And, switching subjects now...
Yesterday, the UDP held its fifth national leadership convention since 2020. It's been five years of instability, infighting, and electoral ineffectiveness. But with the endorsement of Tracy Panton, the party members are hoping this is the start of rebuilding and re-energizing the dormant opposition.
And not only did Panton make history, so did her pick for chairperson - they're both the first women to be serving in those positions in the UDP. But can peace prevail? And will the UDP rise from the ashes of its ruin?
Courtney Menzies was at the convention yesterday and has this story.
Another Sunday convention for the UDP swath party flexing with moderate strength - they drew a fair crowd with national representation. And even though the gathering of supporters may not have had the intensity you'd see at a contested leadership convention - they revelled in their redness.
And they celebrated - the party closes the darkest, most divisive chapter in its history The saga of the UDP's ever changing leaders has finally come to an end with the endorsement of Tracy Panton - the first ever female party leader.
This national convention was held at the same place - Birds Isle - where she first attempted to become leader - losing by only three votes to Shyne Barrow in 2022. But this time, there was no competitor and for her, the only battle she's facing is rebuilding her fractured party.
Tracy Panton, UDP Party Leader
"Our party has been shaken to its core. We're not where we should be. We are not who we must be and we know every single one of us, that the UDP has never been this low in our long and our proud history. We have been divided and we have been wounded. We have been distracted by internal battles when Belize needed us focused on national service. But here is the truth. Rock bottom is not the tomb. It is my friends the turning point. And today, we are at the turning point."
But that's easier said than done - just before the convention, text messages were leaked out showing discord among some members of the party - including Lee Mark Chang. The conflict arose from Chang's pick for chairman - Roosevelt Blades, whereas Panton endorsed Sheena Pitts.
Still, Panton said that's part of the political game.
Tracy Panton, UDP Party Leader
"It's the push and pull of politics. The Yin and the Yang of politics as I say. There's no magic wand, there's no magic formula, it's going to take work, real work, to unite this party, I believe I'm up to the job to do it and I believe that after today things will settle down. Everybody has their preferred candidate. That's part of our robust democracy and I certainly embrace the democracy in the UDP."
And a major push and pull she dealt with to get to her seat was the power struggle with the former leader, Shyne Barrow. However, in his speech, he wished her the best:
Shyne Barrow, Former UDP Party Leader
"We occupy these spaces, whether party leader, opposition leader, standard bearer temporarily. Even life is for a moment before we transition to eternity. However, what lives forever are the ideals and principles of altruism, service, and empowerment."
"As I engaged in the peaceful, united, transfer of leadership to my successor, the Honorable Tracy Panton, I pray that the creator impart her with the wisdom, knowledge, understandings and political will to execute effective strategies in the rebuilding processes of our United Democratic Party so that we can enter the halls of the Sir Cain building once more when the next general elections are called."
And while Panton was endorsed, there were three candidates for chairperson - all of whom felt they had put in the work necessary to win.
Sheena Pitts, Chairperson, UDP
"That work encompassed visited everyone, calling with everyone far and wide. Texting with some of them far and wide. And you know what was lovely about it? despite whatever misinformation, when the people met me, when they heard from me, I was well received and that was refreshing and that gave me the momentum and the push to keep going every time I got a little tired, whenever somebody said, don't worry Ms Pitts, you're the right person for the right reason because you represent change, you represent what the party needs right now and it kept me going and it has me here."
Roosevelt Blades, Ran For Chairman
"I bring more than experience to the table, I bring tools to the table, I'm going to bring innovative ideas to this party that will revolutionize the UDP and it will make a humongous difference."
John Saldivar, Ran For Chairman
"I know the delegates, I've spoken with them, I've traveled this country from north to south, east to west and the response has been great."
Courtney Menzies:
"Some would say you've given the UDP a black eye and now you're coming back trying to take a position on the executive."
John Saldivar, Ran For Chairman
"That is an elitist view. That is not the view of the common people and I think that will be proven today when we deal with the delegates who are basically the common people. I'm hoping when the results come out and it's positive for me, the media and everybody else is going to realize this is a different game. This is not an elitist game, this is not for the rich people, this is for the common people."
But in the end, Pitts won with an overwhelming majority of 326 votes, while Saldivar received 99 and Blades got 75. It's a strong showing and really an endorsement of her leader's executive imprint. She also makes history as the first female UDP chairperson and she said she's ready to put in the work.
Sheena Pitts, Chairperson, UDP
"My reputation of standing and fighting in the Senate, in the public domain, I come with the fire that I intend to put into all the strategies that we have already begun to work on and when I tell you, we're coming roaring, we're coming ready and we're coming for the PUP because guess what, the people's win with me today represents that we are serious and ready to govern this country and it is my responsibility to join with the leadership team to ensure that our party heals, unites, and rebuilds with the vision to form the next government and when I tell you, I am committed to being the work horse to accomplish that, that is what I mean."
And for Vice Chair, John Castillo won with 300 votes to Ivan Williams' 183.
