Patrick Faber says, “Don’t believe the hype.” He’s vehemently denying claims that he crashed Saturday’s meeting just to stir up trouble. According to Faber, that version of events is completely backwards. He insists he was on his best behavior, even if he did refuse to leave when asked. And as for the real disruption? Faber says he was the one who got confronted by none other than former Belize Rural Central candidate David Almendarez. Here’s how Faber breaks down what really went down inside that meeting room.
Patrick Faber, Lead Opposition Senator
“And for those who believe the narrative that I went their and created a scene. I know that you and others were their. You saw me go up to that meeting and I saw you took my picture and when I went up there, let me tell you what happened because the narrative spun is completely different. I was greeted with hugs and handshakes. I made my way to the left corner of the room by the podium and I sat their and refused to move and I sat their quietly and endured the abuse, very little from Michael Peyrefitte, which clearly shocked me. He clearly has something personal, because in the room he had very little to say. He did not even ask me to leave. It was Alberto August who asked me to leave and I said quietly to August I am not leaving, I have all rights to be here, I have not been expelled. I am a former leader, a lead senator, I have all right to be here. I know that as a former party leader, in fact Peyrefitte said Shyne is a member of the central executive and the NPC and national convention for life and so is Dean Barrow, well so is Patrick Faber. In fact the only ruckus that happened is when David Almendarez physically assaulted me and that was when, cause I heard you say on your report you said their was a ruckus and you heard they assault me. Others had to intervene to say that is disrespectful to our former leader, put the man down. That was what happened. And when Yellowman came in, not to ask me to leave, he said Faber has a right to be here. I will show you the video where Shyne Barrow phsycally picked up yellow and pushed him through the door. That is what caused the ruckus.”
So, where does the United Democratic Party go from here? Well, that really depends on who you’re talking to. Ask Moses “Shyne” Barrow or Michael Peyrefitte, and they’ll tell you the door is wide open; Panton, Beverly Williams, and John Saldivar are welcome back in the fold. But Tracy Panton? She’s not buying it. In fact, she’s calling for a full-on leadership reset, saying Barrow shouldn’t even be steering the ship. According to her, it’s time for serious change at the top.
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition
“Let me be clear, Jamal Barrow lost in Mesop. He came in third in a three man race. And, any prudent and responsible leader of the UDP would respect the will of the people. He cannot, under the current constitutional construct be the leader of the UDP. He lost his seat. And so, the rest of us in this party need to come together and stand firmly on what is constitutionally right and more important what the people of this county are saying, what they said in the general election and what they are saying now. We need a leadership reset in the UDP and we must allow that to happen in the shortest amount of time.”
Just weeks after the government wrapped up tough negotiations with the teachers’ and public service unions, another union is stepping into the spotlight and they’re not coming quietly. This time, it’s the UB Faculty and Staff Union demanding action. Their call is for a ten-million-dollar subvention which they say has been overdue for nearly a decade. And this morning, they made their voices heard, marching right up to the prime minister’s office to send a clear message that they are done waiting. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the ground in Belmopan and brings us the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
The call is growing louder for the Briceño administration to make good on a promise to the University of Belize. At the heart of it? A ten-million-dollar subvention that the UB Faculty and Staff Union says is long overdue. When the university was first established back in 2000, it received the full ten million from the government. But that figure was slashed to eight-point-five million under the previous UDP administration, a move the now-ruling People’s United Party strongly criticized at the time. Fast forward to today, and despite pledges to restore and even increase the funding, the union says the government still hasn’t delivered.
Julianne Pasos
Julianne Pasos, President, UB Staff & Faculty Union
“Last year we called year we called out the government on their promise and they put a true press release saying that it was due to COVID. They could not live up to that. But they promise that in this budget, in the budget for this fiscal year, they would increase it and the budget was red and there is no promise for increase.”
Staff at the University of Belize say morale is at an all-time low as the institution grapples with dwindling resources and struggles to offer competitive salaries to its educators. The UB Faculty and Staff Union is calling on the government to restore its financial support to at least ten million dollars, arguing that the boost is essential to keep the university functioning effectively. However, not everyone agrees. ander Francis Fonseca says the government is already providing significant funding and suggests the university needs to manage its current budget more efficiently.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Former Minister of Education
“They have obviously have every right to protest it, the UB Union. What I can say for the record is that this government, this Ministry of Education, has provided unprecedented support to UB. In addition to the subvention that they get, we provide over five million dollars a year in assistance to university, which is used to pay salaries, which is used to provide support to students. Unprecedented support. More money is going to UB under this government than ever before.”
It’s a growing divide at the University of Belize, the government says it’s doing its part, but staff say they’re still being left behind. Former Education Minister Francis Fonseca insists that extra funding is helping to pay teachers. But here’s the catch, university staff say they haven’t seen a real raise in nearly a decade. Now, the President of the Christian Workers Union, Leonora Flowers, is stepping in, throwing her support behind the university’s faculty and staff.
Leonora Flowers
Leonora Flowers, President, Christian Workers Union
“For ten years. Imagine living on the same salary for ten years. You can’t pay your bills properly. You can’t, you’re barely surviving. You’re barely making ends meet, and you’ve been promised this increase. And it has not come about, as I said ‘todos ganamos’, but we really, who’s winning, the people of the UB aren’t winning. The citizens of Belize aren’t winning.”
The union’s peaceful demonstration occurred just outside the Sir Edney Cain Building in Belmopan, where government officials were arriving for a scheduled cabinet meeting. It turns out the timing was no accident. The University of Belize staff made sure their voices were heard, loud and clear. Their message was a protest and a strategic move. And it worked. Minister of Transport Dr. Louis Zabaneh has confirmed that the issue will be brought to the Cabinet table.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“Well have to discuss it at cabinet, right? That’s the idea for everybody to be here to let cabinet hear the voice of the people and especially for hardworking faculty at UB. So we’ll see how it goes.”
Britney Gordon
“So is that on the table for today?”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“I believe so. I think that was mentioned that we would be discussing it, but we’re here to talk about all the important issues that the country faces, and of course we hear our wonderful faculty from UB.”
According to UBFSU President, Julianne Pasos. The increased funds would not only benefit the teachers’ pay, but also the university’s infrastructure and classroom resources.
Julianne Pasos
“I believe that the faculty and staff will push for it until they get it. So in terms of classes, we hope that, and we call on our students to be understanding the increase in subvention is for all of us because if we can improve the university, we can improve it for our students, for our faculty, and our staff. And in terms of moving the class, it might be a little sacrifice that we all have to do.”
The fight isn’t over yet, not by a long shot. While there’s still no guarantee that the University of Belize will get the increased government subvention it’s asking for, the union isn’t backing down. Union leader Julianne Pasos says if the government doesn’t follow through on its promise, they’re ready to take the next step and that means turning up the pressure on the university’s administration and board of trustees. Britney Gordon for News Five.
With gun violence and organized crime on the rise, the government says it’s time to strengthen the fight. This Wednesday, the public will get a chance to weigh in on the proposed Thirteenth Amendment during a consultation at Swift Hall. Now, officials are making it clear, this isn’t about introducing new laws but about giving the Constitution more teeth to enforce the ones already on the books. And alongside that push, the government is also calling for a specialized gun and gang court to tackle the growing threat of illegal firearms and bold criminal activity head-on.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Homa Affairs & New Growth Industries
“You know the thirteenth amendment is a constitutional amendment and we are engaging in the public consultation this Wednesday I believe deputy this Wednesday at swift hall ten AM on Wednesday at Swift Hall, in terms of the thirteenth amendment I’ve said it before and Ill say it again this is not a new legislation this law has been in existence since the year nineteen ninety three we are merely moving it, upgrading it, so to speak to give it an extra layer of protection in our constitution as deputy was able to demonstrate today in our COMSPTAT meeting in explaining the contents of this thirteenth amendment there are more safeguards now in this thirteenth amendment with the declaration of special areas than there are state guards for the state of emergency law that both administrations ours and the previous have been using when it comes to declaring state of emergency. In terms of the specialized gun and gang court I think the time has come for that because we have seen where so many of the offenses that are happening right now across the streets of this country involve illegal fire arms and there is no fare on the part of criminals to be importing or using shooting people recklessly and the case just a week and a half ago with an elderly mother and her handicap son prove that very point that today criminals know no bounds in todays day and age.”
Former Mesop Area Rep Shyne Barrow has made a move that’s catching everyone off guard. He is throwing his support behind the government’s proposed Thirteenth Amendment Bill. His reason? A heartbreaking double murder in Belize City that claimed the lives of sixty-six-year-old Evadnie Jones and her disabled son, Luke. Barrow says he’s had enough of the violence plaguing our communities. While he’s clear that he doesn’t support any abuse of power, he believes it’s time for bold action against those who continue to terrorize innocent families.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Former Area Rep., Mesopotamia
“I said when I expressed support was on the heels of the murder of Mrs. Jones and her son which is abhorrent, shocking and something has to be done. I have been a vociferous critic of the Briceno administration, minister of police, former ComPol, but at some point you have to find middle ground and support an effort being made to deal with the crisis of crime. It does not mean that I support the violation of anyone’s civil rights. But if we have to make a decision between the civil rights of those terrorizing our nation and those who are innocent civilians, such as the innocent mother gunned down in her yard and her son, then difficult decisions has to be made. I asked the government to consider the constructive criticism of the stakeholders and take into plan, into mind, what it is they say can make the legislation better and let us try to come up with as good a bill as practical.”
Off the coast of southern Belize, something remarkable is happening beneath the waves and it’s being led by women. In Placencia Village, seaweed farming is more than just a livelihood, it’s a movement. These women are not only cultivating the ocean’s bounty, but they’re also building businesses, protecting the environment, and inspiring the next generation to dive into the maritime world with confidence and purpose. News Five has partnered with the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future to highlight its work with various community-based, environmental organizations under the Blue Bond initiative. Here’s Isani Cayetano with the following story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
In the warm, clear waters off Belize’s coast, a quiet revolution is taking root, led by women. In Placencia Village, these ladies aren’t just helping out, they’re leading the way in seaweed farming. It’s more than just a job. For many, including Jalima Gold, it’s a lifeline that supports their families, strengthens their communities, and even helps protect the environment.
Jalima Gold
Jalima Gold, President, Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association
“I’m very passionate about our waters here in Belize and so when I kind of found out that you could do farming in the ocean, that’s for me, personally, kind of where it sparked like an interest, you know. Something that you could farm in the ocean, in the environment where I always felt comfortable and happy.”
Belize is the first country in the Americas to seal a groundbreaking deal that turns national debt into a powerful tool for ocean conservation. Through the Blue Bond initiative, the country has pledged to protect thirty percent of its marine territory, that’s ten thousand, one hundred and thirteen square kilometers of sea space, and it’s doing it by bringing everyone to the table, including the Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association.
Alisha Westby
Alisha Westby, Member, Belize Women Seaweed Farmers Association
“I’ve been hearing about this association for years, through Ms. Jalima Gold. She’s always been a big advocate, and so, through her, I got to know about… that they were even accepting members. I had no idea about all the particulars until like she kinda sat me down and was like, “Hey this is a great association that you should join.”
Back in July 2019, a group of determined seaweed farmers came together to form the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association. Their mission? To grow more than just seaweed. They’re building an industry from the ground up, turning locally farmed Eucheuma into high-value products like seaweed gel and powder.
Jalima Gold
“There are many uses to these same types of seaweed that we have here. We have two different types. We have the Kappaphycus alvarezii and we have the Euchumatopsis isiformis. They are both in the red algae [species], they are part of the red algae. We have brown algae, and we have red. But those two are part of the red algae.”
It might look like just another plant from the sea, but Eucheuma seaweed is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with protein, fiber, omega-3s, vitamin C, and a whole range of essential minerals. In Belize, this seaweed isn’t new, it’s been a staple in traditional drinks and puddings for generations, blending health benefits with rich cultural flavor. And here’s something cool, it’s also the source of a gel-like carbohydrate, a natural thickener used in everything from food to cosmetics.
Alisha Westby
“I have a little business called Natural Goddess Scrub and I use all natural ingredients. So it kinda makes sense that eventually I will add the seaweed into my scrubs, I just have to get the science down. The science is kind of lagging for me. I plan to start making seaweed-based soaps to go alongside with my scrubs that I will eventually, hopefully get the science for to narrow down how to make it to my all-natural, oil-based sugar scrubs.”
When added to soap, they bring a whole lot to the table: natural moisture, gentle exfoliation, and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they give the soap a beautiful green tint and a fresh, ocean-inspired scent. The magic happens when powdered seaweed is mixed into the soap as it thickens, turning a simple bar into a spa-like treat.
Dawn Dean
Dawn Dean, Founder, Barranco Botanics
“Their plan is to use seaweed in all of the soaps that they make. I think, sometimes in Belize, as small business owners, as entrepreneurs, we are reluctant to share our knowledge about how we create what we create. But I personally believe that that there is space in the industry for a lot more soap because, ideally, everyone bathes everyday.”
In seaweed farming communities, it’s often the women who are leading the charge, not just in the water, but in shaping a more sustainable future. They’re the ones championing eco-friendly practices, managing vital resources, and driving local projects that help their communities grow stronger and more resilient.
Our cultivation line three-eights inch.
Jalima Gold
“That’s one of the main things for me. I have a daughter who wants to be a captain. She does scuba diving, she’s in the maritime space and when you talk about women and seaweed, it’s not just women in like the seaweed farming aspect, right. It’s women in maritime space, in general. And so it’s very important for us to start pushing boundaries and kind of breaking those barriers for other young females, young women and little girls to feel like they have a safe space and it’s something that if they’re interested in or if they’re passionate about that they can go forward and do that.”
So, when we talk about women in seaweed farming, we’re really talking about something much bigger; it’s about opening doors across the entire maritime world. Whether it’s farming, diving, or captaining a vessel, women are stepping up and showing the next generation that the ocean is theirs too. And with fishers, scientists, and community leaders all working together through marine spatial planning, Belize is not just protecting its waters, it’s shaping a future where everyone has a place in it. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Last week, we told you about the incredible find at the Caracol Archaeological Site, where researchers believe they’ve uncovered the tomb of an ancient ruler, possibly Caracol’s very first king. But it’s not just the tomb that’s making headlines. Surrounding it was a stunning collection of ancient art and jewelry, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and legacy of the Maya elite. In tonight’s Kolcha Tuesday, we take you inside the tomb and show you how experts are working to preserve these priceless treasures for generations to come. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
They say art speaks across time and deep in the jungles of Belize, it’s doing just that. Archeologists recently uncovered the tomb of an ancient Mayan ruler, and inside, they found more than bones. Dozens of intricately carved and painted artifacts were discovered, each one a masterpiece, crafted with care and fit for royalty. Rumaru Ku, an archaeologist with the Institute of Archaeology, says these pieces are powerful symbols of a civilization that continues to inspire.
Rumaru Ku
Rumaru Ku, Archaeologist, Institute of Archeology
“This person who was actually found in there was of course one of the dynastic rulers. When it comes to that, he was not buried with common households. Items he was buried with very elite, very high-end material. So when it comes to ceramics, you usually find a lot of ceramics everywhere when it comes to sites. These ceramics are really important because not only are they painted, they’re polychrome, meaning that they have different designs on them, but they’re also formed in a way that they present something. So if you see the top of the lids for all of these pieces, they all represent an animal on them. So that itself just goes to show that they took time to make these types of potteries.”
You can tell just how valuable these ancient pieces are by the way they were made, from the materials used to the intricate carvings etched into every surface. Among the treasures found were several pairs of jade earpieces and beautifully detailed bone carvings, each one telling its own story. Right now, these priceless artifacts are being kept safe in a secure facility, where a dedicated team is working carefully to digitalize them, making sure they’re preserved and accessible for generations to come.
Katherine Coye
Katherine Coye, Research & Enforcement Officer, Institute of Archaeology
“But the reason we do this is because sometimes things happen. We live in a region that’s prone, not but we are prone to natural disasters. And because we don’t have maybe sometimes the best facilities that will properly protect these things from floods or hurricanes. One way we can perfectly preserve an artifact as it’s been found, is through digital photogrammetry. So the process of that is taking several pictures from every possible angle of the object, and the program basically stitches those together and it creates a nice little model in 3D space.”
For the past two years, the Institute of Archaeology has been working behind the scenes to digitize Belize’s entire national collection. They’re making the country’s rich history accessible to everyone, no matter where they are, preserving it for generations to come. Husband-and-wife archaeologists Allen and Diana Chase uncovered a tomb believed to belong to an ancient Mayan ruler, not far from another tomb found years ago. Ku says the added to the historical record and strengthened cultural ties with nearby communities, who see the artifacts as a powerful connection to their heritage.
Rumaru Ku
“Adding to lineage of Caracol really put a mark there because it gave us more attachments to outside territories from only Belize. We were able to find out that we were having communication with other countries outside, and that added on to, at least for me, it just showed that it, we can talk from all over. We’re not just a simple site. We can converse and have relations and connect f rom even outside our very own surroundings.”
When we think of Belize’s rich history, iconic treasures like the Jade Head often come to mind. But now, there’s a whole new way to experience these national artifacts and you don’t even have to be in a museum to do it. Thanks to a major digitalization effort, every piece found in Belize, from ancient tools to royal jewelry, is being carefully scanned, restored, and catalogued. And here’s the exciting part: viewers can now explore these artifacts like never before, looking underneath, behind, and all around them. The Institute of Archaeology says it’s a game-changer for both public engagement and research.
Katherine Coye
“Whether it’s just a tiny pot shard or if it’s a magnificent like jade mask. All of these things are considered a part of the national collection. However, some things cannot be manipulated in the way that we need to for photogrammetry. During my, I guess my live session with you guys, you saw that I was flipping it over and putting it down and spinning it. Some of these things, if you do that, they might just fall apart again. And we would really not, we wouldn’t wanna put them in a position to be more damaged. Because sometimes you can’t put things back exactly as they were.”
Context is everything in archeology, and these pieces are offering a backdrop to the story of Belize’s past. Coye says that offering a way for everyone to access that experience is crucial to the work that they do.
Katherine Coye
“ It’s great for students that would like to know more about artifacts because. During our work at the institute, we have noticed that sometimes people aren’t fully aware of the length and breadth of all the kinds of artifacts that are in Belize. So it’s really important for us to document as many things as we can and to be able to share those, especially with our Belizean students so that they can learn more about archeology. And demystify what’s happening in the Maya region.”
The National Collection is available on Ministry of Education’s Access 501 website, where anyone can view Belize’s ever-expanding collection and be inspired to connect with the communities that helped shaped Belize’s present-day culture. Britney Gordon for News Five.
The Opposition isn’t staying quiet about a major regional move. They’re raising concerns over the free movement agreement that Prime Minister John Briceño signed with several CARICOM nations last week in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Now, the PM says it’s just a three-year trial, and that it’s meant to help fill labor shortages here in Belize. But Lead Opposition Senator Patrick Faber isn’t convinced. He’s calling the deal ‘sinister’ and says while the Opposition supports regional integration in principle, free movement needs to be weighed carefully, especially when it comes to job opportunities for Belizeans.
Patrick Faber
Patrick Faber, Lead Opposition Senator
“It means that CARICOM nationals who qualify as skilled workers, artisans as professionals or entrepreneurs will be able to enter Belize without visa and work permit. Artisans with CVQs. It is actually what ITVET should be churning out when they train a carpenter, a welder or train a carpenter or a mechanic. But our ITVETs have not worked the way they are suppose to work, so that put us at a disadvantage. But the ITVETs in the Caribbean are working. The have well qualified welders, well qualified electricians, they have well qualified carpenters and plumbers and they are now able to hop on a boat, plane, train, without a visa, work permit to get the jobs that Belizeans are struggling to get, or if they get, they don’t have the wherewithal or proper skills, because we have failed to produce quality skilled labors in this country. It will also include media workers. All the media people need to be on notice. Those that don’t have qualification in the media realm, they will hire those people. Nurses will be able to come and fill those gaps, teachers and other professionals. We have agreed to put all of that into effect by October first 20205. Let me repeat, we are a hundred percent for regional integration.”
Just when you thought the political drama within the United Democratic Party had simmered down, think again. One month after a National Party Council meeting descended into chaos, the U.D.P. gave it another shot this past Saturday. This time, things were quieter outside the party’s headquarters, but inside? A different kind of storm was brewing. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, who recently returned to the helm after stepping down post-election, was determined to bring unity to a fractured party. But the meeting took a sharp turn when Opposition Senator Patrick Faber showed up uninvited. What followed was a standoff, a refusal by police to intervene, and a vote that ended up… on WhatsApp. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the full story on this latest chapter in the U.D.P.’s ongoing saga.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Inside the UDP headquarters, chaos once again took center stage. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, freshly reinstated and hoping to steer the party toward unity, found himself presiding over yet another political showdown. The tension hit a boiling point when Lead Opposition Senator Patrick Faber made an uninvited entrance, behind familiar faces, including Area Rep Miguel Guerra, Deputy Chair Alberto August, and former candidates like Jose Espat and Omar Figueroa. And it didn’t stop there. August was soon seen calling on police to remove Faber, while another controversial figure, Brian ‘Yellow Man’ Audinett, also showed up.
Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett
Brian “Yellow Man” Audinett, Member, U.D.P.
“Mister Faber is a part of the NPC. Mister Faber has absolutely nowhere to go.”
And then this happened, an exchange of expletives between Audinett and Almendarez that got close to becoming physical.
Paul Lopez
“You think you deserve to be a part of this meeting?”
David Almendarez
David Almendarez, Former U.D.P. Candidate, Belize Rural Central
“I dah wah Belizean, I deserve to be anywhere I stand. I dah wah lion, sih lion, Belizean. No comments.”
Inside the meeting room a resolution was put on the floor for voting: reinstate all expelled members of the U.D.P., except for Patrick Faber. And with that Chairman Michael Peyrefitte suspended the meeting and the vote was moved to Whatsapp.
Michael Peyrefitte
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“The resolution is that everybody who was expelled from the party and not in good standing with the party, except for Patrick Faber, we are putting that these people be invited back into the party and we proceed with our conventions and national convention on October fifth. But the resolution right now, given his behavior and given his disrespect today, we are voting and putting to the floor of the NPC to not have him return to the UDP and I was the first one to vote to not bring him back to the UDP.”
And we challenged Peyrefitte about the validity of a Whatsapp voting process on such a weighty decision. Here is how he responded.
Michael Peyrefitte
“We have done Cabinet meeting by Whatsapp. It is a matter of a resolution for a decision. It is that simple.”
By five o’clock, the results were in and the message was loud and clear. The National Party Council voted unanimously to welcome back all previously expelled members… all except one: Patrick Faber. The only person who didn’t cast a vote was former Cayo Central candidate Mark O’Brien, who chose to sit this one out. So, what does Faber think about being the lone man left out? We caught up with him right after the meeting to hear his take on the day’s events.
Patrick Faber
Patrick Faber, Former Area Representative, Collet
“Mister Peyrefitte could say what he want. I have been here longer than he. I have worked for this party from fourteen years old. Dah nuh for me, deh nuh the have no convention in Collett. That is not one of the divisions in any danger for a convention to be held. But we must do what is right. You show me, they could say what they want to say, that is fine. Ultimately I know my value, not only for this party but as an individual as well, so it does not matter what they say.”
Faber then asserted that Almendarez physically pushed him while inside the building.
Patrick Faber
“He was pushing me through the door until saner minds intervened. So, expect that I am going straight to the Queen Street Police station to make a complaint.”
As the crowd trickled out of the UDP headquarters, the mood was far from celebratory. Several members didn’t hold back, expressing frustration over yet another in-person NPC meeting that ended in disappointment.
Ralston Frazer
Ralston Frazer, Former U.D.P. Candidate, Belmopan
“I am very disappointed, but I do know that when you have genuine legitimate cause to carry one then you stand and carry on and sometimes in leadership you have to stand and carry on alone.”
Jose UC Espat
Jose UC Espat, Former U.D.P. Candidate, Albert
“To be honest, I myself am getting tired of this. It seems that one person destroyed this whole meeting, Patrick Faber. If we cant get we act together this party wont go anywhere and to be honest I the get tired of this.”
Macario Augustine
Macario Augustine, Former U.D.P. Candidate, Stann Creek West
“It is one party and it is so disappointing of what is happening up there at the moment, but my main focus is uniting the party and moving forward.”
So, is this the final chapter for Patrick Faber in the UDP? Or is there still a twist in the tale? And the bigger question—can the United Democratic Party ever truly come together under one roof? Reporting for News 5, I am Paul Lopez.
Saturday’s NPC meeting marked Chairman Michael Peyrefitte’s first time back at the helm since his return, and it didn’t take long for tensions to flare. After Patrick Faber’s surprise appearance, Peyrefitte made his position quite clear: as long as he’s chairman, Faber won’t be running under the U.D.P banner in any future election. Here’s how Peyrefitte put it in his own words.
Michael Peyrefitte, Chairman, U.D.P.
“Patrick Faber he think he big and bad, he think the rule does not apply to him. But the UDP is not an abused woman. The UDP is not to be bullied. The UDP will not have its doors kicked down, by a sick deranged individual. What the UDP will do, what I believe will happen by five oclock is to say that we don’t want Patrick Faber in the UDP anymore.”
Paul Lopez
“Is that then the end of him and his run in the UDP while you are chair?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“I know that while I am chair, when the applications come for conventions for the different divisions and Collet is one of them, Patrick Faber’s application will notbe accepted if he chooses to apply him.”
Paul Lopez
“Why did you all not just remove him out of the meeting and continue with it here?”
Michael Peyrefitte
“We spoke to the police. We are decent people. I know that people like you would love to see a fight. People like you would love to see June fourteenth. But that is not going to be repeated today. Nobody will commit a crime and try to remove anybody. You know what we do, remove him form the UDP. Remove him from the UDP is better than dragging him from upstairs. We called the police and they made it clear that unless there is a fight they wont intervene. So the political directorate of this country wants a fight. They say they will send the police if you start a fight, Peyrefitte if you start a fight then the police will come. We are not going to do that in the UDP, not today.”
