As the United Democratic Party (UDP) prepares for its November 30th national convention under the banner of \”Unity,\” attention has sharply focused on a contentious three-way race for Party Chairman. The convention, intended to mark a fresh start for Belize’s primary opposition party, now features a dramatic political subplot with former leader John Saldivar attempting a remarkable return to prominence.\n\nThe chairman candidates—Sheena Pitts, Roosevelt Blades, and John Saldivar—each bring substantial backing. Pitts enjoys support from UDP leadership frontrunner Tracy Panton, while Blades serves as campaign manager for key party financier Lee Mark Chang. Most notably, Saldivar has secured endorsement from the northern caucus, including Deputy Leader Hugo Patt, despite carrying significant political baggage.\n\nSaldivar’s political trajectory once appeared destined for the highest office. After winning Belmopan in 2008 following redistricting and securing re-election in 2012 and 2015, he reached his zenith in February 2020 by winning the party leadership vote to succeed Dean Barrow. This triumph proved shockingly brief—within hours, U.S. court documents linked him to convicted fraudster Lev Dermen, who was implicated in a major money laundering case.\n\nThe fallout was immediate and severe. Saldivar resigned as leader-elect and faced suspension from his Cabinet position. In November 2022, the U.S. Department of State formally designated him for \”significant corruption,\\” citing improper acquisition of immigration documents and misuse of governmental resources during his tenure. The designation included travel bans for Saldivar and his immediate family, though he consistently denied the allegations as politically motivated.\n\nDespite these controversies, Saldivar remained politically active, most recently contesting the March 12, 2025 general election under Panton’s leadership. His defeat to PUP incumbent Oscar Mira by over 2,200 votes was widely interpreted as potentially ending his career. His current bid for chairman therefore represents a critical test of both his personal rehabilitation and the UDP’s willingness to embrace a figure with such controversial history.\n\nWhen questioned about Saldivar’s candidacy, financier Lee Mark Chang acknowledged having \”certain opinions\” but deferred to the democratic process, stating voters would ultimately decide. The convention now represents not just an organizational exercise, but a fundamental choice about the party’s identity and its path toward rebuilding credibility as an effective opposition force.