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Dear Editor,
In a time when bold, intelligent, and principled leadership is more critical than ever, Gisele Isaac, Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP), stands as a rare force of conviction and competence.
Yet, predictably, she has become the target of recent attacks from political commentators who mistake strong leadership for arrogance and firm decision-making for dictatorship.
At the center of this latest political theater is Dayne Knight, host of the Knight@Knight show, who has launched a verbal offensive calling for both Isaac and UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle to step down.
Knight accuses the party leadership of being “antiquated,” lacking strategy, and “comfortable in opposition.”
But one must ask: is this genuine critique or calculated chaos from a media figure determined to tear down what he cannot control?
Let’s be clear—Gisele Isaac is not the problem.
She is one of the few constants of intellectual clarity and organizational strength in a political landscape too often defined by bluster and noise.
Her record as a former Member of Parliament, Speaker of the House, and long-standing public servant reflects a career built on substance, not soundbites. Unlike many of her critics, she has actually led, governed, and produced tangible results.
What critics like Knight fail to admit is that Isaac’s leadership has kept the UPP not just afloat but relevant, in the face of fierce political headwinds.
Under her chairmanship, the party has expanded its media footprint, refined its messaging, and introduced innovative programming—most notably through the creation of programs like Talking with the Opposition Leader on Monday Knights and “Morning Juice” with Joan on Progressive Radio, a platform that has steadily gained traction with voters and intellectual listeners alike.
Ironically, it is this success that appears to have triggered the animosity.
The reality is that the UPP, under Isaac’s leadership, has begun shifting the narrative away from stale, recycled voices like Knight’s and toward a new, modern, forward-thinking brand of political engagement. This has upset the old guard who still see themselves as gatekeepers of national discourse.
Let’s also address the gender dynamic at play. The relentless targeting of Isaac—often with language laced with thinly veiled sexism—is no coincidence. When a man exhibits strong leadership, he is called decisive.
When a woman does it, she’s labeled “controlling” or “problematic.” This double standard is not only outdated—it’s offensive. As one party supporter aptly put it, “Some people just can’t handle a strong, intelligent woman at the helm.”
Moreover, Dayne Knight’s attempt to paint the UPP as owing Observer Radio for unpaid ads before the 2023 election rings hollow and reeks of political opportunism.
If Observer Radio chose to air political ads without securing payment agreements, that’s a reflection of its own poor management—not of any wrongdoing by Isaac or the party.
It is also worth questioning why Knight is suddenly so concerned with transparency when he openly admits his station spins stories to favor one political narrative over another.
Knight’s assertion that the party lacks strategy because it hasn’t partnered with Observer Radio is equally absurd. It is not the job of a political party to tailor its leadership choices to appease radio hosts.
The UPP’s duty is to the people of Antigua and Barbuda—not to a media figure’s bruised ego or misplaced sense of influence.
Gisele Isaac may not be everyone’s cup of tea—but she doesn’t have to be.
She is not here to win popularity contests. She is here to lead.
And in a political moment where authenticity is rare and courage even rarer, that is exactly what she is doing.
If anything, Isaac’s resilience in the face of these unprovoked and unprincipled attacks should serve as a rallying point—not just for UPP supporters, but for all citizens who value integrity, strength, and vision in leadership.
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All those who think Gisele Issac is the saviour of the UPP are misinformed and delusional. Issac was not the person who brought the UPP to almost winning the last general elections. Issac is a very divisive individual and after she walked out of the Party’s RETREAT (and her lying reasons for doing so) should have been removed as the Chairman of the Party. However, with men without balls like Baldwin, Harold and worse Pringle no decisive action was taken. For those who believe that Issac is such a great asset of the UPP time will tell.
You cannot be a strong leadership when you spend so much of your leadership strength on alienating the ones you should be leading.
Yes, and she is arrogant. Does this writer tune in to Crusader on a Monday to hear her display this arrogance?
Her decision making is flawed and is not in the interest of the party but her own and those who kiss her ring.
Knight has his detractors, but one can be savvy enough to see where he is going with his pronouncements. The thing is he is the only one bold enough to say them openly because he feels the party cannot survive with Isaac as chairman and Pringle as leader. He fervently wants to see the back of the Laborites, but the UPP under Giselle Isaac is not offering much hope of that. He like others is very frustrated.
To quote the writer, “She is one of the few constants of intellectual clarity and organizational strength in a political landscape too often defined by bluster and noise.” Does this mean that no matter how the situation looks, she will not adjust her stance for the good of the party? Including stepping down for the good of the party? How is it showing good leadership by declaring “me nar move”?
As for the creation of new programs, no one wants to tune into Crusader on Monday nights to listen to Pringle weigh every word before he decides which one to say. It also appears that the party has surrendered its messaging to Juicy Joan who along with her chosen serial callers, dedicate themselves to play to the most supreme leader by thrashing three of the MPs. If what comes out of there is “a new, modern, forward-thinking brand of political engagement”, then the downward slide that the UPP is on is terminal.
Isaac seems to have distanced herself from the elder statesmen of the party. If the rumor is to be believed, she has told them their time is up and they no longer control anything. Given that they had an opportunity to hold her in check (the Retreat walkout) and did not, shows she might be right, but the exchange is not designed to enhance the UPP. She has her way of doing things and it is her way or the highway.
Looking in from the outside, it would appear that she has morphed the UPP into a larger version of her once famous POWA. There she ruled supreme over a group of women who offered little to no resistance. Now with the full support of the Women’s Forum and a political leader who only asks how high he should jump, she is in total control. As it was with POWA, there is full emphasis on social events and very little on those of political importance.
It looks like the UPP she is creating is providing an enabling environment for a full Labor dynasty.
But Ana Dane say UPP owe Observer…Dane is quoting Dave Lester Payne…how can UPP have effective leadership when they are bleeding members? The public can’t even pinpoint the newest candidates cause they boring and lack any media footprint…give me a tea towel
Gisele always been a strong voice—can’t deny that.
The woman don’t back down easy. Gotta respect that kind of backbone.
Me nuh in she corner, but she always sharp and prepared.
Gisele been fighting battles most man fraid to touch.
Say what yuh want, Gisele don’t move with the wind.
WHAT THE HELL…! …FIGHT FROM THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
***
WELL, WHETHER FROM: the
(a) ‘…THE INSIDE: or
(b) …THE OUTSIDE,’ WHATEVER IT TAKES TO FIGHT,
(d) …KICK: or
(e) …BITE: or
(f) …HOLD: or
(g) …GRAB: or
(g) …PULL: or
(h) …TUG,’ DON’T LET GO.’
***
COME OFF:
WHATEVER COME OFF, COME OFF.’
SO IT SHALL BE.
***
NOW:
FEW MAY DENY THAT ‘..GISELE ISAAC,’ IN HER PERSONA, IS A WOMAN: of
(a) ‘…STRENGTH OF CHARACTER: and one with a
(b) …WILL AND DETERMINATION: and with a
(c) …SENSE OF PURPOSE:
(C) …DIRECTION: and
(d) …RESPONSIBILITY.’
***
FIGHT LIKE HELL:
EVEN IF IT MEANS GOING TO HELL, ‘…FIGHT LIKE HELL, GISELE.’
***
HERE’S WHERE THIS SHALL END.’
***
WALK GOOD.
***
“If Observer Radio chose to air political ads without securing payment agreements, that’s a reflection of its own poor management—not of any wrongdoing by Isaac or the party.”
TEK DAT MISS KNIGHT
Utter rubbish from start to finish. It will take much more a few sanitary wipes to clean up this “woman”. In all the areas mentioned – its legacy as a public servant, it’s role as a former MP(?) and its role as a former Speaker of the House all negate the view of this person as a vision of excellence. In fact, an examination of any two of tge above will demonstrate beyond all doubt a person with a loud, angry mouth, colossal bully who intimidated men and women alike. As its peers and the younger generation surge ahead, surpassing in every respect, to eclipse its own ordinary, dated qualifications despite its failed efforts to frustrate the ambitions our our young scholars – especially those of ordinary working class and poor families. Its record as Speaker of the House is a matter of public record so no need to delve into tge obvious. Gisele-s big,foul mouth was a mere cover for own insecurities. The caustic, obnoxious statements that fell from its defiled mouth shocked many who fell prey to the abuser syndrome. No, no, no! Gisele is nothing more than a pipsqueak noise bag trying desperately to become relevant!
I would be the first to admit that never before have I come across another woman in Antigua and Barbuda who have been demeaned and smeared like D. Gisele Isaac. And it’s all so unfortunate. As part of their masculinity, men have a dire need to be strong, powerful and dominant. Most get offended if they come across a woman who can handle her own and who is a no nonsense person in nature. It undermines their ability to feel strong and that makes them resent that woman. Men have a need to be powerful as it is their mode of taking control. A strong woman forces them to work harder and to confront their own insecurity and most of them can’t handle that. D. Gisele Isaac is a top notch lady, far more gentle, amiable and serene than most people give her credit for.
only weak people would have a problem with a STRONG BLACK WOMAN.
Keep pressing on Gisele.There is no UPP without you. You gave your all to build it. You sacrifice your time, talent and reputation to put UPP ina strong position leading up to the last general elections. Now some badminded ungrateful people don’t want to give you the credit u deserve.
Especially the sore losers from Convention
@Audley Phillip
@Possibilities include
Those of you who feel that men are afraid of Gisele because she is a strong must be crazy. Whether she is a strong woman or not I doubt many men would be afraid of her. Gisele is a loose canon and is the reason for the decline of the UPP. Many idiots in the UPP keep pushing the narrative as if Gisele is the brightest build in the Party. So she is brighter than Harold, Chaku, Bowen and Marsh who are attorneys. She is brighter than Dr. Daniel who is a brilliant academic. The only person Gisele is undoubtedly brighter than in the UPP is Jamale Pringle. The previous success of the Party has nothing to do with Gisele, even the Party coming close to winning the last general elections has nothing to do with her. The contribution of persons in the diaspora and people like Dr. Mansoor and Damani Tabor far exceeded any contribution of Gisele as Chairman.
Any time the Chair Lady of the UPP stop attacking the Prime Minister, and his government,she will be alright,she pretending like she’s not doing anything…
She to be more focus on how to unite the UPP,and stop focus on how to cause the down fall of GASTON BROWNE….
I think that Gisele Isaac is in a class with Mia Motley of Barbados and shares some very significant traits with the Barbados leader. Both of them are very strong woman with great leadership qualities and their personalities and looks and not very dissimilar from each other. It is for these and other reasons that I think that D. Gisele Isaac should take up the mantle and lead the UPP into the next General election as it’s polical leader. If Mia Motley can do it for Barbados and Camela Persaurd Bisessa can make a comeback at age 75 in Trinidad, there’s is no reasons why D. Gisele Isaac can’t do it in Antigua.
@It’s Just My Opinion let Gisele run in any constituency and see if she wins since she is so much like Mia Motley. Do you think that Gisele is a very liked person. Stop deluding yourself. Not many people like her. She could never win a seat in Antigua much less become Prime Minister. She wants to be Prime Minister behind the puppet Pringle.
SHE IS A PHENOMENAL WOMAN.
https://youtu.be/44xeD1vAzfY?si=CXMLrhDvWrXB8nfr
Uh, wow, uh, hm, ya, Shaggy!
Uh, yeah
This one goes out to all my women
My strong women
Uh…
So amazing how this world was made
I wonder if God is a woman
The gift of life astounds me to this day
Give it up for the woman
She’s the constant wind that fills my sails
Oh, that woman
With a smile and a style
She’ll protect you like a child
That’s a woman
Uh, uh… She’ll put a smile upon your face
And take you to that higher place
So don’t you underestimate
Strength of a woman
Strength of a woman
Woke up this morning
Got up with the scent of a woman
So picture if you would what life would be
Ain’t much good without a woman
She can nag and be a constant pain oh…
That woman
But those hips
She’s got me whipped
And it’s just too hard to resist
What a woman.
Uh, hey, she’ll put a smile upon your face
And take you to a higher place
So don’t you underestimate
Strength of a woman
Strength of a woman
Tender lips that’s so so sweet
Gentle words she softly speaks
Such an angel when we meet
God bless the ground beneath her feet
She can take you on a high
Be your comfort when you cry
But if you look into her eyes you’ll see
The strength of a woman
Strength of a woman
Uh, uh, she’ll put a smile upon your face
And take you to a higher place
So don’t you underestimate
Strength of a woman
Knight believes he can bring down Giselle by bullying her just because he wears a bigger panty and he has a bigger pu**y
So, to @Audley Phillip,
Sorry for the earlier typos. I was typing in the dark.
What say you of the leadership style of the late, Valerie Harris-Pole who didn’t receive this type of pushback that eventually brought the UPP to victory?
Her leadership style is no longer present. She would have reprimanded the behavior post-convention night victory by members who chose to be insulting to the other side.
She would not have walked out of a retreat , despite the way she she felt.
I have worked closely with her in my younger days as a member of the Antigua Jazz Society when she ran The Beach Comer Hotel. She led the all-male club with respect, dignity and principle. Never could anyone say that she was rude or caused any committed member to resign, defect, or not participate.
Look at the statement she makes on interviews when a member chooses to leave. No sense of humility or introspection. She’s a well learned woman yet not smart or strategic.
She makes regrettable statements that anger her membership.
Her public lack of support for the installation of the UWI Five Islands Campus, the survival or salvaging of LIAT, he comments regarding her possible use of gun etc, are only some examples of her irresponsible thought processes as a leader. I can only imagine what she says in private meetings.
You cannot negate the loss of credible, upstanding members from the party. I’m not convinced that their departure was an overnight decision. It must have been the festering of many issues.
I wait to see how the party will move forward, if she remains as the chair, while encouraging the leader to stay the course.
Remember also, that all of their slate is still incomplete.
Let me say this from my heart, Giselle we love you! And you don’t deserve to be demonized, it’s because you have a good kind heart you are suffering these attacks, for giving someone their fair chance because they held the fort from 2014 all alone, and I speak of Pringle, but you of yourself must admit you have to attune yourself to his level to communicate and get the upp message across to him, you know he is lacking.
Pringle you are a good young man and nobody hate you, you should have defer the leadership position and instead choose growth in your political ideology and history of political affairs and other institutional knowledge before you put your foot forward.
For that you made Giselle to look foolish and bullheaded, all her crucifixion out in the public is because a lady of her caliber decide to put you forward as prime minister material when you are just learning. And with that Pringle we can see deeper into your personality and your.propensity to be corrupted by foreign investors as Gaston and the ALP are been used against the people will, because from your conscience you can’t sleep good knowing you entitled yourself to a position you are incapable of, or you enjoy the hail you get from your young friends and girl friends, get down off your wooden horse and come to reality and humble your self and allow the country togo forward and escape Gaston grip.
Let me say this from my heart, Giselle we love you! And you don’t deserve to be demonized, it’s because you have a good kind heart you are suffering these attacks, for giving someone their fair chance because they held the fort from 2014 all alone, and I speak of Pringle, but you of yourself must admit you have to attune yourself to his level to communicate and get the upp message across to him, you know he is lacking.
Pringle you are a good young man and nobody hate you, you should have defer the leadership position and instead choose growth in your political ideology and history of political affairs and other institutional knowledge before you put your foot forward.
For that you made Giselle to look foolish and bullheaded, all her crucifixion out in the public is because a lady of her caliber decide to put you forward as prime minister material when you are just learning. And with that Pringle we can see deeper into your personality and your propensity to be corrupted by foreign investors as Gaston and the ALP are been used against the people will, because from your conscience you can’t sleep good knowing you entitled yourself to a position you are incapable of, or you enjoy the hail you get from your young friends and girl friends, get down off your wooden horse and come to reality and humble your self and allow the country to go forward and escape Gaston grip.
Gisele Isaac my foot. She talks as if she is some big patriot but she is not. She is pure self interest. No one in the UPP has benefitted more than Gisele Issac in their 10 years in government. She also criticize Anthony Smith and others who have left political parties and she is no different. People who no know you call you you. Gisele Issac needs fu just relax and look for she grandpickney.
To all those who think that Ms. Isaac’s character is synonymous with all their lacerating comments and feel that is justification for her to sit down and shut up; get a copy of ‘The Thirteen Sins Of Gaston Browne Against The Antigua Labour Party ‘ by Lionel Hurst. Max still feels that same way today but greed is a lowdown addiction.
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