Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, rejected Sunday’s national convention held by the Alliance for Democracy (AFD) in Belize City.
Barrow condemned the AFD and its leader, Tracy Taegar-Panton, accusing them of “continued fraud and deception.”
Barrow described the AFD’s attempts to mislead the public as “malicious, unscrupulous, and anti-democratic.”
“The ADP is a third party formed by some members of the old guard who left the UDP because they rejected the Party’s anti-corruption and political reform agenda under the leadership of Shyne Barrow, Hugo Patt, Michael Peyrefitte, Alberto August, and the Executive,” said Barrow.
Barrow reiterated its leadership team, stateing that it remains resolute “until the next UDP National Convention to be held 90 days after the next General Elections,” he added.
On Sunday, the Alliance for Democracy (AFD), led by Albert Area Representative Tracy Taegar Panton, held what is described as a ‘unity convention’ at Belize City’s Civic Centre.
The event gathered many delegates and supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) from across the country.
In an interview with Taegar-Panton at the convention, she stated, “Neither the Party Leader nor the Chairman nor the Executive Leadership Team has greater power than the delegates. The National Convention, which we are having today, is the highest decision-making body of the party.” She said that the convention was convened in accordance with the party’s constitution: “This movement is following the Constitution of the Party in its entirety.”
Taegar-Panton noted that delegates overwhelmingly support the AFD’s call for a leadership change within the UDP, despite Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s claims that AFD leaders and other senior members have been expelled.
Today, Panton took to Facebook to announce the results of yesterday’s convention. In the statement, which branded the official UDP’s press release header, it said, “The United Democratic Party (UDP) is proud to announce that Hon. Tracy Panton has been elected as the Interim Leader of the UDP, making history as the first female to lead a mass political party in Belize.”
The announcement detailed, “A total of 347 out of 528 delegates participated in a critical vote to determine the future leadership of the UDP. The question posed was clear: “Do you support the recall of Moses Shyne Barrow as Party Leader of the UDP?” The results were resounding: 334 delegates voted YES, while 13 delegates voted NO.”
According to the statement, the AFD executive, which claims to replace the UDP leadership, includes Hugo Patt as First Deputy Leader and Beverley Williams as Second Deputy Leader. Sheena Pitts and Lee Mark Chang were announced as Interim Chairperson and Vice-Chairman respectively at the convention.
Former area representatives, including Anthony “Boots” Martinez, Manuel Heredia Jr., and Edmund “Clear the Land” Castro, were also in attendance, along with former CEO in the Office of the Prime Minister, Audrey Wallace. Notably absent was Hugo Patt.
“There is no confusion—there is only one great UDP, and today’s convention solidified that we are both great and democratic,” the statement wrote.
Disney has unveiled the trailer for the upcoming documentary The Honorable Shyne, which chronicles the extraordinary life of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, a Grammy Award-winning musician who transitioned into politics. Barrow rose to fame in the late 1990s as a rising rap star, but his career was abruptly halted after being charged in connection with a high-profile New York nightclub shooting involving rap mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs. In 2001, Barrow was convicted and sentenced to ten years in prison, while Combs was acquitted.
Following his release, Barrow returned to his homeland of Belize, where he shifted his focus from music to politics, eventually becoming the Leader the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives.
“This documentary provides an intimate look at Shyne’s personal evolution as he navigates fame, incarceration, and a return home to Belize, where he finds new purpose and strives to lead his country to a brighter future.”
The Honorable Shyne is set to premiere on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in the U.S. on November 18, 2024. International release details have yet to be announced.
The body of a middle-aged man was found floating in the Mopan River near the Belize western border over the weekend. The body was reportedly in an advanced state of decomposition.
The remains retrieved from the river on Saturday were transferred to a morgue. A post-mortem examination is pending. The body is believed to be that of 53-year-old Nery Antonio Cardona Sagatume.
According to the brother of the deceased, Fredy Cardona, Sagatume left home on October 16 wearing clothing that matched the description of what was found on the body.
Initial investigation indicated no visible injuries and no foul play is suspected. This is an ongoing investigation.
A shooting incident over the weekend has left a 39-year-old construction worker hospitalised. Reports indicate that Lenny Bengeuche sustained two gunshot wounds and was taken to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for treatment.
According to Bengeuche, two men dressed in dark clothing shot fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot.
When officers from the Ladyville Criminal Investigations Branch (CIV) arrived at Egbert Quilter Street, the officers discovered an abandoned black 24-inch male-frame beach cruiser bicycle at the location. However, no bullet shells were found.
No arrests have been made. The police continue to investigate.
Police in Dangriga have initiated a murder investigation following the discovery of a dismembered body found in a barrel near a resort. The barrel containing the body parts was reportedly discarded in the sea.
Police conducted a search at a local meat shop as part of the investigation. Initial evidence suggests that the gruesome dismemberment may have occurred at this location. A local butcher has been taken into custody in connection with the case.
