Tracy Panton Denies Claims of Ashcroft Donation to UDP

Leader for the United Democratic Party, Tracy Panton, has denied allegations circulating on social media that billionaire Michael Ashcroft has made a financial donation to the United Democratic Party in exchange for political support on the proposed BTL acquisition of SMART and other Ashcroft-linked interests.  Just before 10:00 a.m. today, Panton responded to Love News, stating, “There is no agreement that Mr. Ashcroft is donating to the United Democratic Party at this time.”  The denial follows online claims alleging that Ashcroft had donated one million dollars, with more to follow, to the UDP leader in return for the party’s backing of the acquisition. The claims further suggested internal discontent within the UDP, with reports that constituency leaders were neither consulted on meetings involving Ashcroft nor informed of any alleged donation.  Belize currently has no campaign finance disclosure laws, meaning political parties and donors are not legally required to publicly declare contributions.