Leader of the Opposition Questions Whether Media Holds UDP to Higher Standard Than Government

Opposition Leader Tracy Panton is rejecting the suggestion that the United Democratic Party needs to do more to provide stronger opposition on national issues.  During yesterday’s UDP press conference, Panton was asked what the party must do to become a more effective opposition amid concerns affecting the country. However, she challenged the premise of the question, maintaining that the UDP has been actively holding the Government to account.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “Your premise in asking the question is completely off. The suggestion is that the United Democratic Party is not extending its best efforts to deal with every issue. And they come fast and they come furious because there is a million moving parts with this government. And the United Democratic Party has done everything we can and will continue to do everything we can to address the issues. When last, may I ask, has the People’s United Party held a press conference? When last have we seen the Prime minister of this country in the last six years speak directly to the people ? When last have you seen the government engage with our social partners as meaningfully as we have. We have now agreed to do the quarterly meetings with the NTUCB because the government is unprepared to give them that meeting. I am offended when anybody, particularly members of the independent media, will seek to hold an opposition that is fully engaged to a standard that you’re not prepared to hold the government of the day. So I say to you, Paul, with much respect that the premise is flawed. The premise of the question is flawed.  And I think that our work, our accessibility, our availability to the people speaks for itself.”

Panton said the party continues to speak out on matters affecting Belizeans and to challenge Government decisions both inside and outside the National Assembly. She indicated that the UDP will continue presenting its position on national issues while offering what it believes are better alternatives for the country.  The Opposition Leader’s comments come as the UDP works to strengthen its public presence and present itself as a government-in-waiting ahead of the next municipal elections.