Tracy Panton says her meeting on Lord Ashcroft’s private yacht was to discuss BTL issue

Tracy Panton has reported to Lord Michael Ashcroft, the UDP’s position on the BTL Proposed Acquisition.  The UDP leader was seen heading towards Ashcroft’s private yacht yesterday for a meeting with the British billionaire.  According to Panton, the agenda of her meeting had to do with the UDP making it known to Ashcroft the concerns and objections they have over the amalgamation of Smart and BTL and the purchasing of the cable companies.  The news of the meeting raised eyebrows and begged the question as to why Panton felt the need to report to Lord Ashcroft.  This question was posed to her in this morning’s press conference on Youth for the Future Drive.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “Indeed, I met with Mr. Ashcroft…”

Reporter: On his yacht ? 

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “… to make it clear to him what the position of the party is. We cannot continue to support any kind of public acquisition that will affect materially the public interest. That is our stand.”

Reporter: Do you think it was bad form to have met with Mr. Ashcroft on his yacht ? 

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “You are trying to listen, Jules, I will not let you put words in my mouth. I met with Mr. Ashcroft.

Reporter: You left from the Fort George pier.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition:  “I met…”

Reporter:  You and Sheena.

(laughter) 

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “Are you going to allow me?”

Reporter: Go ahead, ma’am

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “ Are you going to allow me?’

Reporter: Please do.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “I seek to be the next leader of this country. And the next leader of this country must be open to meet with all investors. Where I choose to meet with them and not meet with them is immaterial, in my opinion. I have a duty and a responsibility to this party. I have a duty and responsibility and one that I don’t take lightly as the Leader the Opposition in the National Assembly. What I will not be accused of is being able to engage and to listen and to speak clearly for myself, I will not allow anyone to put words in my mouth and certainly not Channel 7.”