barrow first declared on 1 march 2016 that he would be stepping down as prime minister on 13 february 2020 and is currently finding a suitable successor to succeed him for that position. he also told the media that the next election is likely to be held in early 2020 and also scheduled a udp leadership convention and election in may 2019. his remarks came as he was being questioned about the then pending united democratic party first deputy leadership election and convention. on 1 april 2017, at the belize chamber of commerce and industry annual general meeting barrow narrowed down his departure as prime minister to less than a year and stated that he will retire in march 2018. he also narrowed down the date of the leadership convention to 13 february 2018. he also declared that “since this will be my last opportunity to address your annual gathering, i close by saying how thankful i am for what has in the main been a constructive relationship with the chamber”.