And while Panton is claiming that victory, her faction of the UDP is coming off a bruising Friday when it had to surrender the party headquarters at the order of the High Court.
A party release from Shyne Barrow's leadership claims, quote, "the court is in effect acknowledging the legitimacy and exclusive authority of the current Central Executive of the Party..."
Today Shyne's chairman Michael Peyrefitte was nowhere near as triumphalist:
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Chairman
"I'm chairman of the UDP but I'm also an officer of the court and I don't comment on matters that are before the court. It is a matter that's still live before the court and we'll let it take it's natural course. I believe though that if our estimation is correct and the general elections are called before March 31st then it will be a moot point, wouldn't it? I would say."
Courtney Menzies:
"Do you know whether the original secretariat has moved back downstairs?"
Michael Peyrefitte, UDP Chairman
"I don't know, I think so though, I think if they haven't, they're in the process of doing that. But I go back to it again. Yes you have to prove a point, the point that we were proving for the public was that you settle maters like gentlepeople, you settle matters like civilized people. You don't go to a building, break the locks, put on new locks, camp out there, practically sleep there just to prove a point. There is a proper way to do things and if you believe that your rights have been infringed upon, you take the matter to the court, like the leaders that we claim we are and want to be. But having said that, there are many issues more important than the taking back of a building. Just today, these people passed $106 million supplementary bill. That's far more important to the Belizean people than who actually physically occupies a building at the foot of the Belchina Bridge."
And while Peyreffite focussed on political priorities -the fact is the UDP's best chances of winning a majority in any general election is to join forces and negotiate - rather than wait for the court to pronounced whois right and who is wrong - which may happen after a general election is held. He said there have new attempts at conciliation:
Michael Peyrefitte, Senator
"I am telling you that olive branches - branches - have been extended to the alliance party, olive branches were extended to them and they were not having any of that so why should we continue to waste our time with that?"
Courtney Menzies:
"Are you confident that you will be able to put together a strong slate for March 2025?"
Michael Peyrefitte, Senator
"We have to, that's what we do, that's what we always do. No matter what the condition or the situation is of the party, we always find a way to put it together. I remind you of the early 90's, I remind you of 1993 when Phillip Goldson, national hero Phillip Goldson, had the honesty to say I am forming my own party. And by making that clear declaration, we came together we formed a bond and we formed the government in 1993 so it's not difficult for the UDP to get itself together for a general election, we always do."
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