UDP Admits Party Finances Are Depleted as Rebuilding Efforts Begin

As the UDP moves forward with its plans of rebuilding, the reality is that the party is broke.  Prior to last week’s convention, reports had suggested that the proper accounts were not being properly utilized under previous management.  The media asked Panton if she has looked into those reports, but rather than answer directly, the new leader essentially said that they are starting from zero.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition:  “Let it be clear, we’re starting at ground zero. And we will rise from the ashes, my friends. We will rise from the ashes and we will do what is necessary to put this party back in a solid foundation. You will remember days, some laughed at us, when we used to have those is barbecue, and we had those raffles. We had the fundraising, we will do that if we have to. Because there’s no shame in us working together to rebuild the UDP and to put it on a foundation that is soldi in terms of its financial resources and it’s capacity to do the things that we say we’re going to do in our reform agenda.”

The municipal elections may be over a year away, but in politics the groundwork needs to begin well in advance; and that beginning will require money.  When asked about his aspect of the party’s preparation, Panton says they will be meeting with the key elements of the party to address issues such as the municipal elections in 2027.

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “That side of the room, every person that is sitting on the right side of you will be doing the work of rebuilding in our various constituencies. We have the manpower, we have the female power, we have the will, we have the discipline, we will have the resources to do the work and we intend to send a clear message to John Briceño and his administration: Look out for municipal elections. Following this press conference we will have the first meeting of all 31 members of our constituencies. A couple of them are not here because of work-related commitments two being teachers at academic institutions in Cayo. It is our intention. That’s one of the first things other than constitutional reform agenda, getting our house in order, our preparedness and readiness for the municipal elections is one of our top three priorities. And we will work to gain as many seats as we can in the next municipal election.”

There is more coming out of today’s press conference which we will share with you later in this newscast.