Political Analyst Questions UPP’s Readiness for St Peter By-Election
Regional political analyst Dwyer Astaphan has raised concerns about the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) preparedness for the upcoming St Peter by-election. Speaking on Observer Media’s Big Issues, Astaphan highlighted the distinction between awareness and readiness, remarking, “You could be aware that a house is on fire, but you’re not prepared to put it out if you don’t have the tools.”
The by-election, triggered by the death of Independent MP Asot Michael, poses a significant challenge for both major parties. Astaphan noted that the UPP, in particular, faces hurdles in mounting a strong campaign, saying, “I am not feeling the energy from the UPP.” While he acknowledged their potential to win, he emphasized that it would require exceptional effort.
The UPP recently named George Wehner, its Mobilization Officer, as its candidate for the by-election. However, Astaphan argued that an earlier announcement could have been more effective, given the mandatory 120-day election timeline. “The UPP candidate for this by-election ought to have been on the ground, patrolling it day and night, chipping away,” he said. “This is retail politics—you have to earn the people’s confidence, faith, and trust.”
Responding to criticism, UPP Chairman D Gisele Isaac cited “constitutional housekeeping” as a factor that delayed the announcement.
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St. Peter has always been a safe seat for the Labour Party, Asot won as an Independent because the people wanted to punish Gaston for the way he treated their Beloved Asot, they will do what they always did and vote Labour its that smple
Does Dwyer Astaphan really believe it is so easy?
Trupz.
Kamala Harris and her Party in the United States of America had 1.5 BILLION dollars at their disposal and they still lost to Donald Trump.
Kamala Harris and her party did not even win the popular vote.
It comes down to what or who the people want Dwyer Astaphan.
Time will tell in St. Peter.
Labour has their Gastonites and Labourites. UPP has their Giselites and UPPites.
But it is like the difference between wind and rain. Gisele is no Gaston. Right now Gisele with her puppet Pringle are just ordaining people as candidates to run in constituencies where they have little chance of winning. Even more, their party does not have the campaign financing to help them get their way.
Gaston Browne has the nation’s money to do with what he wants, including buying constituencies. The constituents like the money. They comply.
Gisele and Pringle do not have the money so they are strong arming the branches and the constituents. This is not a winning strategy. But they don’t care, especially about winning. Both of them already have their own money.
Both of them are just breaking the UPP apart.
Wrecking duo indeed Gisele and Pringle. The sad thing they are both bind to the reality and Baldwin Spencer and Harold Lovell both weaklings are worse.
Why he don’t go mind St. Kitts business? UPP must take this seat by will or buy force!
Time will tell
Who is this foreigner to lecture us about anything? He needs to keep his nose out of Antigua people business. This is not Syria.
Mr. Byam u speak like a true UPP supporter/member 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Are u really have problem with “foreigners” when is not richard JAMAICAN WIFE, it’s a Kittitian beak nose goon
Astaphan needs to understand Antiguan politics. The ALP has fostered a culture where money and gifts can purchase votes. St. Peter’s didn’t vote for Mr. Michael just to punish Browne but to continue receiving their regular handouts. Turner seems to be following the trend although on a downscaled version. They have turned Antigua into a beggy beggy society.
The UPP has fostered a culture of BRIBES, GREED, KICKBACKS, CORRUPTION and FRAUDULENT CONVERSION!
Bank of Dry Hill is permanently closed, so what will they do now?
Your opinion is basically correct in terms of political strategy to win. Also the upp candidate, Mr.Whener is a stalwart member of the party so it makes me wonder what took them so long to start the race. They have a lot of catching up to do with very little time. My opinion is they are riding this ticket based on the candidates reputation in the political field
and what exactly is his R-E-P-U-T-A-T-I-O-N????
Like we are forgetting that the United Progressive Party is unequiped. They are only there for publicity and popularity, to be in the mix and known. UPP cannot do this job and we know it. the act make no sense. Antigua let’s fail ourselves. we’ve been failing enough
To name a candidate at last minute is a wilful action..maybe not really contesting but just to say they have a candidate..something just not adding up..Smh
The man cow say is she wear the pants so she say who she want to run
Remember she has more BALLS than them!
https://antiguanewsroom.com/d-gisele-isaac-we-are-not-stepping-down/
UNABASHED: …UNAFRAID: …UNDAUNTED: …OUT OF REALM OF TEALITY
Firstly, it shall be said that this is not this commenter’s forte.
NOW:
With every and ‘…Utter Respect’ for the ‘…Written Views,’ through this medium.
IDIOCY AND STUPIDITY
Even so, it shall be ‘…UNABASHEDLY’ said that some comments appeared to be so ‘…Pregnant with Idiocy and Stupidity,’ that not even the ‘…RATIONALIZED VIEWS’ of a well-known ‘…REGIONALIST’ are respected.
WHAT THE HELL…?
Well, who don’t like it may ‘…COMPLAIN TO THE COMMISSION:- INTEGRITY: or …BOUNDARY: …ELECTORAL: OR …BACCHANAL’ or otherwise, ‘…SMOKE IT,’ right up to next year’s ‘…SUMMER FESTIVAL.’
In the meantime, and between time, whether:
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(b) …GRUMPY: or
(c) …UNHAPPY: – Say a ‘…LITTLE PRAYER.’
COME-2025, those still in this life, ‘…HAPPY NEW YEAR.’
***