By Belize Live News Staff: In a letter dated July 26, 2024, Earl Trapp, Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena (SISE) and a longstanding member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has called for the expulsion of Patrick Faber from the party. The letter, addressed to Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman of the UDP, highlights a series of alleged violations of the party’s constitution and resolutions by Faber.
The controversy centers around Faber’s recent remarks on social media and in the Reporter newspaper, where he reportedly made disparaging comments about the party leader and the UDP itself. Trapp argues that these actions are not only injurious to the party but also violate Article 5(5) of the UDP Constitution and specific resolutions passed by the National Party Council (NPC) on August 20, 2022, and May 27, 2023.
“Recently when I spoke of the need for the UDP to reform, this is exactly one of the points that needs to be addressed, Party Officials whose repeated actions are not in the best interest of the Party must be held accountable,” Trapp stated in his letter. He emphasized the necessity of accountability within the party, asserting that allowing members to repeatedly violate the constitution and resolutions without consequence would be detrimental to the UDP’s integrity and electoral prospects.
Trapp, who is currently serving his fourth consecutive term as Mayor of SISE, expressed his dismay at Faber’s continued behavior, which he believes erodes public trust in the UDP and undermines its chances in the upcoming General Elections, potentially as early as November this year. He argued that Faber’s expulsion is essential to rid the party of internal elements that are perceived to have ulterior motives and are contributing to the party’s decline.
“Patrick Faber has been publicly attacking the Party from the day we elected our current leader,” Trapp wrote. He recounted that Faber had been removed as Standard Bearer due to his detrimental behavior but was later forgiven and given multiple chances for the sake of unity. However, Trapp now believes that Faber’s continued actions demonstrate a lack of respect for the party’s constitution and its best interests.
The letter concludes with a call for the matter to be addressed at the upcoming NPC meeting on August 3, 2024, underscoring the urgency and seriousness with which Trapp views this issue. The outcome of this internal conflict could have significant implications for the UDP’s unity and its performance in the forthcoming elections.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the party leadership will respond to Trapp’s demands and whether Faber will face expulsion. The internal dynamics of the UDP will undoubtedly be closely watched by party members and political observers alike.
