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Amidst the controversy surrounding leaked letters of endorsement, the Richard Lewis for leadership team has issued a statement refuting any involvement in the leak.
The team’s response comes in the form of an internal memo seen by ANR, where they unequivocally deny responsibility for the leaked endorsement letters.
In their response to allegations suggesting that they leaked the letters to the media, the Richard Lewis team emphasized the following points:
Source of Leak: The team categorically denies being responsible for the leaked endorsement letters that surfaced in the media.
Disassociation from Media Leaks: They clarify that the leak should not be attributed to them or their campaign, as they maintain strict adherence to ethical campaign practices.
Commitment to Integrity: The memo underscores their commitment to conducting a campaign based on integrity and transparency, without resorting to tactics that compromise these values.
This clarification from the Richard Lewis team aims to dispel any speculation linking them to the leak and underscores their dedication to maintaining ethical standards throughout the campaign.
Here is the full internal memo obtained by ANR dated March 13, 2024
UPP MPs Clear the Air on Leaked Letters of Endorsement
Some confusion has recently arisen in the public space regarding letters of endorsement, which were internally distributed, exclusively to UPP members.
Here are the facts:
1. The UPP Central Executive appointed a Convention Management Committee (CMC) to oversee the entire Convention process, and to outline the rules governing the conduct of all candidates, endorsers and surrogates. The rules are all consistent with the UPP Constitution’s Code of Conduct.
2. The CMC rules allow for direct campaign communications with members of UPP branches and other party units, the majority of whom will be appointed to vote at the Convention as delegates. Each branch nominates 24 delegates.
3. Prior to proceeding with the sharing our endorsement of Hon. Richard Lewis with active UPP branch members, efforts were made to reach out to Hon. Jamale Pringle.
4. On Wednesday 6 March, the distribution of the Richard Lewis pamphlet to the the 16 UPP branches commenced, with copies being provided to branch chairpersons or other senior branch members, for onward distribution. The pamphlet also contained the letters of endorsement.
6. The pamphlet and endorsement letters were disseminated exclusively to bona fide active members, within the UPP branches.
7. At no time were any endorsement letters or the Richard Lewis pamphlet sent to the media.
8. On Monday 11 March, photos of the endorsement letters and the Richard Lewis pamphlet appeared in the media.
In short, we complied with all CMC rules governing internal campaign activities, and there was no campaigning or endorsing conducted via the media.
While leaks are common and unfortunate, especially in small societies, any statements or insinuations suggesting direct contact with the media, or violations of CMC rules, are baseless and without merit.
We ask those who are deliberately spreading misinformation, which undermines party unity, to immediately cease and desist.
We are all confident that once the reasonable rules laid out by the Convention Management Committee are followed, party unity will be easily preserved, and further strengthened.
Some concerns have also arisen about the endorsements themselves.
Endorsements are a common practice in the political process, including within UPP Conventions. Our esteemed former Political Leader, Harold Lovell, circulated a pamphlet with endorsements to UPP members during a previous Convention. This is all in keeping with a healthy democratic process, which empowers all participants to make informed decisions.
It is our strong expectation that this UPP Convention will see the party becoming stronger and more formidable than ever.
We love the UPP.
We love Antigua and Barbuda.
And we remain steadfastly focused on serving all the citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda.
MP Kelvin Simon
MP Anthony Smith
MP Algernon Watts
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No mention of Bowen in this? Was he the one who leaked the info. Asking for a friend. Why wasn’t his name attached to the document as the others. TROUBLE IN THE CAMP ITS NO SECRET.
Bowen is likely just laying low after the backlash from his flip flopping. Most people wonder, as I expected, how on earth a lawyer, who should be a bright person, could be so indecisive and frankly shocked that an endorsement letter sent to hundreds of members could get to the media. Why did he sign in the first place if he could be so easily beat down into opposing the same political tool he put his signature on?
This memo is not new news. It’s been seen by I would guess hundreds on whatsapp in the same places people shared the real leader’s press release accusing the other MPs of mashing up the party. so it’s not fair to blame Bowen for leaking it.
I do commend the MPs for standing their ground and telling their side of the story even though I think they should just take on the UPP true leader in the media, not with any “internal memo”
We watch enough TV from the USA to know that endorsements are run of the mill. Now we learn that Harold used the same tactic that sent the true leader on a media rampage. Why was it ok then but banned now?
You read her press release and were left thinking the endorsements mashed up the UPP so badly it now needs “healing” Made the party look fragile and certainly not equal to the task of changing the government.
I guess pressure makes people forget things or maybe the true leader lives under a rock?
Rawcus in the party! It’s all about hypocracy & betrayal….. Is it a surprise? It was long time coming. The signs were there. In parliament whenever Pringle makes his presentation, the body language of his colleagues displayed no enthusiasm of giving him support. Why did they approach & surrounded Serpant & not their leader to make a decision prior to the walking out of parliament? Tom drunk but Tom a no fool!!
Problem is you three guys who sign this release are total neophytes when it comes to politics. None of you have any history of participation or membership in a political party. You don’t know what it means to work within the culture of a serious organization. Yet you are so ambitious that devious Richard could so easily manipulate you with promises of government positions to go against party rules and discipline. You are so naive you didn’t know there is no way devious Richard would not have ensured those documents were leaked to the press. Heaven help UPP with all you inexperienced newbies running things!
@ Eldridge, whilst you are gleefully enjoying the ins and outs of the inner workings of how the UPP their leaders, as you wrongly opine:
“Heaven help UPP with all you inexperienced newbies running things”.
So tell me something Eldridge, how come when the “old experienced geriatrics” of the ABLP, who are currently running the country into an economical abyss, and have made Antigua & Barbuda an expensive place to live due to the high cost of living?
Criticising the unelected UPP just doesn’t cut it.
And do tell the readers of ANR what evidence you have that Richard Lewis is devious politician?
How come a UPP leadership convention has so many ABLP acolytes interested. Many of us are intrigued.
IS IT BECAUSE ABLP MEMBERS WOULD NEVER CHALLENGE GASSSSSTON’S LEADERSHIP?
[First paragraph] UPP *select* their leaders
If you have the party rules nearby please educate us.
Seems to me that Richard Lewis is up against two battles
1. the internal battle with the old guard (or the true leader by herself) who complains about normal democratic processes and is stopping at nothing to discredit anyone who doesn’t bow down to the establishment
2. the fight against Gaston Browne who suddenly went from constantly bashing Pringle to singing his praises. Pringle is now the best thing ever for the UPP all of a sudden. You hear this on all ALP radio shows. If I was Gaston Id do the same. Its smart politics. Next thing there will be money flowing to secure his choice.
@ Eldridge
SHUT THE HELL UP……
NEITHER UPP, RICHARD, PRINGLE NOR BOWEN NEED YOUR ADVICE.
GO ADVISE ABLP ABOUT THE HIGH COST OF LIVING, POVERTY, THE STATE OF THE ROADS WITH POT HOLES, THE STENCH OF THE COUNTRY WITH ”DUTTINESS”……
SO SHUT THE HELL UP…….AND GO TEK THE BEAM OUTA U EYE FUS
Why do you sound like Gaston Browne? When things don’t go his way, he makes derogatory comments against the other party/individuals.
History or membership in a political party does not illustrate depth of knowledge, or vision for the future.
There were no party rules violated. State which rules you know were violated. Sounds just like Gaston.
UPP showing their colours. Cannot run a party and want to run Government????. 2P more years for ABLP.
Hon.Gaston Browne. Please nominate JOEL RAYNE for ST.GEORGE.
I honestly do not believe these persons who signed this release.
It is my belief that they set out to maliciously undermine Mr. Pringle and it is so wrong.
Mr. Pringle has his draw-backs (like all of us) but he does not strike me to be a devious person as it appears some of those who have been signing are.
The bell has already been rung. It is only a matter of time before at least two (2) of the signees will have to leave.
They have shown us who they are, and in my opinion, they are not fit to be in leadership position as it pertains to government in this country.
Question for labourites and Gastonites. When is the top dawg going to call the ALP convention? Has Asot been officially expelled from the ALP cult?
What does that have to do with UPP? Study all the in fighting and pettiness going on in YPP. ALP will implode in their own time.
Yessss more dirty laundry being aired out. Keep it coming both of these political parties are so full of shit!!! Can’t to see both of them self destruct! Got my 🍿 ready for the entertainment
Anyone in Their right mind believe that These EMPTY HEAD MPS of UPP can run ANTIGUA and BARBUDA ???? .They CAN’T run Their own political party , how the hell can They run Antigua and Barbuda ??? .Next election as follows
ABLP ….. . .17 seats
UPP. 00 seat.
UPP. DONE / FINISHED.
… And look where 40-odd years of Birdism and Browneism has left us @ RUPERT MANN!!!
You ABLP acolytes are WILFULLY blind to the suffering of fellow Antiguans.
Listening to BROWNE and BROWNE on Saturday. Richard Lewis never own a TRAY selling sugar cake etc.and want to run country.WHAT A JOKE. DEM NAH READY YET. 😆🤣😂😹😆
As I see this, the UPP has surrounded its base with a bunch of untrustworthy people. Pringle can’t sleep because he now knows exactly how his MP’s feel about him.
Richard if elected, knows he is supported by weak minded people who have zero loyalty and who can switch their allegiance at the drop of a hat.
Who leaked the letter is of no importance. Who the Leadership can trust is paramount.
Leadership matters and so does trust. These UPP Executives are suspect every time they get together.
It shows the weakness of the UPP the once secret society Baldwin ran, is now gone. Every man for themselves and aligning with Serpent & Shugy on any matter, is a bad idea and this leaked letter proved it.
The UPP will settle down and watch another election slip through its fingers. This is the last time it will ever come this close to a win.
The UPP is entitled to ensure that they put forward the right candidates even if it means stepping on toes because people come first…
Now the ABLP continues to push rejects from other parties to satisfy loyalties and playing tricks on the young and upcoming candidates who put themselves in the ring only to be duped…Regis I have known your family before you were born and they have been loyal to theT to your PM….PAY ATTENTION TO THE CLIMATE…As you can see and hear there are issues on both sides…continue to fight…it would be nice to have you on the right side for change….
To the UPP TEAM stay on course and dont be distracted…
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