Turning now to politics… yesterday, we showed you Patrick Faber's announcement that he will resign as Leader of the United Democratic Party and Leader of the Opposition at the end of the month. His decision comes in the wake of all the internal and public pressure he's facing, now that the full details of his Fiancée's criminal complaint against him are out in the public domain.
Whenever Faber actually hands in that letter, it will then trigger the heated runup to a convention to select his replacement, which is supposed to take place within 90-days.
The choices are few since the constitution of the UDP says that the party leader has to be a member of Parliament - and there are only 8 of those for the red side - 5 elected, and 3 selected. Those three selected Senators serve at the pleasure of the leader of the opposition - which has changed twice in the in last 7 months and is looking to change again int he next few days - so, the tenure of a Senator is not stable enough to plan a real run for leadership. Then that leaves 5 elected representatives, and right off the bat, we know that Faber is stepping down, and two more, Hugo Patt and Denise "Sister B" Barrow have no interest in the job. So that leaves Tracey Taegar Panton and Moses Shyne Barrow as the only two with ambition and standing to hold the post.
And as was expected today, two of them signaled their interest in the party's top job. In a Facebook post made early this morning, Panton said, quote, "As the first woman in Belize to offer herself to lead a mass political party, I have no illusions that this will be an easy undertaking…"
At noon today, we spoke to Panton at her Albert constituency office about her run at mass party history in Belize.
We start first with her explanation of why she did not join UDP Chairman Michael Peyrefitte in the public call for Faber's resignation.:
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton - Aspirant, UDP Leadership
"At that time, I had indicated to my colleague that should such an incident occur in the future, I certainly could not support him remaining as Party Leader. I think that when you take on that leadership role of any organization, particularly a mass party, your character, and your behavior have to be beyond reproach because you're not only representing yourself here, but you're trying to inspire an entire nation, and of course, lead a political party that has been badly broken, and bruised, and nurse us back to full health. So, when I became aware of the situation again, I went to speak with the party leader and I was clear with him and I reiterated my position to him, how I felt and what I thought needed to be done. I am a mother, I'm a woman, I'm a wife. I have had friends who are very close to me, who have been in similar situations. And so, he said to me, I will do what is right for this party, but my fiancee and I need just a few days some space. And I thought that it was important to allow them that space and time outside of the public hoorah. I mean, there was so much public attention on this situation. So, I didn't think I needed to add to that because there was no question as to what I thought had to be done."
And as you heard in her Facebook post, she is well aware that her bid for leadership could most likely become an uphill battle. She told us that the early signs of support are very encouraging:
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton - Aspirant, UDP Leadership
"I believe it is a desire of all 31 standard bearers, caretakers, [and] elected representatives of the United Democratic Party. We didn't expect to be in this situation. We understand that we have to get back to rebuilding the credibility of the party - if you will - regaining the trust and confidence of the Belarusian people. And that only happens in a very stable environment. There is a vacuum. There is a need for a party leader for the United Democratic Party. And so, I thought that I would offer myself for the leadership position. I understand that my colleague, the Member for Mesop., is also interested. And let's remember democracy is a core value for the United Democratic Party, and so the democratic process will take its course."
Reporter
"The possibility that you do rise to the leadership of the UDP, it would be a historic moment for Belize and the UDP - Also, an uphill battle."
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton
"To win the convention and to lead this nation?"
Reporter
"To win the convention first. Let's start there first."
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton
"I think that's the most difficult hurdle, right? I think once we passed that though if I were to hedge my bets on the sentiments that I have been receiving from the Belizean populace, I think people feel it's time for a woman leadership in this country. I think that because of my track record, because of my years of service to this country, in terms of the things I have been able to do, I think the UDP would have an excellent chance with me leading the team."
Reporter
"Now, do you expect heavy resistance from different quarters of the party to your candidacy?"
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton
"I haven't experienced that yet, but this well, you know, we are not so deep in the campaign as yet."
Reporter
"Are you certain that if you should become the next leader of the UDP, you would be able to maintain that leadership all the way up until the next general election?"
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton
"I hope so. There are no guarantees."
Reporter
"Do you think that Belize is ready for its first woman prime minister?"
Hon. Tracy Taegar-Panton
"Absolutely. If I had any concern about that if I had any doubt in my ability to provide the kind of leadership that this country needs, I would not have offered myself as a candidate."
