Does Toledo East Loss Reveal Barrow’s Weakness as U.D.P. Leader?

Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow was also asked if the party’s recent defeat at the polls affects his credibility to lead the U.D.P. to victory in the upcoming general elections. He pointed back to the losing days of the People’s United Party, while contending that the pendulum has swung in the Briceño administration’s favor. However, Barrow is confident that U.D.P. will soon have its turn back in office. He was also asked if he thought about resigning after witnessing the results of the Toledo East by-election.

 

Paul Lopez

“How do you think this loss affects your credibility as a leader to lead the United Democratic Party to victory in the general elections?”

 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“It is really absurd to me that the leader whose name is not on the ballot, you’re asking me about me before you ask me about the candidate.”

 

Reporter

“So what are you saying? Who is to blame?”

 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“It is we all share the burden. But what I’m telling you is politics is about time. So, we are in opposition. John Briceño lost.  Francis Fonseca lost three terms, three consecutive terms, 2008, 2012, and 2015. It is normal. Dean Barrow, the right honorable, I think the greatest prime minister we’ve ever had lost two consecutive terms, ‘98 and 2005, sorry, 2003. It is par for course, right?”

 

Reporter

“So then U.D.P. will continue to lose.”

 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

Sir, it is a matter of time. U.D.P. will continue to fight. I don’t look at it the way you look at it. I am resilient. I am focused. The issues are there, but we have to keep fighting this idea. The historical pattern, the historical data is  two terms for the P.U.P. For me, it was three terms that they had to wait for the pendulum to swing. The pendulum swung in their way, and we have to fight every day to swing it back. This idea, this idea, no matter who you put in this seat, it will still be a matter of time. No one else that wanted to be in the seat had the resources to fight. None of them.”

 

Reporter

“Did you consider or contemplate resignation?”

 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow

“Absolutely not. That is absurd. That is ridiculous. I am not John Briceno. I am not going to quit on my party. I am a fighter. I am going to keep fighting. That is one constituency. That is not a reflection of the wider party.”