Mayor Zenaida Moya was also at the Supreme Court today. But unlike Faber who was asking for redress against the last administration, she was asking for protection from her own political party. As has been widely reported, The UDP has initiated proceedings to discipline Moya for alleging that the Prime Minister “sicced” the DPP after her. Word has been that she will be expelled and that’s why Moya has gotten two top attorneys Dr. Elson Kaseke and Godfrey Smith, basically to sue her own party.

The first hearing was held this morning where the applications for two injunctions were to be heard. The first would bar the UDP from continuing with disciplinary proceedings and the second would prevent the party from barring Moya from the National Party Council. Michael Young and Deanne Barrow appeared for the UDP. Because the application for the second injunction was filed just yesterday Young asked the court for an adjournment. It was granted until November 12th.

Here’s what both sides had to say when they left the courtroom.

Godfrey Smith, Attorney for Zenaida Moya
“Well you were in court and you heard lawyers on the other side give a undertaking to the court that nothing will be done in relation to this matter by the National Party Council or the Central Executive. The matter is adjourned until November 12th. In the meantime they have given an undertaking that nothing will be done in relation to our client.”

Jules Vasquez,
“Are you satisfied however that you all will arrive in time, so to speak, to stem any move to expel?”

Godfrey Smith,
“They have given that undertaking yes.”

Michael Young, Attorney for UDP
“The position is that I have indicated to the court that in relation to the matters which are the subject of the application, we will not do anything to undermine the fair trial of this matter and the party will abide by that.”

Jules Vasquez,
“Should the court be involved in internal party matters?”

Michael Young,
“It could have been internal but it has been taken external. You answer who has taken it external.”

Jules Vasquez,
“But I am saying is it the purview in your opinion of the courts of Belize to be involved in the internal affairs of a political party?”

Michael Young,
“It is what we will say anathema because a political party is like a family. It is really repugnant to have intervention so to speak in the internal affairs of that party. But we are going to deal with this according to and under the law and that’s the position.”

Jules Vasquez,
“Are you concerned looking at the constitution of the party, it says that only a national convention can appoint or an ethics and integrity committee will be appointed by a national convention? I know an ethics and integrity committee has been appointed but apparently by the National Party Council.”

Michael Young,
“We are of the view that that’s permissible under the constitution.”