Deputy Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Sherfield Bowen, has expressed disappointment with the outcome of the recent St. Peter by-election, describing it as a missed opportunity for the party despite concerted efforts on the campaign trail.
Speaking on Observer Radio, Bowen acknowledged the electorate’s decision but pointed to challenges faced during the short campaign period.
Bowen began by emphasizing respect for the voters’ decision, stating, “The voice of the people is the voice of God, and we respect the people’s choice.”
However, he noted the party had anticipated a different result, given the visible neglect in infrastructure and services within the constituency.
Having spent significant time in the constituency, Bowen highlighted the poor conditions in areas like Lightfoot West, where residents have invested in their homes but continue to face substandard government infrastructure. He pointed to low voter turnout—approximately 48%—as a contributing factor to the party’s defeat and remarked on the noticeable infrastructural improvements hastily carried out by the government ahead of the by-election.
“In Pares Village, I was surprised to see the number of concrete roads being built the night before the election. If I had been living there for 20 years and only saw improvements on election eve, I wouldn’t have supported it. But the people did,” he said.
Bowen commended UPP candidate Captain George Wehner for his dedication during the campaign, despite the limited 21-day timeframe that included the Christmas holiday. Bowen likened Wehner’s bold campaigning style to that of former representative Asot Michael, saying, “He was vigilant, committed, and dedicated.”
Bowen expressed confidence in Wehner’s future, advocating for him to remain the party’s caretaker for St. Peter. “Judging from the response of the constituency branch, there’s significant support for him, and I believe the UPP will stick with him,” Bowen added.
Bowen criticized the government’s strategy of announcing the by-election with limited notice, arguing that the short timeline was a deliberate move by Prime Minister Gaston Browne to disadvantage the opposition. He described the tactic as “strategic” and acknowledged its effectiveness.
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Bowen. Another UPP super dunce.
The voice of the people (which you say is Gods voice) did NOT call for Jamale Pringle the Puppet.
That was the doing of a little over half of just 400 Convention voters- mainly the elderly, who frankly dont care about Pringles total incompetence.
400 people out of 50,000 voters destroyed the UPP Less than 1% of electors.
Accordingly, the UPP is reaping its due for its impudence, hubris and arrogance.
I have to disagree with Mr. Bowen on one thing. Mr. Michael passed, if I’m not mistaken, in early November. The UPP should have organised themselves to confirm a candidate. As soon as the candidate is confirmed, you begin doing on the ground work in the community. Mind you, there should have been continuous on the ground work after the last general elections.
I’m not saying that you kick off the campaign, for it wopuld have been insentitive to the Michael family, and the constituents, but there are ways that you could have run a subtle campaign until the election was called, then you completely pull up the anchor, and hit full campaign mode.
From the outside, it appears that the UPP is facing great difficulty in organisation. This HAS TO BE dealt with immediately, or they will continue to see decline in support.
Not upp upp cannot give solutions all you do is play blaming games. Are you the ready yet never again everybody has there own opinions and has a democratic right to vote who there want I hope you got the msg loud and clear
And what about the VOICE OF TESSA BARTHLEY??
Yet as Chairman he allowed his lamb to get slaughtered all alone sweating and bawling with no one around to comfort him. Where were you Sherfield, were you polishing your pew pew for another pregnant girlfriend?
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