Tourism C.E.O. turned U.D.P. Politician Addresses Opposition Release

Tracy Taegar-Panton

Since the announcement of her candidacy in the Alberts, Panton has drawn fire from the P.U.P.  Last week the Opposition issued a release after a former B.T.B. staffer, Jonelle Hemmans, won a lawsuit against the organization. Hemmans was awarded over a hundred thousand dollars for being terminated for not agreeing to the rental of Panton’s family home on Regent Street as an office for a European Union funded project. Panton wouldn’t speak much on the matter after the launch, and would only refer us to the B.T.B. for answers. At the time, she was the C.E.O. for the Ministry of Tourism.

Tracy Taegar-Panton, U.D.P. Candidate, Albert Constituency

“I think that both the P.U.P. and the media should do some fact finding before they attempt to mudsling at me. I think that to try and attack me in terms of my personal integrity after thirty years of sterling service to the country, I think is really desperate.”

Reporter

“Can you clarify which house was rented or which building was rented after that claim?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“That matter you would need to discuss with the Belize Toruism Board and the Belize Tourism Board of Directors who made that decision.”

Reporter

“Do you feel that this will harm you in any way?”

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“Not at all, not at all. Look at the people out here tonight; we have over a thousand strong. There is no way I think that kind of mudslinging will help my opponent and the opposition.”