Tracy Panton made history today when she was sworn in as the new Leader of the Opposition. Like the Prime Minister, she wasted no time in securing her place in the National Assembly. But while the PM held his in Belize City, she gathered her closest friends, family, and supporters in Belmopan at the Governor General's residence.
But for Panton, today wasn't just about making history, it was about a new direction for her party. Courtney Menzies was at the ceremony today and has this story.
For the first time in Belize's history, a woman - Tracy Panton - has been sworn in as Leader of the Opposition. Panton's win in Albert as well as her appointment as interim leader of her party cemented her place.
At the governor general's residence, she read the oath in front of her family, the members of her party, and her closest supporters. Panton said while she never envisioned this moment in the past, she hopes it can serves as an inspiration.
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"It is a historic day for me and for my family but for all girls in this country who aspire to leadership. I am entirely grateful to all those who have supported me, particularly the good people of the Albert constituency. I could not be here without them voting for me and supporting me over the last ten years."
Courtney Menzies:
"Did you ever envision this moment when you first joined politics?"
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"Not at all, in fact I never envisioned being in politics in my younger years. Being here is a natural progression in terms of my work in public life. As I've said, I'm humbled and I'm deeply grateful for an opportunity to serve at this level of governance I hope that I would be able to have a positive impact, affect meaningful change in the National Assembly, that we can elevate the dialogue and elevate the debate, step away from personal attacks and really look at the issues the people are facing in this country. We're here to serve and I'm ready to lead."
And she says they've got to hit the ground running.
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"The first order of business is for us to regroup, to sit down together as a wider UDP family. we have to prepare now for the budget debate, that's going to be the first, the budget reading and the budget debate will be the first order of business for the government and we have to be prepared to respond to ensure that the needs and concerns of the people are taken into account."
Courtney Menzies:
"There were certain constituencies in which the PUP won by large, extraordinary margins. 90%, 80%, I think Cordel won by 96%. Do you fear that it will take multiple terms to be able to decrease those margins?"
Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition
"2030, the UDP will be the new government."
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