OBSERVER: It could be approximately two weeks before a final decision is made on who will replace United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for St Mary’s South, Corthwright Marshall.
The party’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Damani Tabor made the revelation while speaking about a recent letter to Marshall – which was leaked to Observer – that advised Marshall that due to his failing health, the UPP hierarchy has decided to find a replacement to contest the upcoming general elections in the St Mary’s South Constituency.
This is despite Marshall apparently insisting he was strong enough to run against the incumbent Samantha Marshall of the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), and Andrew Antonio, the candidate for the Democratic National Alliance (DNA).
According to Tabor, that final decision will take more than a few days to be ratified.
He explained on the Observer AM show that the UPP’s General Council will have to meet and it would be up to the members to determine what direction the party will take regarding this matter.
“Ultimately, the General Council, which is the highest decision-making body outside of the convention, is who ratifies any new candidates, or they could even go in a different direction or whatever the case may be. I cannot say definitively who all the contenders are as the political leader [Harold Lovell] is currently engaged.
“He [Lovell] is a consultative guy and wants everybody to be affirmed and involved going through the process of meetings. It’s a dynamic process and I cannot speak precisely to where we are. In terms of when the General Council [meets], that meeting is on the 21st so that’s Sunday after next. So, certainly by then after that Sunday, by the next day, we will to tell the public what’s our final position,” Tabor explained.
While the missive to Marshall did not disclose the specific condition afflicting him, it alluded to the fact he had been hospitalised at least three times and may be seeking treatment in New York or Barbados.
Tabor, however, confirmed that several meetings had been held with the St Mary’s South branch office, but was tight-lipped on whether or not the branch supported the removal of Marshall from the UPP slate.
“I can advise that meetings with the branch did take place, for example, with the political leader and a contingent of people who I don’t quite recall exactly … but I can’t speak to what was said and what the responses are. I can’t speak to the substance of the discussions of the meeting, but what I do want to speak to is the political leader’s commitment to having a process that is affirming of the perspectives of all people, a process that recognises the value of all people and that tries to ensure that, whatever the outcome, everybody will be able to participate in redeeming Antigua and Barbuda and will be able in government to serve,” he added.
Marshall unsuccessfully contested the St Mary’s South seat for the UPP when he ran against Marshall in the 2018 general election.
When contacted by Observer, Marshall said the matter was private and he would not be making a public statement on it.
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Did Gaston do any consultations when replacing Teco Lake and Londel Benjamin? Harold seems to be handling a sensitive situation in the best way possible. Samantha Marshall is gone a gwasa this time. UPP all the way! for lower cost of living, higher wages and getting the damn jobs going again.
And of course all the BIRDIES and MINIONS will make a hue out of this, forgetting that TECO too was removed from the ABLP slate because of illness where he kicked up a stink and swore never to give up the seat.
Instead of finding solutions for the problems facing Antiguans including astronomical cost of living bills, electricity, water, gas prices, THEY WILL TRY AND DISTRACT PEOPLE’S ATTENTION FROM THE FAILED ADMINISTRATION CALLED THE ABLP.
PEOPLE CANNNOT EVEN BATHE UP TO NOW, CANNOT AFFORD TO DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES, LIAT FORMER WORKERS HAVENT WORKED FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS AND WITHOUT THEIR SEVERANCE, JOLLY BEACH WORKERS THE SAME, CBH WORKERS, CLAREVUE WORKERS…….PLEASE PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS FACING ANTIGUANS INSTEAD OF CREATING DISTRACTIONS.
CALL THE ELECTION SO THAT WE CAN WELCOME THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY.
Well, Gaston has been saying Corthwright looks unwell for some time and he also said it showed poor leadership on Lovell’s part to name Michael Burton as a candidate knowing he was unwell so I doubt the ABLP would make a big deal out of this… it should have happened sooner.
Was Nigel Christian clean?
TABOR and UPP , How does it feel to have the shoe on the other foot ? It does not matter who replaces Marshall, ABLP will definitely win that seat.
@ SIMORE
I AGREE, BECAUSE YOU CASTING THE VOTE FOR EVERYONE.
I hope Mr Marshall seeks medical attention and comes back ready to work with the new UPP administration. He has a lot to offer.
Did I read right that the letter was LEAKED
@ JUST SAYING
LIKE THE LEAK OUT OF THE WICKHAM POLL RECENTLY WHICH HAD 7/8 SEATS OF THE ABLP COMPLETELY WIPED OUT SENDING ABLP IN A STATE OF PANIC?
Based on the results of the previous election this st Mary’s south, st Phillips south and St Johns rural west are the only constituencies in play for UPP pickups. With corrhwright out any hopes are now gone for St Mary South. Plus with Gail in rural west that is also now out of the picture. That just leaves st Phillips south where the opposition vote will be split between joan massiah and someone who shot his and killed his side woman and unborn child. Things not looking good for UPP. Pringle is the only hope.
@ Analyst
I AGREE, BECAUSE YOU CASTING THE VOTE FOR EVERYONE IN ST MARYS SOUTH, ST JOHNS RURAL WEST AND ST PHILIPS SOUTH.
I HOPE ENOUGH INK WILL BE IN YOUR PEN, IF NOT I WILL OBTAIN A SHIPMENT FROM HARPERS AND DESTINED FOR YOU
Who leaked the letter?
Who leaked the letter?
Who leaked the letter?
Who leaked the letter?
Who leaked the letter?
Who leaked the letter?
Anything that is LEAKED shows that there is a lack of trust in any such organization. How can we trust these people with our country affairs if the can’t even maintain what should be confidential amongst them #UPPNEARGA. Shame on the #SNAKE for publishing!!! Anyway Aids or any ailment should not prevent anyone from running for political office.
Sickness is for everyone. It respects no one. Today it’s you tomorrow, literally tomorrow it could be anyone of us. Corthwright Marshall you are a good person and a very intelligent man. I like every UPP supporter would have preferred that you were the candidate. However, the stress that one has to undergo during an election campaign is too much for you Sir. You need to put your health, your family and living a best quality life as possible under the circumstances.
Now let’s talk a bit of politics.There is no guarantee you and the UPP will win this election either. Coming close to winning in consecutive elections do no guarantee you or the UPP a victory. I personally think that you guys took too long to make this decision. That you should have lead the way in making the announcement and asking your supporters to support the new candidate. If you put county and party over self you should be supportive. On the other hand the leadership of the UPP should make a clear and honest deal with you. That will be your role in a upp administration. Like senior advisor to the PM and that you will sit in cabinet etc. On the other hand if you put up a fight and you will only alienate yourself and if UPP wins you would be in the cold.
Good bless and I wish you all the best including a complete recovery. Sir health is wealthy.
Mr Editor, Miss Editor or No Gender Editor can you develop a barometer app so I can know how incensed #UPPNEARGA gets when they read my post?
People get incensed when they read your post because they cannot believe the nonsense that you write. For example, in your post above you are indicating that the UPP letter to Cortwright was leaked and therefore there is a lack of trust in the UPP. That view by you is so ridiculous. By the way nothing has been ever leaked from the ABLP administration. Sometimes even Gaston Browne himself is the leaker. So you see JUST SAYING that is why some people get incensed with your posts because they cannot believe a person is stupid as you appear to be.
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