Tag:
united democratic party
Community and Society
San Pedro Fire Station Receives Two Brand New Water Pumps
The fire station on the island, found on Pescador Drive next to the police station, has received two brand new portable water pumps, courtesy of Senator Gabriel Zetina. The young senator, representing the United Democratic Party, shared that he is committed to aiding his island community and contributing to the improvement of essential services, such as the local fire service.
Politics and Government
The UDP Continues Efforts to Unify; No Clear Leader Yet
The United Democratic Party (UDP) is continuing efforts to move forward amidst internal challenges. The party, which currently holds five seats in the House of Representatives, recently saw the official swearing-in of the Honorable Tracy Panton as the first female Leader of the Opposition. However, according to Panton, the UDP remains without a clear leader following the loss of former party leader Shyne Barrow’s Mesopotamia seat in the March 12th general election. A national convention to elect a new leader is expected but has not yet been scheduled.
Politics and Government
UDP holds press conference to discuss current state of government affairs
The leadership of the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, held a press conference on April 29, 2025, in the Toucan A Conference Room at Belize Biltmore Plaza. During this event, they strongly critiqued the current state of government affairs in Belize and outlined their vision for the future.
Community and Society
Island residents and stakeholders express opposition to overwater development at Cayo Rosario
Residents and visitors of San Pedro Town gathered at the Lions Den on Tuesday, April 8th, to discuss the escalating environmental concerns surrounding the controversial development project on Cayo Rosario. The meeting was led by local activist Elito Arceo and supported by environmental groups such as the Belize Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Oceana, and Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD). The purpose of the gathering was to address the dredging and mangrove destruction threatening the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and to outline strategies to protect this ecologically significant area.
Community and Society
San Pedro’s Gabriel Zetina ready to serve as Senator
Gabriel Enrique Zetina, an entrepreneur from the island, has been appointed as an Opposition Senator. He is one of three appointees selected by the new leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Opposition, the Honorable Tracy Taeger-Panton.
This appointment follows the re-election of the ruling People’s United Party (PUP) government on March 12th, during which new members were assigned to the Senate.
Government
The Belize Senate finalized for 2025-2030 term
The Belize Senate has been finalized for its 2025 term. The ruling People’s United Party (PUP) and social partners quickly appointed their representatives. At the same time, the United Democratic Party (UDP) introduced a new opposition lineup, featuring Gabriel Zetina, a young real estate agent from San Pedro Town.
Politics and Government
Tracy Panton elected Belize’s First Female Leader of Opposition
In a historic moment for Belizean politics, Tracy Panton became the nation’s first female Leader of the Opposition on March 14, 2025, coinciding with Women’s Month. Panton, a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) who has represented the Albert constituency since 2015, ascended to this role after her faction defeated former opposition leader Shyne Barrow in the Mesopotamia constituency. Her election marks a significant shift toward greater gender representation in Belize’s traditionally male-dominated political landscape.
Politics and Government
OAS Commends Belize for Peaceful Elections, Highlights Need for Reforms
The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) has released its preliminary report on Belize's General Elections, which took place on March 12, 2025. The report commends the peaceful and efficient conduct of the electoral process while highlighting areas that require improvement. Maricarmen Plata led the mission, which consisted of 12 experts and observers from seven different countries. They monitored key aspects of the electoral process, including organization, technology, justice, and campaign financing.
