By Belize Live News Staff: Dean Barrow has given a candid assessment of the state of his party.
Speaking with 7 News, the former Prime Minister said the United Democratic Party has not yet come together as a strong and effective Opposition, and that this is helping the PUP’s chances at the next election.
Barrow was careful to say this is not a criticism of the party or its leadership. He praised Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, saying she is making every effort to lead from the front.
Still, he said there are objective reasons the Opposition has struggled to gel.
Barrow argued that under normal circumstances, the PUP would pay a price at the polls. He claimed that many ministers have been caught doing things that are grossly wrong, saying too many had been caught “with their hands in the cookie jar.”
But he said that because of what he called a lack of muscularity on the Opposition side, many Belizeans are beginning to accept the idea of a third PUP term.
His comments come as the PUP faces scrutiny over the “Mira Millions” procurement scandal and a recent Cabinet reshuffle, and after Prime Minister John Briceño confirmed he will lead the party into 2030.
What do you think, Belize? Is the UDP ready to challenge the PUP in the next general election?
