PM Reacts to Jermaine Edwards’ Withdrawal From UPP Primary
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has weighed in on Jermaine Edwards’ decision to withdraw from the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) primary for the St. John’s Rural South constituency, describing it as indicative of deeper issues within the opposition party.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne suggested that Edwards’ withdrawal reflects a broader trend of dissatisfaction and internal challenges within the UPP.
Browne, while acknowledging Edwards as a person of capacity, remarked that the UPP often undermines its most talented individuals.
“The UPP just has a propensity to destroy talented people,” he stated.
Edwards, who was considered a strong contender, opted to step away from the primary process, leaving questions about the party’s ability to maintain cohesion and attract credible candidates.
The Prime Minister also criticized the UPP’s current selection for the St. John’s Rural South constituency, describing the candidate as evidence of the party “scraping the bottom of the barrel.”
He implied that Edwards’ withdrawal could be a reaction to the party’s inability to foster a supportive environment for its potential leaders.
Browne further claimed that discontent within the UPP has led to internal turmoil, citing an executive member who allegedly provided him with updates on the party’s internal dynamics.
He described the informant as being “devastated” over the ongoing issues.
Edwards’ decision to pull out of the race has prompted discussions about the UPP’s preparedness for upcoming elections and its approach to candidate development.
While she has not left the party, the withdrawal highlights potential fractures in the opposition’s strategy.
Jermaine Edwards, a community advocate, recently withdrew from the United Progressive Party (UPP) primary for the St. John’s Rural South constituency, citing significant organizational shortcomings within the party. In her withdrawal letter, Edwards expressed disappointment with the party’s inefficiencies, highlighting that it took over ten months to process membership applications. She criticized the UPP for poor communication, internal conflicts, and a lack of strategic vision, stating that these issues hinder candidates and undermine the party’s connection with the electorate.
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The United Progressive Party apparently doesn’t understand it’s role in a functioning democracy. It’s leaders seemed to have made a fundamental mistake in making personal attacks mainly against Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The party has pursued a strategy of pointing out the “inefficiencies” of the Administration without offering any solutions to these “problems”. Their supporters also prefer to go to the media rather than alert the authorities on any matter that they or their communities may face. There are also internal wrangling that undermine their abilities that affect their ability to appear as a united front. If they cannot solve these issues, and come clean with the people of Antigua and Barbuda, they will simply cease to be a viable alternative. Something else will replace them.
The leadership of UPP isn’t doing or saying anything to convince the electorate that the are ready for Prime Time unless they have some big surprise up their sleeves, this supporter is really frustrated, wake up from your f*****g slumber
The independent/swing voters and the Educated ABLP supporters are also dissatisfied and disappointed in the UPP party. Although people prefer Gaston leadership, especially on his handling the economy and his decisiveness they want to see a strong opposition. So during the last election his handling of the African Airline and immigrants, resulting even in the loss of lives. The handling of the vaccines. Tear gassing in civilians, firing and not compensating long standing civil servants his campaign style, overly aggressive , gangster like was a turn off and almost cost ABLP the election. In which he himself admitted he could have done things differently. Don’t think he has changed.
However the UPP failed to galvanize its momentum and instead imploded. Then continue to hemorrhage like a main artery was cut.
I don’t even think that ABLP convention was ever half as fair as the UPP’s. They campaigned far more viciously. They even passed around brown paper bags , sponsored by the deceased who was Gaston main supporter. That was divisive as it can be. Similarly if any of you can see how their primaries are held. They throw their constitution out the window and get as nasty, as illegal as humanly possible. Look how Dwayne George who was a staunch UPP , replaced a person of Samantha Marshall stature. A woman of substance from such a strong APLP family. She was basically kicked off the campaign trail by the World Boss leader- what she did . Fall in line.
So all you go on Observer Radio and call ABLP supporters, drinkers of the RED Kool-AID , It Works.
You don’t hear the RED KOOL-AIDS resigning and saying all sorts of things about their dissatisfactions. They just walk away and go off into the sunset peacefully. Have nothing to do with their party but never wear blue, not even to Church. If they do they will make sure they wear a red tie.
So as it’s stands right now, although there are a few MP’s on the opposition bench , as far as I am concerned we have a one party state. When the speaker of the house says all who in favor the I’s answer. When he turns to the opposition bench they don’t even say nay anymore, not even for the record. I hope it is recorded in parliament that they abstained.
We need a strong opposition for check and balances if not for anything else.
I honestly sympathize with the UPP, they do not seem to know their head from their tail when it comes to the art of politics. Gaston Browne just keep out politicking them. Ever since I stated voting which is quite a while now I have always voted for the lesser of the two evils which means it’s always against the ALP/ABLP. Right now the UPP is catching up real fast
To those who are rejoicing at what is happening with the UPP, in terms of resignations, why not ask yourself, why is DNA experiencing a similar fate? It’s a people problem which seems to be bolstered by a downpouring of ARROGANCE flooding the Nation from the rooftops runoff to the gutter and sewer. When a person can be brought, they’ll turn a blind eye to anything including my assassination.
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