After an intense and controversial election over the weekend, Venezuela ordered the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. The move came after these countries refused to recognise President Nicolás Maduro’s victory in the July 28 elections, prompting a retaliatory demand for the expulsion of their representatives from Venezuela.
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry condemned the refusal to acknowledge the election results as an attack on its sovereignty. In an official statement, it said, “The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has decided to recall all members of its diplomatic missions in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay due to a heinous precedent, which is an attack on our sovereignty, and also demands that these countries’ governments recall their diplomats from Venezuela.”
Chancellor Yvan Gil Pinto, who is a Venezuelan diplomat and politician serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela, further emphasised the government’s position, highlighting international support for the election’s legitimacy while strongly denouncing what he called ‘violence and interventionism’ from the Venezuelan opposition and international actors.
Maduro’s third term triggered the reaction of international leaders across the Americas. Panama President Jose Raul Mulino announced, “We are putting diplomatic relations on hold until a complete review of the voting records.”
“Maduro’s regime must understand that the results are hard to believe…Chile we will not recognise any result that is not verifiable,” declared Chilean President Gabriel Boric. A stance echoed by the government of Argentina, “We do not recognise fraud, we call on the international community to unite to restore the rule of law in Venezuela,” stated President Javier Milei.
Venezuela has vowed to take all necessary legal and political measures to defend its right to self-determination and counteract what it views as attempts to destabilise its governance.
The United Democratic Party continues to grapple with a deep internal divide. The latest development in the party’s woes is a call for Patrick Faber’s removal. The Collet area representative has been the most outspoken about his disdain for his party leader, Moses “Shyne” Barrow. Last week, Faber took to Facebook to say quote, “I do not support the dictator leader of the U.D.P., and he must go”, unquote. Well, on Friday, four-time San Ignacio/ Santa Elena Mayor, Earl Trapp called on the U.D.P. to expel Patrick Faber. In his letter to U.D.P. Chairman, Michael Peyrefitte, Trapp described Faber’s comments as disparaging and brings the entire party into disrepute. He further noted that Faber’s comments are in violation of the party’s constitution, as well as an N.P.C. Resolution that prohibits members from engaging in behavior that is injurious to the party. In the letter, Trapp went on to call for Faber’s expulsion, contending that it would allow for the U.D.P. to quote, “rid itself of the internal elements with ulterior motives and to finish destroying our great party that is already in shambles. This will certainly affect our chances at victory in the General Elections. We must send a clear message to all party officials that destructive behavior will not be tolerated”, unquote. Today we reached out to Trapp for comments, and he told us that his letter to Peyrefitte was never meant for public consumption and that it was leaked. Trapp says that his intention was never to discredit Patrick Faber’s integrity or seek his expulsion from the party. He explained that his aim was to communicate the need for humility, unity and respect for each other. We note that while Trapp says his intent was never to seek Faber’s explosion, in his letter to Peyrefitte he said quote, “Patrick Faber must be expelled”, unquote. Looking at the bigger picture, if a recall convention is triggered, removing Barrow would require two thirds of the party’s delegates voting against him in such a convention. Well, reports to News Five are that Barrow has secured the support of the U.D.P. delegates from at least eighteen constituencies across the country, of the thirty-one in existence. That’s more than half of the constituencies. If this support is to stand true for Barrow in the event a recall convention is triggered, he would emerge as victorious. We will continue to follow.
Venezuela faces international scrutiny as both President Nicolas Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez have declared victory in Venezuela’s presidential election. This has triggered global doubts about the validity of the official election results. The election was held on Sunday.
The National Electoral Authority, which is allegedly controlled by Maduro loyalists, announced shortly after midnight that Maduro secured a third term with 51% of the vote to 44% for González.
The delay in official results—six hours after polls closed—has fueled scepticism and led the opposition to reject Maduro’s presidential win.
According to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, independent exit polls suggest a landslide victory for Gonzalez, who reportedly received 70% of the vote. The Council was criticised for not releasing the tallies from each of the 30,000 polling booths nationwide, only promising to do so in the “coming hours,” hampering the ability to verify the results.
The election period was marked by tension and sporadic violence, including a fatal incident in Tachira state and confrontations at polling sites in Caracas, reported Reuters. Police intervened to disperse a protest in Catia, a stronghold of Maduro’s supporters. The election results held heavy implications for Venezuela’s future. Amid an ongoing economic crisis and mass emigration, opposition leaders and supporters hoped that a change in leadership could restore stability. The country, grappling with severe inflation and widespread shortages, has been yearning for economic and political reform.
International reaction has been swift. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and several Latin American leaders, including Chile’s Gabriel Boric and Guatemala’s Bernardo Arevalo, expressed concerns about the credibility of the results. Blinken stated, “We have serious concerns that the results announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people.”
Blinken criticised the Venezuelan National Electoral Authority, questioning its independence and alleging it serves as an extension of Maduro’s government. Maduro’s previous re-election in 2018 has been widely denounced as fraudulent by the international community.
San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Mayor Earl Trapp wants the United Democratic Party to expel Collet Area Representative, Patrick Faber.
Trapp, who is the only UDP mayor in the country, wrote to party chairman Michael Peyrefitte on July 26th. In the letter, Trapp tells Peyrefitte that Faber committed violations and made “disparaging remarks regarding the Party Leader and the Party, which bring our entire Party into disrepute and violate the Party Constitution as well the August 20, 2022 and May 27, 2023 NPC Resolutions which prohibit members according Article 5(5) from engaging in behavior that is injurious to the Party.”
“Recently, when I spoke of the need for the UDP to reform, this is exactly one of the points that needs to be addressed, Party Officials whose repeated actions are not in the best interest of the Party must be held accountable,” he continued.
Trapp stressed that the party cannot allow repeated violations of its Constitution or NPC Resolutions without penalty. He said Faber’s destructive behaviour erodes public trust in the UDP and undermines their chances in the upcoming general elections.
He called for Faber’s expulsion, in accordance with NPC Resolution 5/27/23, to rid the UDP of internal elements with ulterior motives.
Trapp believes that Faber’s continuous disrespect for the Constitution and disregard for the party’s best interests necessitate his expulsion.
The matter is expected to be addressed at the NPC meeting on August 3, 2024.
On July 25, Faber took to Facebook to post: “I do not support dictatorship and censorship! If I’m unable to say how I feel in the party’s internal structures, I’ll say it here loud and clear! I don’t support the dictator leader of the UDP and he must go!”
Former UDP leader Patrick Faber has publicly called for the removal of current party leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow, citing concerns over leadership and internal party dynamics. This is not the first time that Faber has made these types of comments against Barrow.
“Іf І’m unаblе tо ѕау hоw І fееl іn thе раrtу’ѕ іntеrnаl ѕtruсturеѕ, І’ll ѕау іt hеrе lоud аnd сlеаr!… hе muѕt gо,” Faber said in part on Facebook.
The situation follows reports of an informal meeting of UDP standard bearers, including prominent figures like Tracy Panton, John Saldivar, and Beverly Williams, convening to discuss ‘general reform’ within the party.
Prior to these new developments, on Friday, July 19, Barrow dismissed calls for his resignation as “propaganda” orchestrated by his detractors. He denied any intention to step down, asserting his commitment to lead the UDP through its current challenges. “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.” Barrow said.
With tensions running high and factions within the party openly advocating for change, the UDP is preparing for its upcoming National Party Council meeting on August 3rd.
Things are getting tense in the United Democratic Party. As we reported earlier this week, a meeting consisting of eighteen ‘anti-Shyne’ U.D.P. standards bearers met in Orange Walk to discuss ‘general reform’. The party leader, Moses Barrow, has described such a meeting as ‘phantom’. But, the threat to his leadership within the party is real. Albert Area Representative, Tracy Panton, is emerging as Barrow’s contender. And, her supporters are not afraid of showing it. Several prominent U.D.P. figures, including Patrick Faber, and Beverly Williams, took to Facebook to pledge their support for Panton, using the phrase “I am with her.” Along with them was John Saldivar, who is no longer the party’s regional leader for the west. Barrow says that Saldivar was ousted. However, sources say that Saldivar smelled the rat from a mile away and resigned before he was replaced for supporting Panton. Omar Figueroa is the new regional leader for the west for the U.D.P.
Are moves being made for U.D.P. Albert Area Representative Tracy Panton to challenge Moses “Shyne” Barrow for the party’s leadership? Tonight, the United Democratic Party is displaying signs of significant internal division. Key figures within the party have reportedly launched a petition to remove Barrow as Party Leader. As we reported on Monday, eighteen U.D.P. standard bearers met in Orange Walk to discuss “general reform.” Panton, second deputy leader Beverly Williams, and former leaders Patrick Faber and John Saldivar participated in the meeting. And things are moving fast as Saldivar, the U.D.P. Standard Bearer for Belmopan, has reportedly called a meeting with the party’s western standard bearers tonight. Plus, Panton’s supporters are making it publicly known that they are with her. Several prominent U.D.P. figures took to Facebook to pledge their support for Panton, using the phrase “I am with her.” Among those who made these social media posts were John Saldivar, Patrick Faber, and Beverly Williams. Except for John Saldivar, who wrote, “the first loss she took it on the chin, now all she is going to do is win,” no one gave an explanation behind their post. Today we caught up with the Chairman of the U.D.P., Michael Peyrefitte, and we asked him about the U.D.P.’s internal turmoil. Here is how he responded.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“Well I think it is only on social media because social media exists. There have been riffs in the U.D.P. since its formation in 1983. So that is nothing new. That is not news. That is what we do. We are active. We are not monolithic. We have our opinions. We have our positions that we take and we create an environment where people can express themselves and say what they want. So, I don’t see it as a riff. It’s just what we do.”
Paul Lopez
“Do you know if there is an intention to overthrow the current party leader. We interestingly See individuals like Patrick Faber, Beverly Williams, throwing support behind Tracy Panton.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I haven’t heard of that. I am not aware of any intentions. I know we have a party leader. There is a process if you want to change party leaders. I don’t know that any such process has begun. But, time will tell. I mean like I said earlier we don’t put a limit on what people can do in the party. If that is what they want then that is what they do. But I don’t know. I am not hearing anything like that.”
Paul Lopez
“Are you aware that there was a meeting in Orange Walk yesterday. I understand Patrick Faber was at that meeting as well as Ms. Bev and that perhaps that is where a lot of this originated and the idea of replacing Mr. Barrow for Ms. Tracy originated.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“No, I am not aware of such meetings. I am only aware of central executive meetings and N.P.C. meetings. Any other meeting other than that, and I know we have a national party council meeting on August third. But other than that I am not aware of any other meeting.”
Paul Lopez
“What is scheduled to be discussed at that meeting and will the party’s leadership moving forward be discussed?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I cannot say what will be discussed at that meeting but leadership issues cannot be discussed there. According to our constitution the N.P.C. cannot discuss that, there is a different procedure for that. But, we always have N.P.C. meetings after an election to discuss what we did right, what we did wrong. As far as I am aware that is the purpose of the meeting. But of course, the party can bring up any other matter at any time to discuss. But when it comes to, as you are alluding to, I am not aware of it, but as far as I know, when it comes to removing a leader there is a process that has to take place that has nothing to do with the N.P.C.”
Paul Lopez
“Where do you stand personally? Do you remain neutral? Is your position that you have to remain neutral?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I remain in the position of whatever is in the best interest of the party. If there is a petition, then that petition then that petition has to be fleshed out. But I will not participate in anything that reduces the rich history of the UDP and I will make sure that whatever is done is done fairly and within the constitution of the party.”
And, Peyrefitte says he is not acknowledging any rumors or reports of a plot to overthrow Moses “Shyne” Barrow because he has not received any official correspondent. We also asked him where he stands on the issue and if he believes the U.D.P. can return to office with Barrow at the helm.
Paul Lopez
“What do you say to these individuals, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar, Bev Williams, individuals who you have relationships with. They are a part of the fabric of this party, and some would argue long before the current leader.”
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“I would say nothing to them at this point.”
Paul Lopez
“Is there any intent to bring them all together in a meeting of sort and have a discussion on how the party can move forward with a unified front?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“We talk every day and that is what we strive for. So, to attempt to do that is nothing more than we do every day, so.”
Paul Lopez
“In your view, can the United Democratic Party return to office with Moses “Shyne” Barrow at the helm?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I will say if the P.U.P. can have Johnny Briceño as their prime Minister and their leader anybody can be prime minister then anybody can be prime minister. So I am confident that is possible.”
Paul Lopez
“What’s your thoughts on the idea that the party basically has the leader of the Opposition because you need his financing. He is the financier right now.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“Listen, the people of the U.D.P. will decide that. It is not something for us to analyze. I mean the people will decide whether or not they want to keep Mr. Barrow as leader or whether they want to remove him. That is totally for the people if we get that far.”
Paul Lopez
“So you do acknowledge there is a riff.”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I never said there was a riff. You are saying there is a riff. I haven’t received anything to indicate there is a change. I don’t have anything in front of me. I won’t follow what social media says or what rumors say or what people put in a chat. If I don’t get official documentation as far as I am concerned, we are carrying along as we are. The U.D.P. survived the walking out of Phillip Goldon you know, Hubert Elrington and we can go back in history. The U.D.P. is an organization that will survive no matter what.”
Finally, from our interview with U.D.P. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, we asked him for his thoughts on the party’s embarrassing loss at the polls for the Toledo East by-election. Peyrefitte was on the ground, working, and says the U.D.P. fought a hard fight. He is predicting that the next general elections will yield much different results.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“I wouldn’t put it in a negative light like that. If you have the Toledo East constituency the entire government was down there to back their candidate in one constituency. You can tell that by the amount of Minister and government vehicles that were down there. I mean they should have beat us by ten to one with the efforts they put in. We did the best we could. We fought the hard fight and we have no regrets about that. We have to do what we can to put our case to the people. If we are not victorious we are not victorious. We go back to the drawing board and recoup. What will he the real test is when the general election come and Osmond Martinez is there by himself. I can tell you this, on election day John Briceño won’t be in Toledo East. You cannot look at what the Government does with full backing and resources against an opposition party. And maybe you know, maybe people decide if we vote for the U.D.P. in that by election there isn’t much they can do for us. That person won’t be a Minister. So maybe they believe if they election someone from the current party they will be able to get something. But the general could be very, very different and we expect it to be very different. I really don’t understand the over analysis of the U.D.P. From 2006 to 2018, twelve years the P.U.P. didn’t win an election, except for some seat in Orange Walk, from 2006 to 2018 and we are only less than one third of that time. Politics works in swings and with the pendulum. Right now, they have the momentum and they are winning at the polls but it’s not to wonder what is so wrong with the U.D.P. People sometimes vote for change and the U.D.P. only looks like some juggernauts because it’s their time.”
It’s been over a week now since the P.U.P. held its convention in Corozal Bay to elect a standard bearer for the next General Elections. On Friday, the sitting Area Representative, Elvia Vega-Samos wrote a Facebook post that quickly drew a response from the party’s chairman, Henry Charles Usher, debunking her claims. The most serious of the allegations were that there were Mexican nationals who were allowed to vote, that persons were allowed to vote with just notepads, and that her supporters were denied the chance to cast their ballots. We were not able to reach Usher for a response, but the party’s press release states in part that the procedure for the finalisation of the Voter’s List for the convention was done with the full participation of both candidates and their representatives, and that only registered voters of the Corozal Bay constituency were allowed to vote. The release also advised Vega-Samos and her supporters to cease immediately from making what it calls further baseless and outlandish public statements. Meanwhile, the successful candidate, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, told News Five she had a machinery of about two hundred and fifty persons who campaigned for her. In terms of the allegations that there were Mexican nationals voting for her, Garcia-Ramirez said there was no way that could have happened. She says she reached out today to Vega-Samos, asking for her support, and is awaiting her response.
Thea Garcia-Ramirez
Thea Garcia-Ramirez, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Corozal Bay
I will tell you categorically that I have no knowledge of any Mexican nationals that were not on the approved voting list and the voting list. The process is you come in with the voters list, and I think that the cutoff date was June, so anybody that was registered to vote, accepted by Elections and Boundaries, to vote as of June 10th, was on the first list. And you can’t be on the national on the elections and boundaries this unless you confirmed to certain requirements, one which is being a Belize national or a member of the Commonwealth, a resident, another sorry, not resident, a citizen of the Commonwealth, having resided in Belize for at least a year. So all the requirements have to be met. And then from that list, there was a vetting that vetting was done with the secretariat and both camps. We signed off on that list with the provision that we are human. We make errors. It was a little bit over six thousand five hundred names on the entire voting list for Corozal Bay as of June 10th. And, you we started about eight o’clock at night to vet, after a hard day of campaigning. We are bound to make mistakes. Like I said, we are human, and with that said, there is a provision at all P.U.P. conventions that if on convention day, both parties, there’s only two, there were only two candidates in this case could, agree that the person was indeed a P.U.P. voter that they would be allowed to vote that what that’s, rule number 14. And on that premise, we both signed. I received a message prior to the convention a day or two before that said to me that provision would no longer be available that was the list. I want to be fair and say that there were voters coming in for both candidates that were not allowed to vote. I have reached out to Honorable Elvia Vega, Minister of State. I’ve asked her to join my executive. I haven’t received – but I just sent it today, so I haven’t yet received a reply, and asked her to come in. let’s join hands. I think this is a real opportunity to show how women handle both victory and defeat. I think it is a teachable moment. I think it is a moment where we can really show our leadership skills, come together and be able to move forward, as a party, as women of the P.U.P. and women in politics on a whole.”
