout on March 12 in the Mesopotamia constituency stood at 1,422 out of 2,253 registered voters.
On Wednesday, when asked about the future of the UDP party, he stated, “I certainly will resign effective once we have a national convention to elect a new leader. Obviously you can’t be a leader of the United Democratic Party once you’re not a member of the House, and I would not want to be appointed as a senator or anything to hold on to the leadership.”
The Royal Kahal Beach Resort in San Pedro, Belize, abruptly closed a few days ago. The resort’s management informed guests in an email about the closure and offered refunds for their reservations. In a March 7th email to a guest, the resort stated, “We have just been informed by our manager that Royal Kahal has been ordered to close temporarily,” adding, “This was completely unexpected… Please know this is the last thing we wanted.” While the reason for the closure remains unclear, authorities are investigating the deaths of three American women in one of its rooms.
On February 22, Kaoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El Arar, 26, were found dead in their room. Initial reports suggested a drug overdose due to froth found around their mouths, and alcohol, along with “gummies,” was discovered inside the room.
This conclusion was met with scepticism from the victims’ families. According to MailOnline, a source close to the families informed the news outlet that early findings from a second autopsy, being conducted in the US, suggest that carbon monoxide poisoning might be the actual cause of death.
The Belizean authorities initially ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. Colin Gillet, the fire chief of the Belize National Fire Service, confirmed that officers conducted two separate tests for carbon monoxide and “found nothing.”
DailyOnline reported that a separate investigation has found that other non-fatal incidents related to carbon monoxide have occurred at the Royal Kahal resort. The news outlet added that investigators are now in contact with another American tourist who had suffered a similar incident.
The remains of the three women have returned to the US, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Massachusetts is conducting a second autopsy. As of now, the official by the examiner is still pending for at least another month, DailyOnline reported.
In a statement, the women’s families called the deaths “mysterious” and “suspicious,” adding, “We are seeking answers to understand what happened in Belize.” They also urged both Belizean and US authorities to provide clarity on the circumstances.
According to the news outlet, Ira Novoselsky, a city councillor from the women’s hometown of Revere, accused Belizean authorities of obstructing the investigation. He claimed that Belizean have been slow to provide answers, only offering negative responses, such as blaming the women and mentioning the discovery of “gummies and vapes.” He added, “We don’t know if they had drinks or what happened before they returned to the hotel, so everything is up in the air.” MailOnline reported that “Novoselsky speculated that Belize authorities were ‘trying to protect their own’ and ‘make the city [of San Pedro] look good.'”
Authorities in Belize have sent out human toxicology samples to the US—that official report is expected to be issued in the coming weeks.
The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission has praised Belize’s 2025 General Elections for their peaceful and transparent execution. In a statement issued by Chief of Mission Maricarmen Plata, the OAS commended Belizean voters for their enthusiastic participation in the March 12 polls, as well as electoral authorities for the smooth conduct of the process.
The mission, composed of 12 experts and observers from seven countries, was present in 12 of the 29 electoral divisions. Observers monitored the elections from the opening of polling stations to the transfer and counting of ballots, ensuring transparency throughout the process. Plata noted that the mission engaged with key stakeholders, including electoral authorities, government officials, political parties, candidates, and civil society organisations, to gain insight into the election’s organisation and overall framework.
In addition to congratulating elected and re-elected members of the National Assembly, the mission welcomed Prime Minister John Briceño’s commitment to implementing OAS recommendations. These include the redrawing of electoral boundaries early in his new term and exploring options for campaign finance legislation tailored to Belize’s political and social context.
The OAS mission expressed its gratitude to the Government of Belize, particularly the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Elections and Boundaries Commission, for their cooperation. Special recognition was also given to international donors, including Canada, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, and Panama, whose financial contributions made the mission possible.
Plata concluded by commending Belizeans for their strong commitment to democracy, highlighting their patience, civic duty, and peaceful participation. The mission hopes its findings and recommendations will contribute to strengthening future electoral processes and reinforcing democratic principles in Belize.
Prime Minister John Briceño was officially sworn in today for his second term as the country’s leader. P.M. Briceño secured a landslide victory in Orange Walk Central on Wednesday. The People’s United Party clinched twenty-six of the thirty-one seats in the House of Representatives, while the United Democratic Party held onto five seats. This result keeps the balance of power the same, with a few changes. Notably, the People’s United Party’s Devin Daly unseated Patrick Faber in Collet, but U.D.P.’s Miguel Guerra defeated Jorge “Milin” Espat in Cayo West. The battles were intense in several constituencies, including the Mesopotamia and Albert divisions. Tonight’s newscast covers all the action—the upsets, the big wins, and the candidates who increased their victory margins from the 2020 general election. But first, let’s head to the Government House, where the People’s United Party gathered to witness Prime Minister John Briceño’s swearing-in ceremony. Here’s more from that event.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“It is indeed an honor and a privilege to be reelected in Orange Walk central but also to have the support of my colleagues in the National Assembly to be able to be once again appointed as the prime minister of this country. So, I thank my colleagues who are here. DPM, I thank you, Francis, Kareem, all of you, and to Thea, congratulations Thea. It is a hard battle and you did very well and we are proud of you, proud of all of you. I know right now we are in a mood for celebration and rightly so, you earned that. But the task ahead of us is going to be a difficult one as I said last night when I address the nation. It is going to be a challenging one. The world continues to change quickly and as a small country like Belize we have to be able to adapt and move with the changes and ensure that at all times we can keep the Belizean people in mind and that the decisions we make is to make their lives better.”
The People’s United Party’s sweeping victory at the polls on Wednesday was followed by a heartfelt wreath-laying ceremony at Lord Ridge Cemetery. Prime Minister John Briceno and Mrs. Rossano Briceño paid their respects at the gravesite of the late Right Honorable George Cadle Price, the Father of the Nation. This ceremony was a tribute to their victory and a celebration of the party’s seventy-fifth anniversary.
The People’s United Party’s victory, mirroring their sweeping win in 2020, underscores the strong support Belizeans have for the Briceno administration. Just before midnight on Wednesday, Prime Minister John Briceño, fresh off his decisive win in Orange Walk Central, took to the podium to deliver a victory speech that echoed throughout the nation.
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“This collective demonstration of democracy validates our struggle for independence. This vote validates our constitutional freedoms and responsibility and this vote says to the world that Belize is a mature democracy, once again capable of free and fair elections. Let me also thank each of our PUP candidates, those who won and those who fought to win. These results belong to all candidates, to their committees, to their campaigners and to everyone who played a part in this momentous victory. Tonight, the celebration can be abundant, but tomorrow the work begins anew because Plan Belize 2.0, because Plan Belize 2.0 will require a renewed, relentless focus on policies and programs that impact the lives of our people. More high-paying jobs, continued economic transformation, better education, enhanced healthcare, more lots and houses, a ferocious pushback against those who break the law and a deliberate plan to tame the cost of living increases. Second terms for both parties have in the recent past become with rising challenges from within. Some political leaders and officials assume that re-election means that they have more latitude to flaunt power, to lose humility. Let me declare tonight break this trust and will act decisively to protect the confidence that the electorate has given us today.”
In the wake of Belize’s 2025 general election, a fascinating demographic breakdown reveals the diverse voter base that shaped the outcome. From the bustling urban centers to the tranquil rural villages, each segment of the population played a pivotal role in determining the political landscape. This analysis delves into how age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influenced voter turnout and preferences, offering a comprehensive look at the forces driving Belize’s democratic process.
The United Democratic Party took a beating at the polls on Wednesday. While they managed to hold onto five seats in the House of Representatives, they haven’t made much headway across the country. Despite this, the election marked a historic moment for Belize, as the first woman Leader of the Opposition will soon be appointed. Tracy Taegar-Panton held onto her seat in Albert, but her political rival Shyne Barrow suffered a shocking defeat in Mesopotamia. Unseating Shyne was a bittersweet victory for the Alliance for Democracy. The faction paid a heavy price, with Patrick Faber losing his seat in Collet and John Saldivar failing to reclaim his seat in Belmopan, making Panton’s win a costly one. Tonight, News Five’s Isani Cayetano delves into the battles in Albert and Mesop.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The United Democratic Party entered the 2025 elections in disarray. With constant infighting and a leadership dispute, voters in the Albert and Mesopotamia constituencies faced ballots with multiple UDP candidates for each division. In Albert, Area Representative Tracy Taegar Panton was challenged at the polls by fellow UDP member Jose Luis Uc Espat and People’s United Party candidate Kaya Cattouse. Over in Mesop, incumbent Shyne Barrow faced off against Lee Mark Chang. Although both are from the UDP, they belong to different factions within the party. PUP candidate Lawrence Ellis also contested that seat. These constituencies drew particular attention throughout the election due to the rift within the opposition party.
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Area Representative, Albert
“I have been here for the last four and a half years. I haven’t gone away, I didn’t go away, I didn’t come back, I didn’t leave. I have been consistently working in the division every week for the last four and a half years. They know, my voters know that I am accessible, they know that they can talk to me. They have always, can come and talk to me, they can call me, they can email me. So our conversation has been an ongoing conversation. There’s nothing that they have to wait to tell me four and a half years later.”
Among the three candidates trying to unseat Taegar-Panton in Albert, Kaya Cattouse stood out as the most formidable. With her youthful energy and bold trash talk, the two-time city councilor brought a classic ‘hare and tortoise’ challenge to the race. Meanwhile, Taegar-Panton’s party rival, Shyne Barrow, was just as confident about winning in his constituency.
Shyne Barrow
Shyne Barrow, U.D.P. Candidate, Mesopotamia
“As far as here in Mesopotamia, I’m quite satisfied with the turnout thus far. Everyone is coming in the office, checking in after they vote, and so we’re satisfied. We’re at ten o’clock and I believe a significant amount of people have voted that have committed to us and so we look forward to getting our target number by the end of the day.”
You might wonder, why was this seat so crucial for Barrow? It all boils down to the leadership of the struggling party. Without winning a seat, Shyne can’t lead the UDP after the general election.
Isani Cayetano
“Do you believe, or do you feel, perhaps, that you’re probably in the fight of your political life here in Mesop, or perhaps as the leader of the United Democratic Party”
Shyne Barrow
“No, that’s the hype. Dehn da lone hype. Lee Mark [da] hype. [Lawrence] Ellis [is] non-existent and at the end of the day, as I said earlier when speaking about my colleagues, we’re here to serve people. I serve at the pleasure of the people, the people gave me one term and I’ve asked them to give me another and I am confident that they will.”
By nightfall, the tide had turned for Cattouse and Barrow, who seriously underestimated his opponent, taking jabs at Chang for his past defeats.
Shyne Barrow, UDP Candidate, Mesopotamia
“The people have spoken. Congratulations to Lee Mark Chang, he is now the new area representative for Mesopotamia and I wish him well.”
Lee Mark Chang
Lee Mark Chang, Winner, Mesopotamia
“I feel good, I feel humbled. I just want to, again, thank the people of Mesopotamia for electing me and giving me the opportunity to serve with my sister right here, Tracy, cause I will work with her.”
Cattouse, on the other hand, ended up like the hare in Aesop’s classic fable, and those snarky comments from Independence a few weeks ago might have been her downfall.
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“I am so grateful. It’s awesome. Change is a must and change is on its way andwe will rebuild the United Democratic Party at full strength.”
In a surprising turn of events, United Democratic Party candidate and Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow has conceded defeat in the Mesopotamia constituency following the 2025 general election in Belize. Barrow, who has been a prominent figure in Belizean politics, acknowledged his loss to Lee Mark Chang, a rival from within his own party. With a gracious nod to the democratic process, Barrow stated, “The people have spoken.” This unexpected outcome marks a significant shift in the political landscape and sets the stage for new leadership within the U.D.P.
Shyne Barrow
Shyne Barrow, U.D.P. Leader, Mesopotamia
“ They’ve made a decision to go in another direction and I respect that.”
Isani Cayetano
“What happens next with the future of the UDP?”
Shyne Barrow “Well, I certainly will resign effective once we have a national convention to elect a new leader. Obviously, you can’t be leader of the United Democratic Party if you’re not a member of the House. I would not want to be appointed as a senator or anything to hold onto the leadership. I think the people have spoken here in Mesopotamia and that is the start of everything and so I wouldn’t want to maneuver to hold on to leadership, unless colleagues felt otherwise. So maybe I’m getting a bit ahead of myself, but as I speak to you, I will tender my resignation effective once we have a national convention to elect a new leader among those who are qualified to be leader.”
