Panton Rejects Shyne’s Coalition Proposal 

Albert Area Representative, Tracy Taegar-Panton, has fired off another press release under the United Democratic Party (UDP) banner.

Panton says she is the interim leader of the UDP following a convention on Sunday at CIVIC where delegates voted to recall Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Meanwhile, Barrow says he remains leader of the UDP.

Panton dismissed Barrow’s offer, which was made publicly in an interview on News 5 on Tuesday. When asked if there was any chance of reconciliation between the two sides, especially with speculation that general elections could be just months away, Barrow said that a coalition might be possible but would ultimately be a decision for the National Party Council.

Panton called the proposal unacceptable. The statement said, “The UDP Unity National Convention held on October 20, 2024, was a legitimate and democratic process that resulted in the election of Hon. Tracy Panton as the duly recognised Party Leader. Mr. Barrow’s proposal is an attempt to undermine that process, and we will not allow any individual to bypass the will of the delegates or the Party’s constitution.”

The statement also noted that Barrow has been unwilling to vacate his post, “despite the overwhelming mandate for change, but we will not compromise the Party’s future for personal interests or political games.”