Unprecedented: Panton Intends to be the First Female Prime Minister-in-Waiting

Panton describes her ambition to be the next leader of the U.D.P. as unprecedented. She is the first woman who is contesting the leadership of a mass political party in the history of Belizean politics. She says that her thirty-eight plus years in economic development is what is needed at this time for her party, which has been through many adversities since losing the general elections sixteen months ago.

Tracy Panton

Tracy Panton, Candidate, U.D.P. Leadership

“I think it is unprecedented. Quite frankly and I think it would speak volumes about us as a society and us as a party in terms of really championing women in leadership, really looking at women in greater leadership roles, having a very clear seat at the decision-making table. But let’s be fair here. While that would be a tremendous achievement for Belize, I have put my name in the hat because I believe what I bring to the table is what this country needs at this time. It’s a plus. It may be a feather in our cap that I happen to be a female, I am a woman – that’s very clear – but I think leadership qualities and skills, the experience, the expertise, the proven record of my contributions to this country, my integrity, the credibility I bring I think are really what we should be celebrating as citizens of this country.”