The Political Leader, Harold Lovell, and the Leadership Group of the United Progressive Party (UPP) are pleased to present the first four members of the Party’s slate to contest the next General Elections.
After a comprehensive process of applications and vetting, including interviews and endorsements, these four have been approved to carry the Party’s flag in their constituencies.
Alex Brown – St. Phillip’s North Michael Burton – St. John’s City South
Richard Lewis – St. John’s Rural West Alister Thomas – St. John’s City West
Their photographs and brief biographies are attached for your perusal and publication.
The Leadership thanks the Branches, Membership, Supporters and the wider public for their patience. It was our intention to begin the roll-out of candidates since the end of the first quarter of the year, i.e., in March 2020. However, as the Country – understandably so – was engaged with handling the COVID-19 crisis, it was agreed that a delay was in order.
The ensuing State of Emergency – with its imposition of curfew hours; prohibition of gatherings; and social-distancing requirements – meant that the Party’s usual procedures could not be implemented, and that adjustments had to be made to the timelines. However, another four Candidates will be named during the week of June 22, 2020.
ALEX BROWNE, St. Phillip’s North
An “East Man” through and through, Alex Browne was born and raised in the village of Willikies; was educated at Willikies Primary School; and, later, as an educator, spent three years teaching there. His secondary years were spent at Pares Secondary School, from which he graduated, and then he pursued higher education at the Antigua State College.
After he left teaching, Alex decided to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, the lifeblood of the Antigua & Barbuda economy, for which he had the perfect personality.
After completing a two-year Management Trainee Program at the Pineapple Beach Resort, Alex climbed steadily and was appointed to several Executive Management positions. These included Rooms Division Manager, Food & Beverage Manager, and Resort Manager. His career took him to other Caribbean islands and properties, where he also held senior management positions.
However, his love for country and, in particular, the Food & Beverage Department brought him back home, and he took up positions as General Manager for both the fine-dining Pavilion Restaurant and the Sticky Wicket Restaurant.
After the collapse of the Stanford Group (which owned these two establishments), Alex returned to the hotel industry, full-time, at the Jolly Beach Resort. Since then, he has held several positions – Maitre’d, Training & Standards Manager, Food & Beverage Manager, and Resident Manager, the position he currently holds.
Alex is involved in several organizations whose main goals are giving back to the Community and Nation on a whole. He is a founding member of the The Sons and Daughters of Willikies, as well as a past President of the Glanvilles Football Club, Willikies Football Club, and the Willikies 4H Club.
In addition, he is a director of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association and of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association (A&HTA).
But he is not all work and no play, because Alex is also an avid songwriter and playwright.
A person who can be depended upon to serve the St. Phillip’s North Constituency and his country, Alex Browne has a genuine love for people and a love for the progress the UPP represents.
MICHAEL BURTON, St. John’s City South
Michael Burton’s roots are deeply embedded in the soil of his constituency, starting at his primary institution, the venerable Foundation Mixed School on South and Tanner Streets.
From there, he went across Independence Avenue (East Street) to the St. Joseph’s Academy, before going abroad to further his education.
“Burton for Certain,” as he likes to be known, attended South Broward High School in Florida; South College in Tennessee; and Alabama State University, earning a BSc. in Business Administration.
In addition, Burton has completed certificate courses in Accounts, Executive Leadership, and People Management.
His keen interest in the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda no doubt stems from his service in the US Army during peace time and active war. He served at Fort Benning, Georgia, with the Infantry 11B regiment; at Fort Lee, Virgina, with Logistical Supplies, 92A; at Camp Casey, in South Korea; and at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, 101st Airborne, and was deployed to the conflicts in Kuwait and Iraq.
Burton received certification in Air Assault; Experts Infantry (EIB); Combat Infantry (CIB); and Leadership in Combat, proven records of his national and international service.
In his civilian life, he has served as PTA President of St. Joseph’s Academy and provides yearly sponsorship of the Teacher of the Year and the Top Student at the Mary E. Piggot Primary School and to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Catholic Church.
In his efforts to improve and upgrade the professionalism and image of local law-enforcement, Burton has donated electronic equipment (laptops , tablets, flash drives) to the Police Force and drafted proposals for prison-reformation and work programs and assistance to under-privileged youth.
Burton, whose business sits in the middle of the Ovals commercial centre, intends to represent his St. John’s City South constituents with the same zeal and honour with which he served the United States Army.
RICHARD S. LEWIS, St. John’s Rural West
No stranger to politics, Richard Lewis represented the Party in the 2018 elections after 13 dedicated years as Chairman of the Constituency Branch. He is currently the Senate Minority Leader in Parliament, as well as a community and social activist.
For four years, Lewis held the position of Vice Chair of the UPP; was Labour Relations Officer for two years; and is credited with updating the Party’s Constitution as a member of the Constitution Review Committee.
A trained teacher, Lewis taught for 22 years – at the University of Technology (Jamaica); the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies, here at home; and in the secondary schools.
In addition, he held office in a number of organizations, including the Teachers Union; the Information Technology Teachers Association; the National Advisory Council on Education; and the Antigua & Barbuda Student Association (Jamaica).
Lewis is an Information Technology Specialist who put his considerable experience to work in the Ministry of Education as a former Assistant Director. As Director of the Education Management Information System, he created the first EMIS in local schools, and is the co-author of an Information Technology textbook used at the secondary level.
As an IT Management Consultant, Lewis has been a member of the Association of
Computing Machinery (ACM) since 2001 and of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic
Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) since 2002.
But Senator Lewis is positioned not only to define education and shape IT policies; he is qualified to be a game-changer for the youth, as well. He served the Young Men’s
Christian Association (Antigua) and the Christian Children Fund and Project
Lifestyle (Antigua & Barbuda), and was listed on the Ministry of Sports’ National Honour Roll for his contribution to sports.
In terms of business acumen, Lewis spent nine years as a Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank and five years on the Board of the National Training
Agency.
A distinguished scholar, this Green Bay Primary and Ottos Comprehensive alumnus went on to become Valedictorian of his Antigua State College graduating class.
Lewis, who is an OAS Fellow, holds a Master of Science degree, summa cum laude, in
Management Information Systems from the Graduate School of Computer and
Information Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Florida, and a BSc. (double major) in Computer and Management Studies (First Class Honours) from the
University of Technology (Jamaica), where he was awarded the President’s Gold Medal for outstanding academic achievement.
He also holds diplomas in Accounting, Fitness & Nutrition, and Photography.
As multi-talented as the constituents of St. John’s Rural West, Senator Lewis is determined to bring representation back to the community he calls home.
ALISTER THOMAS, St. John’s City West
For both his contributions to culture and Carnival and to socio-political issues, Alister Thomas is a household name in Antigua & Barbuda.
Born and raised in The Point, when it was the nexus of social, economic and political life, Thomas has a wealth of information on, and a passion for, the elevation of cultural expression in art, music, and Mas’, as well as for the economic empowerment of citizens.
His professional appointments in culture include:
- Assistant Director of Culture
- Cultural Consultant to the Barbuda Council
- Chairman of the Sir V.C. Bird Centennial Committee, December 2009
- Chairman of the 60th Carnival Celebration Award Committee, August 2017
- Designer Instructor National Handicraft Centre – Government of Antigua & Barbuda and UNESCO
And specifically in the arena of Carnival, his contributions are:
- Chief Executive Officer & Designer – Ali & Associates (43 years)
- Master Costume Designer, Fabricator, and Lapidarist
- Founder and first President of the Antigua & Barbuda National Mas’ Makers Association
For his contributions in all these areas of national life, “Alister,” as he is fondly called, was recognized with a National Honour: Grand Officer of the Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage (GCH) on the 25th Anniversary of Independence, November 2006.
Thomas has served The People in other diverse and important capacities that include:
- Information Commissioner of Antigua & Barbuda (2 terms/6 years)
- Founding Executive Member of the Caribbean Information Commissioners Network
- Lecturer in Black/African/Caribbean History and Geopolitics
- Founding Member and President of the National Parent Teachers Association
- Geopolitics – Host of Caribbean into the 21st Century, a ZDK Radio program, for over 25 years
- Founder and Coordinator of the First National Softball Cricket League
- First Public Relations Officer of the United Progressive Party (UPP)
To all of these assignments and positions, Alister brought his formidable intellect, energies, and commitment to excellence. The United Progessive Party is confident he will go even further in the interest of the St. John’s City West Constituency.
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Shawn Nicholas has thrown in the towel or will she be contesting in another constituency?
she is already pensionable so why bother!
@ Hmmmmmmm
Shawn Nicholas is tired of BLOWS so She packed Her Bags. I heard from a good source that Shawn Nicholas is NOT HAPPY with the UPP Executives . She would like to see the Backs of Lovell and Gisel. Food for Thought.
But but but Gisele is her “P.O.W.A sister”
Waiting to see which constituency Vere runs in, since Pringle convinced him to leave the DNA and join UPP.
I will only support the UPP if:
1. They publicly state their support for the continuation of Antigua’s CIP program.
2. They publicly state their opposition to the implementation of any Personal Income Tax (PIT).
Governments should not do what is popular but what is necessary. No PIT and a 4billion debt. How is government going to meet it’s obligations? You tell me.
Look blow!!!!!
Lol!!!! This is the best UPP can do!!! Oh lward another term for labor!!
Congrats to Mr Richard Lewis. He worked hard with no help down here in Rural West from the former PM. I know. My cousin is a member of the branch. He withstood all the unethical things the leadership did to him and he kept insisting he will do nothing to harm the party. He and Lovell together can make UPP a better party, but Gisele does not want Mr Lewis there. Lovell is going to have problems with the former candidates he tossed out because of the Chairman. UPP put out a list and the list was leaked out to Point Fm. That means that they have traitors high up. Lovell said the list was a fake. That is not true. The list even had notes about who was not in favour of which candidate. Mr Lovell, you need to make your peace with those young men you threw out and put the Chairman in her place. If not, she will harm your career. I will be voting for Mr Lewis. He will make a good leader for the UPP.
It is such a BURNING SHAME that Lovell does not realize that GISELE ISAAC-ARRINDELL … She will cause him to lose yet again.
Only one hopeful in that first four and that’s the person Rural West. Looku banging post
Wonder when they will announce the candidacey of a certain lawyer turn troll. Looking at these four I really hope the UPP have something esle or they making it almost to easy for Gaston and he gang walk all over them.
Can you believe they actually have a guy running who served in the UNITED STATES MILITARY, aa if that is something Antiguans will see as a virtue. I doubt it. Just think about it….AN ex-USA MILTARY MAN in the Parliament of Antigua & Barbuda!!!! Was (is) he a TRUMPer too? I think he just lost the election. UPP, headed by a former(?) Marxist-Leninist, should know better!
This is a BIG BIG BIG JOKE. ABLP will take all 16 seats. I cannot believe that We have waited this long to see these names. UPP is in SHAMBLES. Why didn’t UPP roll out all 16 names at once. This shows that UPP is having lots of Problems attracting Candidates. Heard DRIFTWOOD this morning on Observer AM and DRIFTWOOD is not happy. Still waiting to see the remaining 12 names . What happen to Gladys Potter , Serpent , Charles Tabor , Shawn Nicholas ? This Slate of Candidates is worst than 2018.
Suggest that UPP wait until an election is called to roll out the other 12 candidates. Maybe Gaston will then run on his accomplishments over the last six years and not try character assassination.
Richard Lewis , Burton , got lots of LICKS in 2018. Alister Thomas will get lots of licks from Hon. Gaston Browne , Alex Browne will get lots of licks from Sir Robin Yearwood. UPP should throw in the towel and save the Candidates from Losing Their Deposits. The Other Candidates will be receiving Licks respectively . UPP needs help.
Let me cool my Head . I voted UPP in the past . I am willing to vote UPP again but just viewing the four Candidates and not the full 16 Candidates tells me that UPP is having internal Problems . Why the UPP is bringing back failed candidates. Richard Lewis and Burton FAILES 2014 and 2018 …..They are back again ?????? . Let me put the UPP on notice that I am from a Family of 16voters with lots of influence and We are not impressed. If the remaining 12 names similar to the first four names We shall vote ABLP . My UPP looks like a FAILED ENTITY.
Alister Thomas?! Michael Burton?! The UPP can’t be serious!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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1. Which institution did Alister Thomas “lecture” in Geopolitics and history?
2. Did he graduate from secondary school? If so, which secondary school?
Word on the street is that he NEVER made it past 3rd form. Now is the chance for him to clarify his level of formal education.
Not sure what message he is sending to students and parents as the President of the National PTA *IF* in fact he didn’t graduate secondary school.
Let’s await his reply on this.
All I can say to UPP is BLAH BLAH BLAH . UPP Stop insulting Antiguans. Very UPSET . You believe Antiguans can trust Antigua to these LOSERS.CHUPTZ.
Lol its April first all over again
Why is UPP using DNA hand book? Lol
With all the time in the world this is the best the UPP could do? And can only come up with four at a time? Lol
Alister is egotistical pompous knows everything always right and always trying to be relevant. No no no
OMG Mr lovell I have great respect for you and would love to see a change in governance. This list is shaping up to be no better than the last.
Looks like a wash you fit and come kind a thing.
But the way what ever happened to the DMC and is Alister still the Chairman he made a speech not too long ago under the DMC umbrella. Poor Kubbli…
Is this the best the UPP can do. With all the shit Gaston Browne and company doing I would want to believe that the UPP would attract more young vibrant educated pwople to bring some fresh ideas to the political lsndscape but instead same old shit! Antigua is in desperate need of a third political party and not one made up of ABLP and UPP rejects but some fresh young minds who is ready will and able to move Antigua towards.
If the head slack, de battum nah muss slack too? If you think these four candidates are special, wait til you see who their fearless leader is.
If you thing these four Candidates are AWFUL……Wait until you see the next Twelve Candidates with DRIFTWOOD , GLADYS POTTER etc. ..UPP Candidates are LAUGHABLE. Sure Shoe in for ABLP.THREE PETE.
Wait Tabor (the father) nah men the list? With all the intellectual masturbation he does on this blog. I’m asking for a friend!
Nah badda wid he. Him jus full uppa big chat. Can’t put his money where his mouth is. He, Knight, Serpeant and sticky-fingers are a buncha coward talkers.
I have been following all the postings on this medium and for the life of me I hope my UPP is taking notes.99.9 % of the postings are TOTALLY against the UPP Candidates. Something is wrong with my UPP. You cannot enter election with these VERY LOW pollings . Please UPP GO back to the drawing board. A word to the wise. I am a UPP Member. My good Friend Charles Tabor Please talk to the Executives. This does NOT look good at all.
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ANR…..seems there is a another “Alex” posting which can be confusing as those folks who knows me will think the “ALEX” posting is mine. I am the true original “Alex”……been using from since media outlets has been allowing us to comment/blog. Is it because the other Alex is all caps? Just checking!
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