Bye-Bye LOO, Shyne Bows Out Gracefully

Interestingly, the decision to reinstate Patrick Faber as Leader of the Opposition was taken one week before the fortieth anniversary of Belize’s independence.  During the official ceremony, the Leader of the Opposition makes his presentation prior to the prime minister taking the podium for a state of the nation address.  According to Panton, it is time for the U.D.P. to present a united front as a strong opposition. 

On the Phone: Tracy Panton, Area Representative, Albert

“I think we have always been very open to speaking openly and honestly in all meetings that we have as a party but I do think that as a team, as a group of standard bearers and caretakers there is the sense that we need to put whatever differences we have aside for now so that we can really focus on being a meaningful part of this democratic process in this country.  We need a strong opposition.  What we see happening with this current administration really is alarming and this gives us an opportunity to put our energy and attention on those issues that are of national importance and what the Belizean people, I think, want to see from us as an opposition.  They want to see us standing up for issues that affect their lives and their livelihoods and that kind of thing.  So I think, in that spirit it was agreed that we need to extend every effort to really come together and forge a way forward for the party and, by extension, for the country.”

In a release issued by Shyne Barrow this evening, the outgoing Leader of the Opposition bade farewell and thanked the U.D.P.’s Opposition Parliamentary Caucus, as well as its shadow cabinet, for the support that was given during his time in office. He says he remains committed to the people of his division.