U.D.P. Divide Widens With Every Passing Day

The United Democratic Party’s divide widens with every passing day. The central executive has ejected Tracy Panton, Patrick Faber, John Saldivar and Beverly Williams from the party. News Five has received information that as of Wednesday, all these individuals were declared constructively resigned. According to this information, all four politicians were removed from the party because they formed a cabal, “Alliance for Democracy” and are acting in violation of the U.D.P.’s constitution. The central executive referenced a March 2011 U.D.P. declaration in which then party chairman, Patrick Faber deemed Orange Walk East Area Representative Marcel Cardona constructively resigned due to repeated violations of the party’s constitution. So, this is perhaps a scenario where Faber is getting a taste of his own medicine. But Faber says he is not going anywhere. He, along with Saldivar, Panton and Williams took to Facebook today to respond. Faber wrote, “The longest serving member of parliament, former chairman, deputy party leader/ deputy P.M. and former party leader, do you really think you can constructively resign me?”.  John Saldivar said, “this is hogwash. I am now looking at my colleague’s standard bearers to see who will stand up for what is right, what is fair, what is constitutional. I am looking to them to see who will bell the cat before we self-destruct”. Panton and Williams both noted that they have not resigned and neither do they have any intentions to do so. So, will Belizeans see a united U.D.P. anytime soon? Information to News Five is that a team of mediators was established to intervene in the matter. The mediators have since given up on this mission. The team was comprised of Reverend David Goff, former House Speaker Laura Longsworth, Aldo Salazar and the party’s National Campaign Manager, Lindsay Garbutt. Reverend Goff wrote to both Barrow and Panton saying that they have only met once with both groups, however, given the recent events taking place, they believe that they cannot continue the process. The Alliance for Democracy says has scheduled a press conference for Monday morning. We will continue to follow.