The interminable UDP soap opera continued today when another press release - the third in 18 hours - was issued today by the Shyne Barrow UDP. That release rejects Tracy Panton's interpretation that the High court has confirmed that she is a member of the UDP.
The release says that the judgement in fact confirms that it is for the UDP to determine whether Tracy Panton is still a member.
So, Panton's side - which was declaring victory - is now back on the defensive. Here's what she told us in response today.
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"I haven't seen the most recent recent press release from Jamal Barrow, purporting to be from the UDP because I am very doubtful that the part will hold itself out to be in contempt of court and so I'm clear that press release was sent by Jamal Barrow. The matter is the judge explained as he did the first time that the inner workings of the party is not for the court. However, the matter of law is for the court. The party can choose to take action against me in the future but it has to do so through the proper processes and provisions of the constitution of the party, which it failed to do, therefore making the purported expulsion unlawful, illegal, invalid and void of any legal effect."
Reporter:
"How does this recent back and forth impact the journey towards unity in your view?"
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"I think it's highly unnecessary. I think going back to court was highly unnecessary save and except that you cannot trample on the rights and privileges of members. You cannot trample on the rights and privileges of elected officials or appointed officials, hence we had to go back to court. It is my hope, now that this matter is finally settled, that we can move forward in a genuine effort to stop the hemorrhaging. We have bled to death in my view, stop the hemorrhaging and move forward to unite the party so we can be what we have a mandate to be, a robust opposition that will hold this administration to account."
