{"id":217814,"date":"2024-12-02T17:32:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T21:32:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=217814"},"modified":"2024-12-02T17:32:09","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T21:32:09","slug":"opinion-by-mp-simon-prime-minister-browne-and-the-upp-a-contradiction-of-criticism-and-recruitment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/opinion-by-mp-simon-prime-minister-browne-and-the-upp-a-contradiction-of-criticism-and-recruitment\/","title":{"rendered":"OPINION By MP Simon: Prime Minister Browne and the UPP: A Contradiction of Criticism and Recruitment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"antig-3880077934\" class=\"antig-ecab antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Postpaid_Come Cross Postpaid 1200x400_Opt.1_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div><div id=\"antig-1815383755\" class=\"antig-before-content antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/medicalbenefitsscheme\" aria-label=\"mbs may\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1200\/h:400\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mbs-may.jpeg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1200\/h:400\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mbs-may.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mbs-may.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:341\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mbs-may.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/mbs-may.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1200\" height=\"400\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p><strong>Prime Minister Browne and the UPP: A Contradiction of Criticism and Recruitment<\/strong><\/p><div id=\"antig-1123257007\" class=\"antig-content_5 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com\/\" aria-label=\"culinary\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:132\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:450\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:337\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1536\/h:675\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:842\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1124\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>by Hon. Kelvin Simon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prime Minister Gaston Browne\u2019s leadership is marred by a troubling pattern of disparaging others. His frequent criticism of the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidates for their perceived lack of education, experience, and maturity raises important questions\u2014not just about his political strategy, but also about his leadership style.<\/p><div id=\"antig-4151444996\" class=\"antig-content_4 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Postpaid_Come Cross Postpaid 1200x400_Opt.1_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div><div id=\"antig-3748596739\" class=\"antig-content_12 antig-entity-placement\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1152\/h:512\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Carnival-2026_Digital_Screen_Pageantry.png\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1152\/h:512\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Carnival-2026_Digital_Screen_Pageantry.png 1152w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:133\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Carnival-2026_Digital_Screen_Pageantry.png 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:455\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Carnival-2026_Digital_Screen_Pageantry.png 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:341\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Carnival-2026_Digital_Screen_Pageantry.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1152\" height=\"512\"   \/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For all the strengths Browne brings to the table, there appears to be an underlying insecurity that manifests in his need to demean others to elevate himself. This approach undermines his credibility and diminishes his stature as a leader. True leadership requires humility, foresight, and the ability to inspire people by connecting with their aspirations and shared values. Instead of tearing others down, Browne should strive to be a motivational leader, empowering citizens to reach their fullest potential.<\/p><div id=\"antig-471084174\" class=\"antig-content antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com\/\" aria-label=\"culinary\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:132\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:450\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:337\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1536\/h:675\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:842\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1124\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a clear irony in Browne\u2019s attacks. Every time he criticizes a UPP member for not having tertiary education, he inadvertently insults thousands of Antiguans and Barbudans who are in the same position. Before the UWI campus was established in Antigua, many citizens relied on on-the-job training to contribute meaningfully to the nation. Members of his own party have thrived as civil servants without university degrees. Even Browne himself, when he first entered politics, did not hold a degree. If he could rise to prominence through determination and training, others deserve the same respect and opportunity. Leadership should be about uplifting others, not looking down on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Browne\u2019s actions reveal a contradictory strategy. While publicly dismissing UPP members, he has recruited more of them into his team than any other leader in Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s history. This suggests that, despite his harsh words, he recognizes the talent within the opposition ranks. It also raises questions about the depth of capability within his own Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) if he must repeatedly turn to his political adversaries to bolster his team.<\/p><div id=\"antig-3272946653\" class=\"antig-content_2 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.com\/antigua\/\" aria-label=\"500X500\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:500\/h:500\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/500X500.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:500\/h:500\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/500X500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:300\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/500X500.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:150\/h:150\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/500X500.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding to the complexity, Browne\u2019s overconfidence continues to alienate voters. Before the last election, he boldly predicted a \u201cclean sweep\u201d at the polls, only to scrape by with the narrowest victory in the country\u2019s history. He is now making the same prediction for the next election, but such arrogance risks backfiring. Political landscapes are unpredictable, and voters may reject hubris in favor of leaders who demonstrate humility and vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Browne must also be mindful of his own vulnerabilities. There are skeletons in his closet that others could weaponize to ridicule him, but that would not advance the political discourse Antigua and Barbuda deserves. Instead, Browne should adjust his rhetoric to reflect the hopes and aspirations of his people. The electorate is looking for a leader who inspires, not one who divides.<\/p><div id=\"antig-1604857907\" class=\"antig-content_3 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.com\/antigua\/\" aria-label=\"IMG_1115\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:864\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:864\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:240\/h:300\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg 240w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:819\/h:1024\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg 819w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:960\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If Browne is to leave a lasting legacy, he must embrace a leadership style that is less combative and more constructive. Antigua and Barbuda need leaders who build bridges, foster unity, and guide the nation toward a brighter future\u2014not by tearing others down, but by lifting everyone up.<\/p><div id=\"antig-4070887870\" class=\"antig-content_6 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Postpaid_Come Cross Postpaid 1200x400_Opt.1_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Postpaid_Come-Cross-Postpaid-1200x400_Opt.1_1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"antig-1477103174\" class=\"antig-in-comments_2 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/@hadeedmotorsltd\" aria-label=\"Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 1000w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:75\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:192\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1000\" height=\"250\"   \/><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Prime Minister Browne and the UPP: A Contradiction of Criticism and Recruitment by Hon. Kelvin Simon Prime Minister Gaston Browne\u2019s leadership is marred by a troubling pattern of disparaging others. His frequent criticism of the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidates for their perceived lack of education, experience, and maturity raises important questions\u2014not just about his [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":217809,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-217814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.1 (Yoast SEO v24.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>OPINION By MP Simon: Prime Minister Browne and the UPP: A Contradiction of Criticism and Recruitment - Antigua News Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/opinion-by-mp-simon-prime-minister-browne-and-the-upp-a-contradiction-of-criticism-and-recruitment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"OPINION By MP Simon: Prime Minister Browne and the UPP: A Contradiction of Criticism and Recruitment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Prime Minister Browne and the UPP: A Contradiction of Criticism and Recruitment by Hon. Kelvin Simon Prime Minister Gaston Browne\u2019s leadership is marred by a troubling pattern of disparaging others. 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