By the WBWTN News Team | April 24, 2025
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(WBWTN) - The United Democratic Party (UDP) continues to spiral into public disorder as its Secretariat has issued a stern statement denouncing a press release attributed to Tracy Panton as fraudulent.
The release, which mentioned Party Leader Hon. Dr. Shyne Barrow and appeared to speak on behalf of the UDP, was swiftly rejected by the party's current executive structure.
According to the Secretariat, the individuals named in the press release—Tracy Panton, Beverly Williams, Sheena Pitts, and Lee Mark Chang—are not recognized as elected officials of the UDP. Instead, the party maintains that only the duly elected executive, currently led by Hon. Dr. Shyne Barrow, has the authority to speak on behalf of the organization.
The matter of who holds legitimate authority within the UDP is still before the court, with a ruling expected from Justice Honodora following a March 31 trial. The case addresses the legal standing of an October 20, 2024 event and the validity of Tracy Panton's claim to UDP membership.
Until the court delivers its decision, the UDP Secretariat warns that any dissemination of misinformation could result in liability for aggravated damages.
The deepening division within the UDP has led to mounting confusion among party members and the wider public, with this latest clash further highlighting the power struggle that continues to fracture one of Belize’s major political parties.
