Alliance For Democracy Claims UDP’s Leadership at Convention

On Sunday, the Alliance for Democracy (AFD), led by Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar Panton, held what is described as a ‘unity convention’ at Belize City’s Civic Centre.

The event gathered many delegates and supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) from across the country. 

In an interview with Taegar-Panton at the convention, she stated, “Neither the Party Leader nor the Chairman nor the Executive Leadership Team has greater power than the delegates. The National Convention, which we are having today, is the highest decision-making body of the party.” She said that the convention was convened in accordance with the party’s constitution: “This movement is following the Constitution of the Party in its entirety.”

 

 

Taegar-Panton noted that delegates overwhelmingly support the AFD’s call for a leadership change within the UDP, despite Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s claims that AFD leaders and other senior members have been expelled.

Today, Panton took to Facebook to announce the results of yesterday’s convention. In the statement, which branded the official UDP’s press release header, it said, “The United Democratic Party (UDP) is 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 announcement detailed, “A total of 347 out of 528 delegates participated in a critical vote to determine the future leadership of the UDP. The question posed was clear: “Do you support the recall of Moses Shyne Barrow as Party Leader of the UDP?” The results were resounding: 334 delegates voted YES, while 13 delegates voted NO.” 

According to the statement, the AFD executive, which claims to replace the UDP leadership, includes Hugo Patt as First Deputy Leader and Beverley Williams as Second Deputy Leader. Sheena Pitts and Lee Mark Chang were announced as Interim Chairperson and Vice-Chairman respectively at the convention.

 

 

 

Former area representatives, including Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Manuel Heredia Jr., and Edmund “Clear the Land” Castro, were also in attendance, along with former CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister, Audrey Wallace. Notably absent was Hugo Patt.

“There is no confusion—there is only one great UDP, and today’s convention solidified that we are both great and democratic,” the statement wrote.