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Dear Editor,
I write in response to Charlesworth Tabor’s recent opinion piece, “Politics and The Concept of the Greater Good”, which questioned the United Progressive Party’s choice of leader.
While Mr. Tabor argues that the UPP might have been better off under Harold Lovell or Richard Lewis, even suggesting polls favored Mr. Lewis over the current leader, Jamale Pringle, I respectfully disagree.
In fact, a closer look at each man’s record and qualities shows clearly that Harold Lovell and Richard Lewis are not the optimal leaders for the UPP, and that Jamale Pringle is the best choice to lead the party and ultimately Antigua and Barbuda as Prime Minister.
Harold Lovell: Intelligent, But Rejected at the Polls
There is no denying Harold Lovell’s intelligence and past service. As a former Finance Minister and seasoned politician, Mr. Lovell is a bright and experienced individual.
However, leadership success in politics is ultimately measured by one’s ability to win the confidence of voters, and here Mr. Lovell’s track record speaks volumes.
He has led the UPP into two consecutive general elections (2018 and 2023) and suffered defeat both times. In the 2018 election, the UPP was roundly beaten – winning only a single seat – and Mr. Lovell even lost his own parliamentary seat.
Undeterred, he returned to lead the party into the January 2023 general elections, but the result was the same: the electorate again refused to elect Mr. Lovell as Prime Minister, handing the UPP a second loss under his leadership.
Mr. Lovell himself narrowly lost his constituency (St. John’s City East) for a third consecutive time, being edged out by six votes.
These back-to-back rejections at the polls are clear signals that, however capable Mr. Lovell may be, the voting public is not prepared to embrace him as their leader.
It is telling that Mr. Lovell chose to resign as UPP leader the very day after the 2023 election loss, acknowledging the need for new leadership.
In his resignation statement, he noted that the UPP had improved its position in Parliament and declared it “a good time to step down,” expressly adding that Jamale Pringle is more than capable of leading the party and enjoys [Lovell’s] committed support.
This gracious concession from Mr. Lovell himself underlines that even he recognizes the mantle must pass to a new generation.
Having twice been rejected by voters as leader, Mr. Lovell remaining at the helm would not serve the UPP’s cause.
The concept of the greater good for the party, to borrow Mr. Tabor’s phrasing, lies in embracing fresh leadership that can inspire and unite both the base and the wider electorate – something Mr. Lovell, through no lack of trying, has been unable to achieve.
Richard Lewis: Dedicated, But Lacking Broad Support
Mr. Richard Lewis, the Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West, is another UPP figure whose name has been floated as a potential leader.
Indeed, Mr. Tabor’s piece emphasizes an opinion poll that allegedly showed Mr. Lewis having greater national appeal than Mr. Pringle. Polls, however, are fleeting pictures in time; leadership ability is demonstrated through concrete contests and one’s ability to rally support when it counts.
On this score, Mr. Lewis has twice sought the leadership of the UPP and fallen short on both occasions.
Shortly after the UPP’s 2018 defeat, Mr. Lewis challenged Mr. Lovell for the party leadership at the February 2019 convention.
The outcome was decisive: Mr. Lovell retained leadership by an overwhelming vote of 245 to 63, indicating that Mr. Lewis failed to convince the party’s core delegates of his suitability at that time.
More recently, in April 2024, Mr. Lewis again contested the top post – this time against Jamale Pringle – and again the majority of the UPP’s membership rejected his bid.
In a democratic internal election closely watched by observers, Mr. Pringle received 237 votes to Mr. Lewis’s 173, a clear margin of victory for the incumbent.
No matter how many personal qualities Mr. Lewis possesses, the fact remains that he has not been able to secure the confidence of his own party’s rank-and-file, even after years of exposure and a concerted effort.
This raises legitimate concerns about his ability to galvanize the wider public.
If the people who work alongside you in the political trenches – and know both your strengths and limitations best – twice decide not to elect you as their leader, it signals a lack of the “winning leadership skills” needed for prime ministership.
It’s worth noting that Mr. Lewis is indeed a valued member of the opposition team and has made contributions, particularly in his constituency.
But leadership of a major party (and by extension, the country) demands more than local popularity or a pleasant public image; it demands the ability to unify disparate factions, articulate a clear vision, and inspire confidence on a broad scale.
Thus far, Mr. Lewis has not proven himself in these areas to the degree necessary.
His record in head-to-head leadership contests is one of not getting across the finish line, and there is little evidence that replacing Mr. Pringle with Mr. Lewis at this stage would suddenly vault the UPP into electoral victory.
In fact, doing so could very well splinter the party or demoralize the base, which overwhelmingly supported Mr. Pringle.
The UPP must consider the long-term greater good of maintaining unity and principled democracy internally, values that should not be cast aside due to one or two poll results.
Jamale Pringle: The Best Leader for the UPP and a Visionary Prime Minister-in-Waiting
Contrary to Mr. Tabor’s implication that Jamale Pringle’s elevation to leader may not serve the UPP’s immediate “greater good”, Mr. Pringle in fact represents exactly the kind of forward-looking, unifying leadership that the party – and Antigua and Barbuda – needs.
His background and performance to date give every reason to be confident in his ability to lead the UPP to success and to serve as an excellent Prime Minister.
First, Mr. Pringle brings a diverse and grounded background to the leadership role. Uniquely among the current political leadership, he is a former secondary school teacher by profession.
He taught at multiple schools (including Irene B. Williams, Pares Secondary, Princess Margaret, and Clare Hall), touching the lives of ordinary families and young people.
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This experience has imbued him with a deep understanding of the education system, youth issues, and the day-to-day struggles of working Antiguans, qualities that foster empathy, strong communication, and a connection with the next generation.
Importantly, Mr. Pringle paired his educational career with success in business. As one profile noted, “Single Pringle,” as he is affectionately called, left a career in teaching to become a successful entrepreneur, marrying the science of business with the art of politics.
In other words, he understands how to meet a payroll and grow an enterprise, giving him practical economic management insight. This blend of real-world business acumen and public service experience is invaluable.
It means Mr. Pringle can relate equally to the classroom teacher and the small business owner, two constituencies critical to national development.
Secondly, Mr. Pringle has proven his mettle through performance under pressure.
When he first entered Parliament in 2018, it was as the lone opposition MP in the entire House of Representatives, a remarkable yet daunting position.
Thrust “into a leadership role after emerging the only winner on his party’s ticket in 2018”, Mr. Pringle did not flounder or fade into irrelevance. Instead, he embraced the responsibility, serving as Leader of the Opposition with dignity and tenacity.
For five years, he single-handedly kept the UPP’s voice alive in Parliament, holding the government to account despite having no colleagues alongside him in the chamber. This period was a trial by fire that hardened Mr. Pringle’s resolve and honed his leadership skills.
He learned to “get things done, despite not being in government and despite institutional” obstacles. By the 2023 election, thanks in part to Mr. Pringle’s efforts and visibility, the UPP rebounded to win six seats.
Mr. Pringle again won his own constituency decisively (by over 750 votes), demonstrating that his personal appeal to voters is strong and only growing. It is hard to imagine a better preparation for national leadership than what Mr. Pringle has undergone; he has been tempered by adversity and never lost sight of his duty to the public.
Third, Jamale Pringle exemplifies a unifying and forward-looking vision, which is exactly what the UPP requires to broaden its national appeal. Far from being a divisive figure, Mr. Pringle has consistently emphasized party unity and collaborative leadership.
During the recent leadership race, he pointedly refused to engage in any mudslinging against Richard Lewis, saying it “would be rather foolish to…smear campaign against each other, knowing that we must face the electorate with the same individuals”.
This maturity in putting the party’s cohesion first is a hallmark of Mr. Pringle’s approach. Since being elected Political Leader, he has reached out to bring everyone together and “reunite the party” after the convention.
In practical terms, he has outlined plans to strengthen the party’s infrastructure (such as establishing a party headquarters and a legal action fund to hold the government accountable), and he has made youth engagement a top priority.
Mr. Pringle has already begun meeting with the UPP’s Progressive Youth arm to mobilize young people and incorporate their vision. This kind of outreach is crucial for the UPP’s future growth – and it speaks to Mr. Pringle’s forward-looking mindset.
He understands that a successful leader must cultivate the next generation and address issues that matter to them.
Beyond internal party matters, Mr. Pringle’s vision for Antigua and Barbuda’s future is both people-centered and progressive.
He has expressed passion for youth development through expanding economic opportunities and even creative initiatives in culture and entertainment.
For example, he has been credited with organizing new community events like the “Miss Sunshine Pageant” aimed at uplifting young people and fostering community spirit.
These may seem like small steps, but they reflect a leader who is energetic, innovative, and in tune with the grassroots.
He sees leadership not simply in terms of parliamentary maneuvers, but in improving everyday life and giving citizens pride and opportunity – the very essence of the greater good. Importantly, Mr. Pringle has shown he can “pour oil on troubled waters” and mend fences when conflicts arise.
Colleagues have come to know him as a shrewd negotiator and stabilizing force, which is vital for holding together a broad coalition of supporters.
All these traits — empathy, pragmatism, vision, unity, and determination — are exactly what one should desire in a Prime Minister.
The True Greater Good for UPP and Country
Mr. Tabor’s article frames the issue as one of pragmatism: essentially asking UPP supporters to consider whether the “greater good” of winning the next election should override the party’s democratic choice of leader.
In rebuttal, I submit that the UPP’s best chance of winning and best hope for effective governance lies with Jamale Pringle, not with leaders of the past.
The party faithful recognized this when they elected Mr. Pringle, and even Mr. Lovell has publicly affirmed it. Abandoning Mr. Pringle in favor of another would not only betray the party’s internal democracy (and risk internal turmoil), but it would also likely fall flat with a public that has already turned away from Mr. Lovell and remains unconvinced by Mr. Lewis’s leadership aspirations.
In contrast, Mr. Pringle represents a fresh start and a bridge to the future – a leader who maintains the UPP’s core values but isn’t burdened by the disappointments of the past.
He is someone that undecided voters, especially younger ones, can take a second look at, as he defines himself on his own terms in the coming years.
It’s also worth remembering that elections are not won solely by popularity polls or name recognition; they are won by ground organization, united purpose, credible policies, and a leader who can inspire trust.
Mr. Pringle has been steadily building credibility by working in communities, championing issues that matter (from education to social support), and showing humility and growth in his role.
If the UPP rallies behind him wholeheartedly and presents a compelling agenda for change, there is every reason to believe Jamale Pringle can attract broad voter support.
He has already proven he can win over skeptical audiences – be it in his constituency or within his party – by dint of hard work and sincerity.
Those qualities, coupled with strategic savvy, are ultimately more decisive than a snapshot poll taken 3+ years before the next general election.
In conclusion, Harold Lovell and Richard Lewis each have their merits, but neither has demonstrated the winning leadership that the UPP requires at this critical juncture.
Mr. Lovell’s time as a frontline leader has passed, evidenced by multiple electoral defeats.
Mr. Lewis, despite his efforts, has not convinced the majority in his party that he is the man to lead, much less the nation. Jamale Pringle, on the other hand, offers a blend of fresh perspective, proven resilience, and genuine connection with the people.
He is a leader forged in adversity, with the vision to pursue the greater good in the truest sense – maximizing the well-being of the greatest number of our citizens, not just winning an election at all costs.
I firmly believe that under Mr. Pringle’s emphatic and forward-looking leadership, the UPP stands its best chance not only to win the next election, but to govern effectively in the interest of all Antiguans and Barbudans.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Supporter of Principled Leadership
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So true leadership has nothing to do with experience and commitment but everything to do with winning a seat!!! Gaston has won his seat three times over! I guess he’s the best man for the job, by your standards!!! Put Pringle in a different constituency first to test your theory before you make such broad claims!
What a load of BS this article has… Pringle has not shown any enthusiasm or has he inspired or motivated any independent voters to upp…. what world is this writer in? The facts are the reintroduction of Lovell has certainly shown some hope that upp could be back on track to challenge ALP. Pringle is not charismatic or intellectual enough to inspire independent voters who can get upp to win! Let’s face it, the upp base cannot carry the upp over the line alone! That’s just reality of it!! So writer, stop being so delusional and accept that’s just what it is! You can write all the fancy words and excuses but the fact remains, Pringle isn’t the guy for the job.
This is not even an informational or public relations piece.
It’s total hog wash stagecraft by ABLP operatives.
This is a well written and reasoned response to Mr. Tabor’s article. However, I find it disingenuous to discredit the work of Harold Lovell from uniting the Party and bringing to the point of victory in the 2023 general elections. Yes, he lost but his efforts must be commended. Pringle is no Harold Lovell and what Harold did then cannot be duplicated by Pringle. That is where Pringle is lacking and if the UPP cannot appreciate that then they deserve to remain in Opposition.