Shyne Barrow Blasts Panton’s UDP Faction as Self-Serving

Cracks within the UDP are widening and this time, the criticism is coming from some of the party’s own heavyweights. Former party leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow and ex–Deputy Chairman Alberto August have both taken direct aim at Tracy Panton’s leadership, airing their frustrations publicly and in no uncertain terms. Barrow pulled no punches. In a Facebook post, he said the UDP offers “no hope” as an alternative and slammed Panton’s faction as outdated and self-serving, politicians waiting their turn to feed. August backed the criticism, zeroing in on leadership. He questioned Panton’s readiness and urged her to step aside, gain experience, and come back later. As the backlash grows, so does the pressure. Today, we asked Panton, why stay silent amid such sharp criticism from her own party?

 

Tracy Panton, Leader, United Democratic Party

“That is the elephant in the room and let me say this. I was not, I was not asked or endorsed to lead this party to focus on the noise in the market. I have a duty and obligation to the people who are interested in moving this party forward. There is no magic wand. I have been in this role less than six months. You know what we inherited, zero in a bank account. A headquarter that was in shambles. A constitution that was dismantled and dismissed. Caretakers were ousted, no sense of fair play, transparency. No sense of accountability and I have said and continue to say, this party is talented and there is room under the tent for anyone who wants to be productive, constructive, who wants to help the work of rebuilding the party and for us the regain the trust and confidence of the people. But there is also a thing called natural attrition. Not everyone will get on the ship and if you don’t get on the ship you do so at your peril, because one thing I will tell you, this ship will sail.”

 

Panton says the party’s doors remain open for anyone who desires to contribute meaningfully to advancing the party.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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