UDP Convention Overshadowed by Leaked Messages and Internal Rift

The United Democratic Party promised a new era of unity at its National Leadership Convention, but behind the scenes, things were anything but calm. Just hours before delegates gathered, leaked WhatsApp messages revealed a storm brewing inside the party. Bitter accusations of betrayal and greed flew back and forth in a group chat, and at the center of it all? Mesopotamia Area Representative Lee Mark Chang. His public endorsement of Roosevelt Blades for Party Chairman provoked strong reactions among supporters of Sheena Pitts, Tracy Taegar-Panton’s pick for the post. An interesting turn of events, considering Chang and Panton joined forces earlier this year under the Alliance for Democracy to take down former leader Moses ‘Shyne’ Barrow. So, what does this mean for the party’s promise of unity? We spoke with both Panton and Chang to get their take on the drama that unfolded just hours before the big event.

 

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“You know, it’s the push and pull  of politics being and young of politics, as I say. There’s no magic wand. There’s no magic formula. Formula. It’s going to take work, real work to unite this party. I believe I’m up to the job to do it. And I believe after today things will settle down. Everybody has their preferred candidate. That’s part of our robust democracy. And I certainly embrace the democracy in the UDP.”

 

Reporter

“Do you think everybody has the same mindset that we need to unite no matter win or lose  today? Everybody needs to unite.”

 

Tracy Taegar-Panton

“I believe so. I believe so. I believe so. I believe that we understand what is at stake. We understand where the country is as a party. We need not want, we need a robust opposition. And to make that happen it is going to require all hands on deck. That is obviously my call to action. Of all those who offer themselves to be of service to the people.”

 

Lee Mark Chang, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“I don’t know what the controversy is about, but if you’re talking about the Facebook posts, we all have a right to voice our opinion and I will voice my opinion.”

 

Britney Gordon

“In speaking with the today’s candidates, they are all speaking towards unity and moving forward, are you confident that we’ll be able to unite this party and have a clear vision moving forward?”

 

Lee Mark Chang

“Once we can allow freedom of speech and freedom of expression, I see us moving forward. But if they’re going to dictate, then there won’t be nothing like that happening.”