Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2025. 1:40 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: British-Belizean businessman and political figure Lord Michael Ashcroft has issued a stern warning about the state of Belize’s democracy, emphasizing the need for a strong and effective opposition.
In a recent appearance on Channel 5 News’ morning program Open Your Eyes, Ashcroft expressed concerns about the country’s imbalance of power, with the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) holding near-total control and the United Democratic Party (UDP) struggling with internal divisions.
Ashcroft did not hesitate to criticize the UDP, stating that “some of the dinosaur politicians of the UDP need to stay out completely. Their time is up.” He attributed the party’s paralysis to the ongoing infighting between factions loyal to Moses “Shyne” Barrow and those backing Tracy Taegar-Panton. This division, he said, has left the PUP unchallenged, allowing the government to act without adequate scrutiny.
Ashcroft urged the UDP to hold an open and transparent internal election to resolve the leadership vacuum and restore public confidence. “The only way the UDP can get itself together is if there is an open election,” he insisted, noting that Barrow still wants to be involved in politics and his opponents do not want him to be.
Without a credible opposition, Ashcroft warned, there is no real check on government power. He described the current administration’s behavior as “naughtiness,” emphasizing the need for a functioning and united opposition to ensure accountability and protect democracy.
But he was skeptical that the two sides would come together after speaking with Party grandees including former leader and Prime Minister Dean Barrow, suggesting that without great compromise a resolution would be near impossible.
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The post Lord Ashcroft warns that Belizean democracy at risk without a strong Opposition appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2025. 1:40 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: British-Belizean businessman and political figure Lord Michael Ashcroft has issued a stern warning about the
The post Lord Ashcroft warns that Belizean democracy at risk without a strong Opposition appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.