The UDP's National Party Council which is the party's second highest decision making body met in person on Saturday at party headquarters sin Belize City.
The main resolution was one to endorse Party Leader Shyne Barrow, quote, "at the next National Convention to continue to serve as Party Leader until the National Convention held after the next General Elections...."
Many doubted that Barrow - who is not universally loved in his party - wouldn't get the votes, but to the surprise of many, he sailed right through….
When the count was taken the resolution was carried with a super majority, 102 in support and 16 opposed. The resounding outcome is seen as a product of the renewed alliance between Barrow and the party's Caucus for Change.
Today we asked Barrow about it - and he said it's important for party unity and stability to do the opposition's work:
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I am extremely grateful that by a vote of 102 to 16, there were 118 people in attendance that the national party council almost unanimously voted that I will remain the party leader going into the general elections and I also congratulate my deputy leaders, the party chairman and the vice chairman who were also endorsed to continue to serve the party."
Reporter
"Where do you stand on the caucus for change? They seem to be a moving force behind the party at this point and a lot of these standard bearer candidates are a part of that operatus."
Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"I enjoy a very strong relationship with the caucus, but I enjoy a very strong relationship with many people who are not members of the caucus; Pickstock, Freetown, Caribbean Shores, Queen Square, Cayo Central, Cayo Northeast, Cayo West, Toledo West - so the party is vibrant. The caucus for change is a very integral part of my leadership. It has always been. I would be dishonest to tell you anything otherwise. They are the ones that help thrust me into the leadership seat, we continue to enjoy a strong relationship, but I have done all that I could since the day that I was elected to build other relationships and that is why you see a result of 102 in favor of me leading the party into the next general elections as opposed to 16. So that's a total of 26 constituencies versus 4 or 5. That says a lot as to the work that I have been doing to bring everyone together and we will continue to work to bring everyone together."
The Party now moves to a National Convention to endorse Barrow August 13th.
