Tracy Panton Resolute on Leading U.D.P.

Tonight, you’ll hear from Tracy Panton, one of the two candidates in the U.D.P. Leadership Convention slated for March twenty-seventh. She spoke with News Five earlier this afternoon via zoom saying that she is resolute on leading the U.D.P. Panton is going head-to-head against Shyne Barrow, who some would say has had a leg up in the race. In breaking her silence since the unfortunate death of her husband Herbert Panton, she says that while there has been a one-week set-back in her campaign, she is now back in the running and going full speed ahead.

Tracy Panton

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

“I am absolutely ready to take on the leadership of the United Democratic Party. I think it is important not just for the party, but for Belize. We need to have a stable, robust opposition so that we can hold the present government administration to account and we can also present a viable alternative for Belizeans in terms of good governance in this country. When I decided to offer myself as a candidate for the leadership position when the vacancy became available, I did so very thoughtfully, very prayerfully, and with the full support and the backing of my family. And so there is no reason I think for me to back down at this stage. We certainly have had our personal adversity, it is going to take us a very long time to recover from the situation we find ourselves in – that’s for sure – but leadership is about pushing beyond the adversity. You don’t cower away if you are a good leader when adversity strikes, in fact you push forward. And I am absolutely sure that Herbert and my children would want me to continue in this fight. In fact, Duane, it was the very last conversation that he and I had. That I must continue being the warrior woman I was, to continue to fight for the party and continue most importantly to fight for Belize. So I am resolute in my commitment.”