By Belize Live News Staff: The United Democratic Party (UDP) leadership has taken a firm stand against rival claims from the Alliance for Democracy Party faction led by former UDP member Tracy Panton. In a formal letter addressed to Police Commissioner Chester Williams, UDP Secretary General Michael Peyrefitte clarified that Phillipa Griffith Bailey, a former Secretary General, holds no legal or trustee authority over the UDP’s assets, specifically the party headquarters located on Youth for the Future Drive.
Peyrefitte’s letter emphasized that the UDP solely owns the property, which was officially transferred to the party by the Government of Belize in 2010. He noted that Mrs. Bailey resigned from her position in 2013, at which time she returned all assets related to her role, invalidating any recent claims she may have made on behalf of the UDP.
The UDP further condemned the recent actions of Tracy Panton and her faction, accusing them of attempting to take control of party assets without legitimate authority. According to Peyrefitte, the Alliance for Democracy Party’s actions, including a recent incident involving breaking locks at the UDP headquarters, amount to “trespassing” and “property damage.” These actions prompted UDP Deputy Chairman Alberto August to file a formal police report against Panton and her associates.
“The UDP leadership remains firmly under Party Leader Shyne Barrow, Deputy Leader Hugo Patt, and Chairman Michael Peyrefitte,” the letter stated, rejecting any claims to the contrary by the expelled members.
This dispute has highlighted deepening divisions within the UDP, with both sides standing their ground. While the UDP leadership has appealed for swift police action to secure their headquarters, the Panton faction continues to challenge the current leadership’s legitimacy. As the feud escalates, the UDP’s official faction has vowed to protect its assets and uphold party integrity amidst the controversy.
