BELIZE-Opposition Leader files a complaint with police as infighting Grips party.

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Opposition Leader Shyne Barrow says he has “always kept my door open” as infighting within the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) spilled into the public domain.

On Monday, Barrow filed a formal complaint with the Belize Police Department after reportedly being threatened by the party’s Second Deputy Leader, Beverly Williams.

Media reports said that the two were engaged in a bitter spat last weekend that quickly became personal, and during the exchange of words, Williams is alleged to have made a threat on Barrow’s life.

“I have no malice towards anyone. I want what is best for the party,” Barrow said on 5 Great Belize Television, adding that “the country comes first and the party comes first, and so I am prepared to do whatever we need to do to forgive and heal in not just the interest of not just the party but the country.”

.Barrow described as “absolutely untrue” a report that the party’s chairman had received and rejected a petition this week calling for a national convention in 90 days.

“I think the Belizean public has grown tired of the sad state of affairs that we see playing out, and I’m not going to participate. We want to be the Cabinet. If we want to be the Cabinet, now is the time to demonstrate what we want to be to the Belizean public. So, I will do my part not to engage in the mudslinging, not to engage in the defamation of character, and not to engage in any narrative or campaigning against colleagues.

“I need to find a way to win 16 seats, including people who don’t support me. If they are in a constituency that can win, as a leader, I will do my best to help them win. But that is what the focus needs to be, “he told television viewers.

He said he was prepared to work with everyone in the party, including Williams.

“I am prepared to do whatever is in the party’s best interest. I have always kept my door open,” he added.