{"id":266129,"date":"2026-02-03T16:57:42","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T20:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=266129"},"modified":"2026-02-03T17:03:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T21:03:28","slug":"listen-lovell-says-upp-could-defer-april-convention-to-preserve-party-unity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/listen-lovell-says-upp-could-defer-april-convention-to-preserve-party-unity\/","title":{"rendered":"LISTEN: Lovell Says UPP Could Defer April Convention If Unity Is at Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"
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United Progressive Party All Saints West caretaker Harold Lovell<\/strong> says the UPP may defer its constitutionally due April convention \u2014 where leadership positions are contested \u2014 if party leaders determine that holding it at that time would undermine unity or strategic focus.<\/p>

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Speaking at length on Observer Radio, Lovell said the party\u2019s constitution requires a convention every two years, but stressed that political judgment must guide how and when that obligation is fulfilled. \u201cThe issue of the convention, of course, is governed by the constitution of the party,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd the constitution states that a convention is held biennially or every other year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lovell said that while members would normally expect a convention in April, the constitution does not exist in a vacuum. \u201cYou would expect that the convention would be held in at least April of this year,\u201d he said, but added that there are circumstances where strict timing must give way to prudence.<\/p>

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\u201cThere\u2019s a proviso \u2014 it\u2019s not written in the constitution \u2014 but for strategic or other reasons, the party has to exercise judgment,\u201d Lovell said, arguing that unity should outweigh rigid adherence to dates when leadership contests risk internal division.<\/p>

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Lovell warned that conventions, while necessary, can become destabilizing if not handled carefully. \u201cThe party should continue to engage with its members and supporters, fostering a culture of respect and tolerance,\u201d he said, cautioning against rhetoric or actions that could fracture the organisation as leadership positions are contested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized that the purpose of the convention process is to strengthen the party, not weaken it. \u201cThe objective must always be to present a united front,\u201d Lovell said, adding that the UPP\u2019s focus should remain on preparing to govern rather than internal conflict.<\/p>

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Lovell did not signal whether he intends to seek any leadership position, nor did he endorse any contender. Instead, he framed his remarks around institutional stability and electoral readiness, saying the party must avoid \u201cdivisive language\u201d and unnecessary confrontation as it approaches a national election cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UPP has not announced a date for its next convention.<\/p>

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WATCH: As the United Progressive Party prepares for a leadership contest, All Saints West caretaker Harold Lovell says the April convention could be deferred if holding it risks party unity. Speaking on Observer Radio, Lovell said constitutional requirements must be balanced with political judgment and cohesion.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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