Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2025. 8:20 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton says she has been formally vindicated following today’s court ruling that deemed her expulsion from the party last year unlawful and unconstitutional. The judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice Hondora in Claim No. 661 of 2024, highlighted the violation of Panton’s rights to due process and outlined the failures of the party leadership in adhering to their own constitutional protocols.
The court’s findings stated that Panton did not receive a fair hearing, nor was there a proper investigation conducted by the Ethics and Integrity Committee prior to her removal. This alleged abuse of power, primarily attributed to the actions of then-Party Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow and then-Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, is characterized as a dark chapter in the party’s history, showcasing a disregard for internal democracy and constitutional safeguards.
Panton acknowledges that the leadership’s subsequent refusals to honor petitions for a National Convention left her and her supporters with no avenue other than to take action themselves. The “Unity Convention” held on October 20, 2024, she maintains, emerged as a necessary response to restore legitimacy and ensure that the voices of party delegates were heard, despite the court ruling that the convention did not strictly conform to party rules.
In light of this ruling, Panton expressed her respect for the court’s authority but also called attention to the erosion of democratic principles within the party due to the leadership’s actions. The statement outlined the importance of moving forward with renewed determination, emphasizing the need for unity and reform among party members.
Panton noted a response to her recent communication with Vice Chairman Alberto August, who confirmed plans to define the party’s next steps, marks a positive development in restoring party unity.
Moving forward, Panton and First Deputy Party Leader, Hugo Patt, have pledged to work together to resolve ongoing matters within the party according to its Constitution, signaling a commitment to act in the best interest of the UDP and its members.
“This is a moment of reckoning for the UDP,” the press release concludes. “Let it also be a moment of rebirth. We stood for due process. We stood for the Constitution. And we will continue to stand—for the Party, its members, and the Belizean people.”
Panton has announced a press conference for tomorrow, Thursday, in Belize City.
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The post Vindication? Opposition Leader says court upheld ‘unlawful expulsion’ from United Democratic Party appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2025. 8:20 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Panton says she has been formally vindicated following today’s court
The post Vindication? Opposition Leader says court upheld ‘unlawful expulsion’ from United Democratic Party appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
