Belizean politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow has publicly contested his exclusion from the United Democratic Party’s roster of former leaders “in good standing,” labeling the move as both divisive and constitutionally improper. The controversy emerged during a recent UDP press conference where Barrow’s name was conspicuously absent from the honored list.
Expressing profound disappointment to News Five, Barrow emphasized his extensive service record as opposition leader, UDP party leader, and longstanding Mesopotamia constituency representative. “I’ve served my country with all that I’ve had,” Barrow stated, reaffirming his ongoing commitment to his constituents despite the party’s apparent snub.
The political veteran highlighted constitutional requirements, noting that formal due process must precede any declaration of bad standing status. “If they want to say I am in bad standing, thus I don’t qualify, they would have to have a meeting, which they have not done,” Barrow asserted, questioning the procedural validity of his exclusion.
Barrow further accused current UDP leadership of double standards, recalling previous instances where he disciplined members for public criticism only to be told such actions violated freedom of speech principles. “I would like to see what their position is now,” he challenged.
The tension appears rooted in Barrow’s historical disagreements with Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, including his 2025 legal challenge against the Elections and Boundaries Commission regarding use of UDP’s signature red color by Panton’s Alliance for Democracy candidates. The Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the case as moot.
Recent tensions reignited when Barrow included his name on promotional materials as “Shyne Barrow, Mesopotamia, UDP,” prompting Panton to publicly affirm Lee Mark Chang as the area’s sole duly elected representative. Barrow countered that while Chang holds the elected position, he never officially secured standard-bearer or caretaker status through proper party procedures.
Barrow lamented the public nature of the dispute, emphasizing that internal resolution mechanisms should have been pursued. UDP Leader Tracy Panton responded to inquiries by noting the National Party Council had not yet convened to determine standing status, with the first meeting scheduled for January 31, 2026.