UDP - Channel 5 Belize

Patrick Faber: “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.

We’ll keep following this story.

UDP Standard Bearers Meet to Discuss Party Reform

Reports reaching News Five say that at least eighteen standard bearers of the United Democratic Party (UDP) convened for an informal session today in Orange Walk Town.

We are told that the meeting saw the attendance of prominent leaders, including Tracy Panton, Second Deputy Leader Beverly Williams, and former leaders Patrick Faber and John Saldivar.

Discussions reportedly centred around the call for “general reform,” a necessity highlighted by the Party’s only elected mayor, Earl Trapp.

A National Party Council meeting is reportedly scheduled for August 3rd, where recommendations will be presented concerning the future of the UDP following its devastating defeat in the by-election in Toledo East.

In the election, the PUP’s Dr. Martinez received 3,269 votes, while the UDP’s Dennis “Desho” Williams garnered 1,159 votes.

PUP’s Michel Chebat Fires Back at UDP

The United Democratic Party (UDP) is calling for the immediate resignation or removal of Michel Chebat from the Ministry of Public Utilities. In a statement, the UDP criticised Chebat’s leadership in the ministry. The party said that it has led “unwarranted suffering of the Belizean people, especially the people of the Cayo North constituency.”

The UDP says “Chebat must go in order for the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Public Utilities Commission to prioritise the needs of the public once again.”

In a statement to News 5, Chabet said, “I was elected to serve all the people of Cayo North. Since my election I have been in discussions with BWS to bring water to the communities in Cayo North that do not have access to water. This particular area has increased significantly and the people are without the basic neccessity that water provides. It is my duty to find a permanent solution to that issue. This is not about band aid solutions like the UDP doing.”

Chebat further stated, “The residents deserve to have access to clean running water. And I make no excuse for lobbying to bring water to them.”

According to Chebat, “BWS will regain their initial investment through water bills. That is what plan Belize is all about…we are about bringing permanent solutions for the people and not about grand standing like the UDP.”

Beverly Williams Replaced as UDP Senator

In a letter dated March 25, Opposition Leader Moses Barrow informs Governor General Dame Froyla Tzalam of the appointment of Mark O’Brian as UDP senator. The letter says, “I write to you on this occasion in accordance with Part VI Section 64(2)(e) of the Belize Constitution to advise Her Excellency to declare the seat of Senator Beverly Williams vacant. In accordance with Part VI Section 61(4)(b) of the Belize Constitution, I hereby nominate Mr. Mark O’Brian to fill the seat left vacant by Beverly Williams.”

We note that Williams boycotted the UDP’s National Party Council meeting, which was held on Saturday at the party’s headquarters in Belize City. Instead, Williams joined John Saldivar, Patrick Faber, Edmund Castro, and others for a private meeting at the Biltmore Hotel.