Extra! Extra? Two Guardians, One Party Rift

The divide within the UDP seems to be deepening, as Belizeans have been treated this week to two versions of the UDP's Guardian newspaper—each claiming loyalty to the party, and each reflecting starkly different narratives from rival factions.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has split not only ideologically but also in print, as two distinct editions of the Guardian hit “newsstands”—including digital versions—this week, with both set as the Sunday, November 10th, issue.

One version, supported by UDP Leader Hon. Moses "Shyne" Barrow’s faction, headlines with Barrow’s recent donation to Ladyville Technical High School, positioning him as an advocate for youth and education. The other, associated with the faction led by Hon. Tracy Panton, highlights the appointment of new party executives, ostensibly signalling a drive toward restructuring and inclusivity.

The longstanding editor of the Guardian, Alfonso Noble, appears in the Panton-led edition, lending it an air of continuity despite the party’s fracture. This alignment not only underscores the editorial divide within the UDP but also suggests a shifting loyalty among senior party figures.

The conflicting narratives reflect the UDP’s escalating internal discord, which gained momentum following the Unity National Convention on October 20. At that convention, over 330 delegates endorsed Panton as interim leader, an outcome contested by the Shyne-Barrow faction, which says that the unofficial nature of the convention is a disqualifier.

As reported earlier, tensions have spilled into public actions beyond the pages of the Guardian. The Shyne-Barrow faction recently filed a police report against what they describe as a “criminal takeover” of UDP headquarters by the Alliance for Democracy (AfD), accusing Panton’s faction of unauthorized occupation. On the other side, the Panton-led faction has rallied endorsements from Cayo North and Orange Walk East constituencies, signifying a growing support base.