LETTER: What is Next for the UPP? A Political Analysis

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Dear Editor,

The political landscape in Antigua and Barbuda finds itself in a state of uncertainty following the recent dismantling of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and the departure of some of its long-standing members.

The events have prompted citizens to ponder whether the UPP can ever regain its former stature or even demonstrate competency in governing the nation effectively again.

Prominent figures such as Kelvin Simon and Richard Lewis have emerged as potential breakaway candidates. Their dissatisfaction with the current state of leadership within the party raises crucial questions: Will they decide to leave the UPP, driven by the desire for more effective governance, and potentially run as independents?

This situation reflects a broader discontent that could catalyze significant changes in the party’s dynamics and its trajectory in the forthcoming elections.

The UPP’s recent actions have inadvertently cleared a path for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, allowing him to strengthen his position across all 17 seats in Parliament. With the opposition in disarray, one cannot overlook the possibility that Browne may choose to call an early election, possibly by January 19, 2026.

The Prime Minister’s ability to capitalize on this political vacuum will depend heavily on public sentiment and the strategies employed by the UPP to regain its footing.

As political observers scrutinize the situation, it is evident that the dialogue surrounding leadership and accountability within the UPP is becoming increasingly urgent.

The party has a critical juncture ahead; should they fail to address the growing concerns regarding their leadership structure, they may continue to see a decline in influence and membership.

The party’s future relies on their capacity to unite under a clear vision and address the pressing issues facing their constituents.

Meanwhile, the country anticipates how the narrative will unfold. The citizens of Antigua and Barbuda are increasingly invested in determining which political party will bring forth viable solutions to pressing national issues, including economic recovery, healthcare, and education.

Voter sentiments are evolving, and party loyalty is being tested as citizens demand transparency and effectiveness from their leaders.

With rumors swirling regarding the potential departure of influential members from the UPP, speculation about alternative political movements is rife.

If Kelvin Simon, Richard Lewis, and others opt for independent candidacies, the political landscape could experience a significant shift.

Eleven months remain until the anticipated date for elections, and during this time, the actions and decisions made by both the UPP and Gaston Browne will be imperative in shaping the future political climate of Antigua and Barbuda.

In conclusion, the coming months will be crucial for the UPP and Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape as factions emerge and current leaders navigate their courses.

How the UPP adapts to the challenges at hand, and whether it can unify its members or face splintering, may very well dictate its relevance in the elections ahead.

The call for new leadership and a shift in direction could ignite a pivotal change that resonates well beyond the 2026 elections, influencing the political fabric of the nation for years to come. ‘

As always, the watchful gaze of the electorate will be upon these developments, shaping the destiny of their governance.

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18 COMMENTS

  1. Interestingly this so called ALBP political is nothing more than an ABLP stooge one sided opinion of the political scene.
    Gaston Browne will soon have to face the challenge of his adult life.
    Word is: Behind the scene he is melting down.
    No question UPP is in disarray but spear me with the ALBP missive being referred to as political analysis.

  2. For the UPP the question of new leadership is no longer on the cards. They have squandered that option since as far as the Chairman of the Party is concerned Pringle is her choice for leader (please forget about the convention). I said please forget about the convention because the leadership and members of the Party believe that the convention results are set in stone and immutable. They need to understand that politics is the art of the possible and should be grounded in pragmatism. I understand that polling had shown that Pringle is seen as a weak leader and not likely to resonate with the wider society. The leadership of the Party apparently have their own views and the Chairman in particular seems to have her hopes and dreams tied to Pringle so that in the almost impossible eventuality that he becomes Prime Minister she would be the de facto leader. Time will tell.

  3. After this public display of infighting, why would anyone in their right mind vote for the UPP? If they are turning on each other now, imagine them trying to run a government. They would spread complete chaos throughout this small country. No one wants to see that. And once they are done fighting with each other, I bet they would turn on the people who voted for them. No thanks. I voted for the UPP in 2023 but they won’t be receiving my vote in the next election.

  4. Go and vote for your Syndicate Party like you’ve always done. By the time the elections are here, the TEN MILLION U.S DOLLAR MAN might be a defendant on remand,awaiting his court date.

  5. Maybe I am the onliest different blogger on this article, Gaston has be blogging and answering himself under different names. He is very keyboard happy.

  6. If the UPP is having problems in their own house and having disagreement with one another, at least it’s own house.
    Meanwhile Gatson Browne is running a entire country of 100k people into the ground.
    He’s conspiring with the Chinese, the Indians, the Africans, and now the Dominican Republic to bring in their Masons and Carpenter’s, just for the sake of keeping that sector of the community happy, all the while Neglecting Antiguan’s, and of course the Barbudan people, and this writer talking about UPP analysis?

    At least they are not the ones who have found themselves before the US courts, with countless accusations and call for their bank records. That’s the corrupt leader that y’all hail as the greatest PM in the Caribbean… 🤣

    Again, straight from the Browne bwoy mouth himself ” facts do not lie”.

    Those are the facts writer..missing people and unsolved murders everywhere in this country..the immigration system is still broken, with infighting amongst the workers who are task to stop the illegal drug and gun trade from coming into Antigua.

    So who’s actions are more to the detriment of the twin Island Nations? You tell me.

    So take some time and Analyze those things, and stop worrying about UPP little disagreement between themselves. At least they are airing out their differences, which is every man’s right.

  7. You are always so negative. Of course they can rise again. So you think gaston and his carnal will reign forever?

  8. The UPP will.rise again. Let us first sift out the haters and back bitters. It is never in the best interest of anyone to have a one party state

  9. INVITE SHARON WALTER TO MOVE BACK TO ANTIGUA SO SHE CAN REVAMP AND LEAD THE UPP. SHES THE MOST PROMINENT AND SUCCESSFUL ATTORNEY IN THE BVI AND HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THAT LEADERSHIP HER FATHER HAD BACK TO THE PARTY.

    • We don’t want anything affiliated with George “STEEL FRAME” Walter in our native land!!! That man didn’t do anything for Antigua and Barbuda.

  10. I Like Pringle, he means well for Antigua/Barbuda 🇦🇬 but I MACBETH GEORGE Personally believe he is not a good Leader; Leaders Lead from the front, Leaders are not controlled by “Puppet Master” I will always admire PA PA BIRD as a Great Leader… we remembered what he did with the Group of Rebel Eight (8) and Presented the shortest Budget in world History …. i believe Richard Lewis is the righ Leader for UPP the People did not get it Right at the UPP convention…. Mark you this is my View, I Live on Antigua I heard alot of things on the Ground. If Pringle does not step down ABLP Will be in Power for another 28 years.

    me OutSide! 🇦🇬🇦🇬🇦🇬

  11. Gastons victory at the next polls is strictly in the hands ot two people, Giselle and Pringle. If for their selfish desires they continue to hold firm on the leadership of the UPP Gaston can buy a lot of popcorn and get a bigger screen TV.
    Giselle and Pringle need to be reminded of a man called Joe Biden. He was democratically elected as the democratic party’s presidential candidate. However after a few ‘nodges’ to his side he had to step aside. It was too late by then. Trump had already done the damage. If Pringle doesn’t roll on to the other side very soon we will find ourselves in the same defeated position.
    I listened as Giselle bragged about her BSc in English and whatever. That will fit nicely in her resume. What will or can Pringle boast of? His CXC’s? Really? In 2025 and beyond?
    Giselle is happy to have a puppet whose strings she can pull as she wishes. It is obvious that growing up she didn’t have toys and is happy to have one in her older days. Antigua requires more than a puppeteer. It needs dedicated and competent leaders.
    As for Pringle, I am shocked that a man could be so blind though he may have 20-20 vision. Can’t he see beyind his finger tips? It is said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Pringle has had too many cups of that tea. His vision is totally obscured. His ego is much bigger than his competencies.
    Today, the majority of Antiguans would like to see the back and heels of Gaston’s shoes. Sadly Giselle and Pringle are pushing him down each time he tries to get up and leave. One would have expected that from puppets like Daryl Matthew and Max Fernandez. Not opposition leader and chairwoman.
    Though the people are hungry to see the back of Gaston they will not get rid of him and replace him with someone who gets lost in a public convenience. No one is ready to take that risk. Not even Pringle. Given the opportunity to lead Antigua at this time he will pass it straight back to Gaston.
    I am therefore calling on everyone in Pringle and Giselle’s inner circle, NOT THE WOMEN’S FORUM, to whisper a word in their ears. Please tell them that Antigus needs saving. Antigua needs leadership. Antigua needs new blood. Yes, Pringle can be a part of that. However he cannot lead what is needed.

  12. @straight shooter.

    Well said Sir.
    I’m a person who gives honest people the benefit of the doubt always, but I’ve finally come to your conclusions, and 100% agrees with your observations.

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