Just hours after a court ruling shook up the political scene, the United Democratic Party is making its position quite clear: Tracy Taegar-Panton is not a member of the party’s executive, and according to them, she has no right to speak on its behalf. The statement comes as confusion swirls around Panton’s role and recent public comments. While the court hasn’t issued its final written judgment, the U.D.P. is already pushing back hard, calling her claims misleading and illegitimate. But here’s where it gets interesting: despite the tough talk, returning U.D.P. Chairman Mike Peyrefitte says he’s had “positive” talks with Panton and other party execs, including Shyne Barrow, Hugo Patt and Deputy Chairman Alberto August. He’s calling for unity but also admits he’s not sure if real change is possible. So, what’s really going on here? Is this party trying to come together—or just papering over deep divisions?

 

Mike Peyrefitte, Returning Chairman, U.D.P.

“Bygones will have to be bygones. We have to move forward in the best interest of the party, and I will give it a sincere try. I will try my very best to move it forward and until I determine for my own self and my own personal sanity and my family’s chagrin at my decision to return, I have to decide if I can continue to make a difference or it will just be more of the same. I’ve had discussions with Leader of the Opposition [Tracy Taegar] Panton. I’ve had discussions with Shyne [Barrow], I’ve had discussions with Hugo [Patt], I’ve had discussions with Alberto [August] and the discussions that I’ve had with them, yesterday and today have been very positive. We will see if we can chart a course forward that is in the best interest of the U.D.P., with all of us onboard knowing that we will have to do better.”