Panton Defends UDP Leadership Amid Court Challenge from Barrow

The High Court earlier today heard Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s legal challenge against UDP Leader Tracy Panton and former Secretary General Philippa Bailey regarding the legitimacy of the October 20th “unity convention”. Barrow’s attorney, Christopher Malcolm, argued that the convention was flawed due to “improper notice” and a “lack of evidence verifying voter eligibility,” citing a Jamaican case. He also questioned the authority behind the appointment of the new executive committee. The defence, led by King’s Counsel Peter Knox, said the delegates’ right to vote. However, Barrow maintained the convention violated UDP rules and could not be considered legitimate.

In an interview, Tracy Panton defended her leadership, stating, “The people of this country have spoken, the delegates of the United Democratic Party have spoken, and I am the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.” She added that her leadership was “unanimously supported by all members on opposition side”.

When asked about the potential for mediation outside the court, Panton responded, “We certainly tried, bend backward, if you will, for a mediated process to happen. There is no need to waste, in my opinion, the time of the court when the will of the delegates should not be thwarted by a technicality.” She said that every attempt at mediation had been “denied by the claimant”.

“We have to move forward. We have to accept the will of the delegates. We have to accept the will of the electorate,” Panton Added.