By Brianna Bennett
Private Chat Leaked: Peyrefitte Urges Transparency
In the world of politics, private conversations don鈥檛 always stay private, and this week, U.D.P. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte found himself at the center of just that. Following the leak of a private exchange with Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, Peyrefitte is speaking out. He鈥檚 not denying it happened; instead, he鈥檚 acknowledging that in political life, these things can and do occur. But more importantly, he鈥檚 using the moment to call for something bigger: transparency and unity within the United Democratic Party. Peyrefitte says it鈥檚 time to stop the distractions and start focusing on what really matters, bringing the party together.
Michael Peyreffite, Chairman, U.D.P.
鈥淎 piece of communication was leaked between myself and Tracy Panton it got into the media, I don鈥檛 put myself on some pedestal you know, not even presidents of big countries can stop leaks, leaks will happen but in the spirit of transparency and in the spirit of trying to get to a place where the UDP can be the UDP again if it leaks it leaks you know it鈥檚 not secret we are a mass party and I would love for the media to know and for the people to know every step that we are taking to get back to that place of unity and strength so there was a communication, was it ever my desire for it to become public? No. We鈥檙e communicating between two party people, but it leaked, it happens but nothing in there was ignitious nothing in there was a lie and hopefully the public can see that it was an attempt to try and make peace in the party, so it is what it is.鈥
Well, that鈥檚 where things stand tonight, calls for unity, clarity, and a fresh start from within the United Democratic Party. Chairman Michael Peyrefitte is urging members to put the past behind them and focus on reconciliation and renewed purpose. But whether those efforts will truly heal the party鈥檚 internal rifts? That remains to be seen. Still, the U.D.P. is laying out a roadmap. The National Party Council is set to meet right here in Belize City on July twelfth, where they鈥檒l consider reinstating expelled members and those previously not in good standing. It signals a clear intent to rebuild trust. And that鈥檚 not all, plans are also in motion for a national convention on October fifth, with special constituency conventions happening across fifteen areas throughout July.