2 weeks ago
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The United Democratic Party has announced the formation of its new Shadow Cabinet, as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s parliamentary oversight role and prepare for upcoming political engagements. In a press release issued today, the UDP confirmed that Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar Panton will serve as Shadow Minister with responsibility for the Office of the Prime Minister, Finance, Economic Transformation, Investments, Commerce, Consumer Affairs, Enterprise, and E-Governance. The release outlined a full slate of shadow ministers and ministers of state assigned to key national portfolios, reflecting what the party described as a broad and experienced team. Appearing on a UDP talk show earlier this morning, Panton said the announcement of the Shadow Cabinet is only one aspect of wider developments currently taking place within the party. She explained that internal consultations are ongoing and that the UDP is moving deliberately to reinforce its structures and policy focus. Panton also confirmed that preparations are underway for an upcoming National Party Council meeting, where party matters, organizational direction, and future strategies are expected to be discussed.
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition: “We try to be as inclusive as possible so that we can hear all voices and all voices within the United Democratic Party can be a part of providing the solutions that we know the Belizean people seek. We’ve also completed our appointments to the Central Executive Committee which is, as you know, the Central Executive is the kind of the management team, if you will, for the the party affairs. We will be having our first central executive meeting and our first national party council meeting in January. I have also appointed our lead senator, the Honorable Patrick Faber, to lead the team that will work on our constitutional reform. They have a definitive timeline to do the consultations countrywide to ensure that our constitution reflects our current day realities and also reflects our future aspirations as a party.”
Panton will be supported by Cecil Jenkins as Minister of State for Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Enterprise, and Carlos Zetina as Minister of State for E-Governance. Former Deputy Prime Minister Hugo Patt has been assigned the portfolios of Natural Resources, Petroleum and Mining, while Miguel Guerra will oversee Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries. Lee Mark Chang has been named Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Development and Housing. Other key assignments include Godwin Haylock for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Diaspora Relations, Culture, Youth and Sports, Senator Patrick Faber for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Education, Science and Technology, and Senator Sheena Pitts for Attorney General and Constitutional Affairs. The Shadow Cabinet also includes portfolios covering Health and Wellness, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, National Defense and Border Security, Home Affairs and Citizen Security, Energy Security, Public Utilities, Immigration and Labor, Local Government, Indigenous and Religious Affairs, and Human Development and Gender Affairs, among others. Several ministers are supported by Ministers of State.
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