Moses “Shyne” Barrow Sues Tracy Panton over UDP Leadership, HQ
Applicants Moses Barrow, Michael Peyrefitte, Shary Medina, Alberto August, and Hugo Patt have initiated an urgent action seeking to reclaim the UDP Headquarters, located at Lake Independence Block 45 Parcel 00969, from respondents Tracy Taegar Panton and Phillipa Griffith Bailey. In the claim, Barrow et al. say that Panton, who is described as an expelled UDP member and current leader of the Alliance for Democracy—allegedly took unlawful control of the headquarters on October 28.
The applicants are seeking an ex-parte injunction from the High Court to repossess the property and restore its use to the UDP’s leadership.
The case stems from a broader conflict over the leadership of the UDP, with Barrow contending that he is the legitimate party leader and the Leader of the Opposition in Belize. According to the applicants, the UDP Headquarters, which they have been using since March 2022, is critical for Barrow to discharge his constitutional functions as the head of the opposition, representing the citizens of Belize.
The claimants assert that the takeover by Panton and her supporters has not only disrupted their operations but has also caused significant damage to the reputation of the party as it prepares for the upcoming General Elections.
Among the applicants’ key concerns is the unlawful seizure of assets, including the Guardian Newspaper and Wave Radio, both considered vital communication organs of the UDP. The applicants argue that these entities, which operate as separate legal entities, have also been unlawfully affected by Panton’s actions. In their claim, they stress that Panton’s takeover poses a direct threat to Belizean democracy, particularly given the political implications of the seizure and its potential to undermine public confidence in the UDP’s ability to lead.
In their Amended Fixed Date Claim Form, the claimants are seeking multiple forms of relief. They are asking the court to declare that neither Panton nor Griffith Bailey has any legal right to possess or control the UDP Headquarters or to authorise its seizure. They also request an order requiring Panton to vacate the property and return all UDP assets located there to the Central Executive Committee. Additionally, they seek a permanent injunction restraining Panton from presenting herself as the UDP leader and preventing the respondents from unlawfully occupying the property in the future. Further claims include damages for unlawful possession, exemplary damages, interest, and costs.
This is a developing story.
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