By Belize Live News Staff: Belize is set to witness a historic moment as Tracy Taegar Panton becomes the country’s first female Leader of the Opposition. Panton will take her oath this afternoon at the Belize House in Belmopan, marking a milestone in the nation’s political landscape.
At 55 years old, Panton has built an extensive career in public service and politics. She first entered the House of Representatives in 2015 as the elected representative for the Albert Division and has since held key governmental roles, including Director of Tourism and Minister of State for Economic Development, Petroleum, Investment, Trade & Commerce.
Her journey to leadership has not been without challenges. After months of internal party struggles within the United Democratic Party (UDP), she emerged as the chosen leader of the opposition, making history as Belize’s 12th opposition leader—and the first woman to ever hold the role.
This achievement comes as she marks a decade in elected office, symbolizing not just her personal political success but also a shift in Belize’s political dynamics.
