Lee Mark Chang: “No riff between me and Tracy; She’s My Friend”

United Democratic Party (UDP) Mesopotamia Area Representative Lee Mark Chang has dismissed reports of internal tension ahead of the party’s November 30 convention.

According to Chang, these concerns are complete nonsense. “First and foremost, hogwash. There is no riff between me and Tracy; none at all, and none will ever happen. She’s my friend, and we will always be friends, and we’re not quarrelling over politics, so that’s hogwash that we are fighting,” Chang told News 5.

Chang also stated he respects the party’s decision to allow John Saldivar to put his name forward for chairman of the party.

“I have my own certain opinion on it, but of course the people make the decision at the moment; they decided to allow him to run, so it is what it is.” He added that voters on Sunday will decide if it is Saldivar they want to lead the party’s chairmanship.

Sunday’s convention is seen as an opportunity for the UDP to regroup after a year of public infighting and a fractured performance in the March 12 general elections. If successful, the party could strengthen its role as a robust opposition on key national issues that have laid scrutiny on the Briceño administration in recent weeks.

“The government needs to be held to account and put in check. So definitely a strong opposition is necessary, and we are going to work towards that,” Chang added.

The convention is expected to endorse a new executive, with Panton seeking to become the first female leader of a mass political party in Belize. Moses “Shyne” Barrow will not participate following his losses as Mesopotamia area representative and Leader of the Opposition.