U.D.P. Leader Disowns Alliance for Democracy

Last week, we told you about a group within the United Democratic Party calling itself the Alliance for Democracy. Well, the Leader of the United Democratic Party, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, says he does not acknowledge any factionalism or division within the party, including the alliance. As we reported, the alliance was formed by a group of U.D.P. faithful intent on seeing Albert Area Representative, Tracy Panton, replace Barrow as party leader. Well, Barrow says that according to the party’s constitution, any such alliance is prohibited.

 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition

“Internally we will address our matters. I just put on record though that any alliance is illegal according to our constitution. I see that, or I have heard there is a campaign going on and people are going to media houses every week talking about the constitution. But the fact of the matter is, the constitution. There is a part of the constitution that totally prohibits factionalism, prohibits any type of alliances, any party within a party, it is prohibited by the constitution. They call it factionalism and division. It is totally prohibited by the constitution and furthermore the constitution gives the National Convention the highest authority of the party. I said that the last time and I will say it again, I was elected by the National Convention, not once, but twice. And the second time I waws elected, the National Convention elected me to serve until the general elections. So, there is nothing anyone can do about that, and my urge is for people to put their selfish ambitions aside and focus on the national issues that are hurting our Belizean citizens. There is no such thing as an alliance within the U.D.P. So, I don’t acknowledge any factionalism or division. I don’t acknowledge anyone other than a U.D.P. and the party chairman will deal with whatever letters he has to respond to.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Do you vouch for the character of the party chairman who is being attacked personally as well, accusations that he is bias.”

 

Moses “Shyne” Barrow

“The party chairman is an extraordinary person. All my colleagues that are focused on the next general elections, that is all we want to do, focus on our constituencies.”