In a stunning political turn, Shyne Barrow announced his immediate resignation as head of Belize’s United Democratic Party (UDP) in an official letter dated March 18, 2025. Addressed to Party Chairman Michael Peyrefitte, Barrow reflected on his tenure by describing his service as "the privilege of my life," while expressing heartfelt gratitude and affirming his ongoing support for the party’s mission to rebuild and unite Belize in pursuit of forming the next government.
The resignation comes amid growing pressure from within the party. Longtime ally and party chairman Michael Peyrefitte publicly declared that the time had come for a leadership change, drawing comparisons with former Prime Minister Sir Manuel Esquivel’s 1998 resignation following electoral setbacks. Peyrefitte stressed that, according to the UDP’s constitution, the party’s leader must be a member of the National Assembly—a criterion Barrow no longer meets after losing his parliamentary seat. He argued that Barrow’s continued hold on the title was no longer tenable.
In line with the party’s constitutional guidelines, Deputy Party Leader Hon. Hugo Patt has been named Interim Leader until the next National Convention later this year. Meanwhile, Peyrefitte, who has been a stalwart defender of Barrow during his leadership, announced plans to step down as Party Chairman. However, he indicated his willingness to continue serving the party in a legislative capacity, accepting a role as Senator—a position he has held for the past five years.
This leadership shakeup signals a significant moment for the UDP as it prepares for internal reorganization and the upcoming National Convention, setting the stage for the party’s next chapter in Belizean politics.
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