Parker Returns to UPP, Citing ‘Moral Crossroad’ and Deepening Political Divide

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Malaka Parker

Malaka Parker Returns to National Politics, Calling Antigua and Barbuda’s Future a ‘Defining Moment’

Former senator Malaka Parker has re-entered Antigua and Barbuda’s political arena after what she describes as a two-year absence from active politics, saying the country is at a “moral and political crossroad” and in urgent need of ethical and stable leadership. Her return also marks a renewed membership in the United Progressive Party, the organisation that first gave her a national platform — though she most recently aligned herself with the Democratic National Alliance.

In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, Parker said she decided to resume political work after extended reflection and encouragement from residents, community leaders and supporters who told her the nation “deserves better: better leadership, better governance, and a renewed sense of national purpose.”

Parker issued one of her strongest public critiques yet of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party administration, saying she has watched with “growing concern” what she believes is a steady decline in political values. She accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises of becoming an “economic powerhouse,” arguing instead that the country now faces “mismanagement, inflated promises, and deep social inequality.”

She also said corruption, nepotism and the abuse of public office have weakened institutions and deepened public frustration. According to her, the current period is “one of the most troubling” in modern political history, marked by rising poverty and a cost of living that has placed “unbearable strain on working families.”

Parker accused the administration of using intimidation, “public bullying,” and character attacks to silence dissent. “Freedom of expression, once a hallmark of our democracy, has been steadily eroded by an increasingly volatile and authoritarian leadership style,” she wrote, adding that many citizens privately express alarm about the country’s direction.

She questioned whether the population has become “desensitized” to wrongdoing and said the public’s patience is wearing thin. “My people, are we now so desensitized to these acts of national betrayal? … They have gotten a long long rope; it is time to remind them who hold the handle.”

While she returns to the UPP — the party that originally launched her national political career — Parker acknowledged that the organisation is not without internal challenges. She described it as “divided in spirit and weakened by internal fractures,” but argued that it remains the most viable political movement to “redeem” and reform the country.

She stressed that her decision is “guided by conviction not convenience,” and said she is not returning to relive earlier chapters in the party but to help rebuild, refocus and strengthen it into “a people’s party rooted in integrity, service, and fairness.”

Parker said leadership requires courage — “the courage to stand for what is right even when it is unpopular” — and said she intends to advocate for transparency, equality and civic empowerment within the UPP’s ranks. She also praised members she believes have demonstrated resilience, integrity and capacity to lead in line with the aspirations of the public.

Framing this moment as pivotal, Parker said Antigua and Barbuda faces a fundamental national choice. The country, she said, can “continue down a path of decay and division” or move toward restoring “integrity, hope, and progress.”

“It is time to rein in the unruly and the unconscionable,” she wrote, urging residents to reject what she described as “vulgar disrespect” directed at the public and to join a broader effort to reshape the political culture. “Join me!” her statement concluded.

Parker’s return adds a high-profile voice to the political debate as the opposition and government prepare for the next electoral cycle, signalling her intention to play a renewed and active role in the country’s public life.

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20 COMMENTS

    • I don’t feel sorry for him one bit. He too nuff and edge up. Why stay with people who don’t like you? Richard knows how the upp feel about him, but he stay and take all the abuse. When you can have George Wehnner disrespecting your wife and kids at Convention..all up in them face with “tek dat in ya nehnen” – what kind of a “man” are you? No backbone, No character, No spine and no leadership material.

      By the way, the UPP CONSTITUTION states that the LEADER MAKES THE FINAL DETERMINATION AS TO WHO RUNS ON HIS SLATE OF CANDIDATES for a general election. So Pringle has VETO POWER and can wipe out Richard in one fell swoop. Stay tuned….

  4. Her going back to the UPP probably a bitter sweet reality for Mr. Pringle I strongly believe he sees her as another challenger for leadership of the party.

    • the one and only DULY ELECTED LEADER is the HON. LARS JAMALE PRINGLE. The man chosen for the people by the people. No one can move him. It is his time now.

  5. @ Mark u go ahead say where she belongs if the UPP don’t seem to be ready in her opinion she may think she could help make the ABLP a better party…Politicians/opportunist….

  7. I guess she cannot wait any longer for the UN job they promised her.

    She was quiet for two years because she was trying to join the money train.

    Ask her how many meetings she had with GB?
    Another Anthony Smith in the making, she cannot be trusted.

    • WHO promised her a UN job????

      Yeah I wouldn’t trust her or touch her with a 10ft pole. Now she done badmouth UPP, she gone back to the vomit. A real double-minded WEAKLING with ULTERIOR MOTIVES. Maybe she is hoping to run in Rural West.

  9. Harold is the reason she is back. He is building his party. He is of the misguided view he will beat MP Anthony Smith. I hope this bang off will leave him so utterly humiliated that he leaves for GOOD!!!!!

    • loveLIE ain’t winning shit! He is still a LOSER!!! The man who brought Antigua to its knees with his IMF shenanigans.

  11. HON. GAIL CHRISTIAN got the role that Miss Parker wanted? So she goes back to the same sinking ship that she jumped from? Under the guise of “concern” for country?

  12. “A move, no doubt, hastened by the recent elevation of her Excellency Gail Christian to the coveted ranks of ambassadorship – a role which the prodigal daughter allegedly sought from the Gaston Browne led ABLP but failed to achieve. At least you might add a brush of (toenail) polish to an otherwise dull and decaying camp. Given its critical urgency you should be assigned watchdog on Youth Violence especially that involving murder and the indiscriminate use of deadly weapons to inflict hurt and harm on innocent citizens. Remember, Charity begins AT HOME!”

  13. Do the math. Check how many DNA persons have moved back into UPP as if they never left. Joanne will not return until they have the takeover fully completed. Wait and see.

    Spencer wants her back because it would vindicate the unchecked faith he placed in her only to have it dashed. He never learns. Once there was Gail Christian. And Lewis who was his forever fixer got no respect from him.
    Lovell wants her back because, well… Lovell wants her back.
    Oh, UPP. No vision, no creativity. Just plain stupidity and the ability to never learn. A party full of pretty words written and spoken and political sense to fill a bottle cover.

  14. These ALP lame brained writers will get the shock of their miserable lives when the next early election is called and over. Money will not do it this time around but the hand of God will prevail. Remember he despise wicked and evil doers

  15. I will take a honest government over a teifing government any day and twice and Sundays.

    The last 5 years have been scandal after scandal..they even kilyl Asot for it, a sitting MP mind you.

    Y’all too teif!!!!!!!!!

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