U.D.P. Belize Rural South Standard Bearer Removed By N.P.C.

Jazelie Azueta

Last week, we told you about the decision made by the U.D.P. Belize Rural South Executive Committee to disassociate itself from the U.D.P. protest that took place in San Pedro Town during the Belize Investment Summit. A release from the committee at the time stated that the executive and standard bearer, Jazelie Azueta, are in disagreement of the plans to protest because it is not in accordance with the island’s culture.  Well, that decision did not bode well for Azueta and her team. On Friday, the United Democratic Party called an emergency National Party Council meeting for Saturday. The matter that was on the agenda for deliberation was the removal of the Belize Rural South Standard Bearer, Jazelie Azueta and any of her executive members who sanctioned and published the public statement. The central executive of the U.D.P. believed that the statement injured the party and was in violation of the constitution and two of the NPC’s latest resolutions. During the emergency meeting, fifty-seven members voted in favor of removing Azueta as standard bearer. Twelve persons voted against.  Among those who voted against the motion included, the Area Representative for Albert, Tracey Panton, Caribbean Shores’ Andrew Bradley and Cayo North’s Omar Figueroa. This morning, Azueta took to social media to say “I must say that the recent events including my expulsion as Standard Bearer has brought the United Democratic Party to an all time low. It has eroded the most basic core value of the party which is the democratic process”. Azueta also took shots at U.D.P. Party Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow, saying “I wish to send a message to Shyne Barrow requesting that he come down from his high horse and to start respecting the will of the people of Belize and for the NPC to ensure the party leader remains in check… otherwise, he and the U.D.P. will never stand a chance at forming the next government”.  And, late this evening an audio recording of Saturday’s NPC meeting was leaked.  Here is a snippet from how the twenty-minute leaked audio.

Voice of: Moses “Shyne” Barrow

Voice of: Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Party Leader, United Democratic Party

“This is not about making a mistake and oh we are sorry. Nothing will change in San Pedro as far as the deteriorated state it is in right now, according to the delegates themselves. Member from Alberts I don’t believe you were in the meeting on Monday, but in the meeting on Monday the delegates from Belize Rural South said the delegates from Belize Rural South are in shambles. These people claim they are never consulted or given the opportunity to participate. Most importantly they were not consulted on that statement. Can I finish? I did not interrupt you. Can I finish please? So it is important to understand that if we forgive Jaz all this will do is embolden her because there is an attitude that she has and some has out there is that they live in a different world than the UDP and they can do what they want and the reason that is dangerous.”

Voice of: Dianne Finnegan

Voice of: Dianne Finnegan, Member, United Democratic Party

“We are all adults and we have to take responsibility for the things we do when it comes to the party. We are at a vulnerable position and our aim our focus is about reaching victory 2025. So everything we do reflects and revolves around that. Sometimes I feel like people take certain liberty, which has been done since party leader was elected and they do a lot of things to disrespect the party leader. Ms. Jaz I don’t know you, and as women we tend to be a little weaker and tend to want to follow where strength is. I am different and I stand alone. And it doesn’t matter who like me or not, but I will always make a decision that is in the best interest of the people I represent.”

Voice of: Hugo Patt

Voice of: Hugo Patt, Deputy Party Leader, United Democratic Party

“Just a couple of weeks ago when the news came out about Andre Perez, we were rejoicing cause we had the kind of weapon, ammunition, we had the kind we needed to bring down Andre Perez. How did that transpire from bring down a PUP to being here today about to take serious decisions for the party?”