UPP – No Philosophy – No Policies – No Plans – NO HOPE

49
Lovell

In my last letter, I had, among things, pointed out that the UPP had failed to attract a group of persons with intellect and political acumen and savvy, as political adversaries, capable of creating a strategic plan and policies which voters could find attractive; and perhaps begin to consider the UPP as a serious and viable political opposition. This would have moved it away from the policies of just cussing and hatred of Gaston Browne and political pandering by its policies of giving away everything including the proverbial “kitchen sink”.

I then decided to take a break and conserve my energy to observe and get ready to comment on the political landscape and campaign when the ABLP commenced its campaign by cranking up what its supporters refer to as “the Big Red Machine”, which I figured would be after the carnival festivities.

I have, however, had to change my mind when my attention was drawn to an advertisement by the UPP, that it was launching a publication of an 80-page report that it touted “would present its record of achievements while in office 2004-2014, and which would highlight the philosophy and extensive record of accomplishments in 2004-2014”.

The idea that the UPP hierarchy or “strategist” could think that this was a great idea is mind boggling and clearly shows its political naivete as a party, and the asinity of its political leaders and its neophyte candidates.

Editor, lest your readers think that my criticism is harsh, let me support my opinion with some relevant political facts. A Party seeking to be elected into office, must, in addition to presenting candidates of quality, also put forward policies and plans that they intend to implement if elected; and these plans must be set out with clarity, must make sense, be realistic, and capable of being implemented. Wild eyed promises and cutting all taxes are not plans and policies that are believable and are an insult to the intelligence of the Antiguan and Barbudan electorate.

That being said, I found myself struggling to understand, the whole point of the “report of major achievements 2004-2014”, until it finally dawned on me. The fact is that the UPP has no plans and policies on which to be elected. Its political strategy is “to demonize the government in general and the Prime Minister in particular. At best fully it hopes that it can be elected because of the shortage of water, which is mainly due to a ten-year-old drought, and which is now being addressed and would have already been solved were it not for the Covid pandemic. It also has failed to comprehend that the vast majority of the electorate are also not “anti-vaxxers”. The UPP, being stung by criticism that it has no policies or plans and a third eleven team, now says to the voters, “we did it before and we can do it again.”

So as an act of desperation, the UPP rolls out what it considers to be the great work done by its predecessors in its ten years in office. I have not yet been able to read “this manifesto in review”, but I think that most voters, other than the party base, have a pretty good idea what it contains, starting with school meals and school uniforms, but nothing about collapsing the economy and engaging the IMF.

My dear Harold, Giselle and company, parties are voted into power based on their plans and economic policies, and these plans and policies are contained in a document called a Manifesto. No one gives a damn or is interested in your party’s selective views of its predecessor’s terms in 2004-2014.

I suspect many of your readers like myself, are bewildered at the UPP’s decision to publish this “rear view mirror manifesto”.  In fact, I view this as an act of desperation, which notwithstanding its idle boast that it will form the next government, has realized that the issues which it thought would sweep the party into power, have all but disappeared.

  1. The Covid pandemic which it thought would bring down the government, has, in fact, proved to be a resounding success story for the ABLP government and has been praised by PAHO and the WHO. Further, a big UPP supporter, who is a leading businessman, actually told me that he praised the Lord that Gaston Browne was Prime Minister during the pandemic as the country would have died under his party’s leadership.
  2. The hard anti-vaccination campaign of the UPP has been rejected by the vast majority of the populace of which 64% elected to be vaccinated, which led to the control of the corona virus. This together with the State of Emergency and its protocols, helped to contain the spread of the virus. This enabled the government to reopen the country and reboot the economy many months before other Caribbean countries. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and our people were once again able to gather, to play mas, to party and to have fun in their thousands for carnival.
  3. The issue of roads is long off the table. And water will soon follow. In fact, the government’s programme to solve the water issue was only delayed due to the Covid pandemic.
  4. All that is left in the opposition’s arsenal are unsupported allegations of corruption carried on Facebook by UPP activists and supporters here and in the diaspora, with support from Observer and Newsco, nightly rants in the Snake Pit by the obnoxious Dane Knight and a series of “powder puff interviews” by Shawn Nicholas, the party’s General Secretary, and which are not capturing the electorate, let alone support.

Added to the above the UPP cannot be oblivious to the constant criticisms and skepticism by a majority of non UPP voters that they have failed to put forward the plans and policies upon which the public should vote; and, if elected does not have a team, capable of governing the country. Indeed, as far as I know, the UPP has not, even at this late stage, been able to name its shadow cabinet, and thus the idea of a “rear view manifesto” was born.

And so, the UPP has hit upon the idea to publish this document. I, personally, cannot fathom how the leaders of the UPP would think that this is a smart idea. Firstly, the UPP in its former configuration campaigned and touted these same achievements in the election of 2014 and WERE REJECTED. Again, they campaigned on these same self-professed achievements in 2018 and they WERE REJECTED AGAIN AND HUMILIATED at the polls.

How in God’s name can anyone with a modicum of political savvy think that this makes political sense? Further does the UPP not understand the fact that a stronger UPP with a much better team was soundly defeated in 2014 and 2018. How then will this 3rd 11 team fare?

Dear Harold et al: Voters cast their vote based on sensible and workable plans and policies, not for pie in the sky plans, policies and perceived past achievements.

WHEEL AND COME AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!

NOMAD

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49 COMMENTS

  1. LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯
    LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯
    LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯
    LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯
    LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯
    LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯
    LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯
    LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯
    LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE 🎯

    • RESULTS OF 2023 ELECTION IN ANTIGUA / BARBUDA

      ABLP. WIN ALL 17 SEATS

      UPP. 00 SEAT ( My latest POLLS showing 12 UPP CANDIDATES WILL LOSE DEPOSITS )

      DNA. 00 SEAT ( ALL CANDIDATES INCLUDING JOANNE MESSIAH WILL LOSE DEPOSIT )

      BARBUDA. 00 SEAT

      TOTAL LANDSLIDE VICTORY FOR ABLP.

  2. Sorry fu CARTWRIGHT MARSHALL jack. Your ACLM buddy hug you, backstab you, kick you in ya tunmock then PITCH YOU ARNDAH DE BUS. The Wilmoth Daniel STRIPPER POLE BUS 🚌

    Sure you see how he did Joanne Massiah yet u foolishly tink the scorpion wouldn’t tin you too.

    Time to join with your cousin Samantha and block 🚫 Lovell Limpy Joe King Lyadd from his thirsty power-hungry ways.

    Neither you nar Shawn Nicholas ever SHOOT anybody, but dem snub are you and leave you out in the cold like Gray’s Farm gutter water.

    Watta selfish, backstabbing political VAMPIRE MR. IMF ROMANTIC RHYTHMS WADADLI POWER CAN’T ABST HOTEL RIPOFF ABIB COLLAPSER BANKING-SECTOR COLLAPSER ANTI-UWI FIVE ISLANDS CAMPUS BAICO COLLAPSER ETC is showing himself to be!!!

  3. WARNING, WARNING … WARNING!

    Is Nomad, Fitzroy, and Gaston Browne one and the same person?

    WARNING, WARNING … WARNING!

    • WARNIN….WARNING….WARNING…

      Check the MESSAGE and see what applies, not the messenger!

      UPP DON’T LISTEN! If only they listened to ECCB governor, ABIB COLLAPSE could have been avoided.

      If PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL was sought, we would not have to now still be paying for “NEW” engines courtesy of UPP

      • @ SMH
        If the ABLP was not so greedy and believed in self-enrichment we would not have wasted $76 million on the ebooks

    • Was wondering the same thing. They gonna have to exercise their knuckles as they’ll have plenty more to write about!!

    • Dear BRIXTONIAN

      I have been following your comments on Antigua News Room. I now feel that it is time that Someone attack your stupidity. I believe that you were trained by Harold Lovell and UPP Clan.BRIXTONIAN you are just a Pipe of hot air , no substance and should be ASHAMED of Yourself. BRIXTONIAN , hope you will be around to witness the final nail in the UPP coffin after election 2023. Your hope of becoming a Senator, will never materialized in a hundred years. If you honestly believe that Antiguans will vote for the bunch of WACK JOBS on the UPP ticket , you require PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE. Continue your stupid narratives until election 2023. BRIXTONIAN,you are a total WACK JOB. AWFUL Person.

      • Gaston is that you! BRIX call you out so you vex.
        You are the one that need psychological assistance, GASTON!
        Gaston you are NOMAD, FITZROY TRUE DAVIS AND YOUTH.
        Brix call your card!
        HA HA HA HA GASTON. You have a new name , SIMORE but everybody know that is you, GASTON.
        YOU ARE A DESPERATE FOOL, GASTON

        • Dear BRIXTONIAN and JARVIS

          Only shows how stupid you Guys are…..Blaming Gaston Browne for everything. I know you Guys would not be around after election 2023. You will be soooo ASHAMED. Probably both of you will find MEANINGFUL employment.

      • Thanks for your back-handed compliment @ Simore, I thoroughly enjoy correspondence from people like you, because instead of addressing any of my points in a cohesive and constructive manner you descend into name calling.

        Sounds like I’ve got inside your head and living there now. Lovely!

        TRY AND ADDRESS MY POINTS, THAT’S IF YOU CAN …

  4. Mr. Marshall can more than explain FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT unlike the “physically healthy young” EMPTYHEAD Gladys Potter icecream 🍦 scooper. It’s all about esthetics and theatrics for UPP, starting with their Teenage Pageant photoshoot dressed in white.

  5. YES BRIX:
    Gaston Browne is NOMAD, FITZROY, YOUTH, TRUE DAVIS!
    It shows the level of desperation!

    This is a man that once dropped his pant and showed his bottom to the world.
    This is the calibre of man we are dealing with

  6. You could not have given yourself a better name than NOMAD because that’s exactly what you are and will continue to be after the next election. You are the true example of a spent force. I hope you are paid very well for penning these retarded, dunce, inept, grasping at straws letter. You are far worst than a useless idiot. You can pen a million letters and give yourself a million names, we the electors in Antigua and Barbuda have had enough of the Liard PM and his gang of thieves so we’ll be EARLY OUT on Election Day to VOTE THEM ALL OUT. HAROLD LOVELL WILL BE THE NEXT PM OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA. You can take that to the bank.

    • Dear BRIXTONIAN

      I have been following your comments on Antigua News Room. I now feel that it is time that Someone attack your stupidity. I believe that you were trained by Harold Lovell and UPP Clan.BRIXTONIAN you are just a Pipe of hot air , no substance and should be ASHAMED of Yourself. BRIXTONIAN , hope you will be around to witness the final nail in the UPP coffin after election 2023. Your hope of becoming a Senator, will never materialized in a hundred years. If you honestly believe that Antiguans will vote for the bunch of WACK JOBS on the UPP ticket , you require PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE. Continue your stupid narratives until election 2023. BRIXTONIAN,you are a total WACK JOB. AWFUL Person.

  7. A long rambling book about why the UPP should NOT publish a book. Well now I can’t wait to see this book. This must be a UPP person using negative psychology to get people to actually read this book when it is published. Why not wait for the book to be published? How can you be so critical of a publication that you have not yet seen? If the book has 80 pages, your criticism of the book feels like it has about 81 pages.

  9. 3 incumbent partied hone a gwassa, take note , take heed. As far as commenting about Cortwright , if you understand the rigors of politics and failing health, you would not speak in such tone. Teco Lake was kicked out and he was a sitting member for his health condition. Mucky Duck replaced cause he too old. Asot replaced cause he was arrested. Bear in mind God is control, ABLP next to replace a candidate.

  10. NOMAD, FITZROY and GASTON whichever name you prefer your bull shit that you are putting out will not change the mind of many Antiguans. We have seen your government in operation over the last 8 years and you have failed the people. Your desperation now with the publishing of all these articles on various names will not save you. You will become history after the next general elections.

  11. The only thing this article shows me is that the ABLP feels threatened by the UPP hence these articles. Additionally the funniest part about it is that despite the constant ramblings of Nomad et al. The ABLP knows very well that its options are few to help bring Antigua and Barbuda out of the recession that we are fast approaching.
    1. Call the election now and let the chips fall where they may.
    2. Ignore the rising prices and let the people suffer. Or
    3. Implement some of the same policies that the UPP has proposed just like our caribbean neighbours have started to do.

  12. If this book is such a bad idea let UPP Pappyshow themself. Why do you care? Gaston Browne continues to make big announcements about his imaginary hotel investments. Maybe he should write a book of fables. Let’s see what would a good book title would be “Phantom Airlines, Fictional Investors & Ground Fakings.”

  13. To have so many editorials and letters trying to marginalize and decry UPPs efforts is indeed astounding. Nomad, if UPP is so baseless and have no plan nor record to tout, why even bother waste ink and paper? Truth is, just like other lost ABPL-ers and GB worshippers each of these items are designed to have UPP Administration show their hand. Why? Because the ABLP has no platform, no plan, no accomplishments nor standard to campaign on. So, you all believe that by telling UPP what they did not or did not do or have we are going to expose our plans for you to cog!! Any good political strategist will tell you to highlight what you have done – establish and demonstrate your foundation and plan so you can launch you future (manifesto). Since GB has so much going for him, tell him to publish his manifesto and call the election NOW!! You see, the immature, outdated and silly game playing of ABLP tactics are no longer working. People have woken up to the empty promises and active non-actions! We want and need real, ethical and sound governance! The accomplishments like our beaches is only the beginning! With UPP, there’s more to come…Manifesto too!! So, wet you hand and wait for we!!!…and, while you’re waiting tell GB to pack his bags and clear his calendar!

    • How is Jolly Beach come along after 30 days of construction? Will you be there for the grand opening in September. I hope you enjoy your stay!

      • Like the Nigerian ” Antigua Airways”

        “Is it a bird
        Is it a plane
        No is Gaston talking SH*T AGAIN

    • Interesting Letter. I’m not aware that the UPP was ever anti-vaxx though. Both ALP and UPP seemed pro-vaxx to me. UPP was perhaps against the mandate. Only DNA hesitated a bit and seemed interested in hearing all pros and cons before taking a stance one way or the other on the general vaxx campaign. I recall they suggested that trust the science is not the same as blindly trust the scientist. Anyway, how is the writer so sure that persons taking the vaxx were actually willing? Even after the vaxx many persons got ill and were absent from work. So, did it really work as advertised? His party should stay away from that topic since those mandates caused more problems than they solved. Many anti-forced vaxx persons would be willing to forgive them if they stopped mentioning it. Otherwise, people might be afraid that they have
      no remorse and would try heavy handed tactics again once elected…

  16. An EMPTY letter lndeed.
    A letter that translates to fear and desperation in the labourites camp.

    I suggest your next topic should be transparency and let’s all address the labour party’s many issues of corruption and malfeasance in public office. unaccounted funds, land swaps, land giveaways in Antigua and Barbuda, unallocated hurricane relief funds to Barbuda, the secret behind politicians becoming millionaires at the blink of an eye 👁, the Election Money Tree ( fence that properly from the Ram goat in the garden )

    Wake up Antigua People

  17. JOBS. WATER. CHOICE

    that’s what the UPP billboard said. All 3 have crumbled. UPP HAS NOTHING TO CAMPAIGN ON!

  18. CALLING ALL LABOURITES.
    HURRY. HURRY. HURRY
    PLS CALL OBSERVER RADIO NOW WITH YOUR QUESTIONS FOR MR. LOVEL WHO IS CURRENTLY IN STUDIO

  19. LIFE IN ANTIGUA HAS NEVER BEEN THIS HARD.
    Please tell me where we can find these jobs!
    Up to today people were calling into the radio to say that they had no water
    We will never forget how you tear-gassed us on TEAR-GAS Sunday

    The UPP slogan is still very relevant.

    I guess the ABLP slogan be:
    GASTON DON’T LOVE BLACK PEOPLE

    • RESULTS OF 2023 ELECTION IN ANTIGUA / BARBUDA

      ABLP. WIN ALL 17 SEATS

      UPP. 00 SEAT ( My latest POLLS showing 12 UPP CANDIDATES WILL LOSE DEPOSITS )

      DNA. 00 SEAT ( ALL CANDIDATES INCLUDING JOANNE MESSIAH WILL LOSE DEPOSIT )

      BARBUDA. 00 SEAT

      TOTAL LANDSLIDE VICTORY FOR ABLP.

    • Here’s a few things that I’ve learned about you (just on this thread alone):

      1), You have no idea how to debate properly with anyone with an opposing viewpoint

      2), I would hazard a guess that you are now on your 4th or 5th vaccination shot and looking forward to your next one

      3), You, more than likely supported Gaston Browne’s black-shirted military intervention on Teargas Sunday on the 8th August 2021

      4), you’re a fully fledged ABLP generational supporter and have no criticism of Gaston Browne whatsoever – he can do no wrong in your eyes

      5), Antiguans know that the island wide implementation of the new water supply on the 30th of September is a pipe dream; but you believe that Gaston will come good on this LUDICROUS promise

      6), When you hear that Antiguans are suffering financial hardship you belive implicitly that it’s their own fault and not the fault of the ABLP’S economic policies

      7), If you met up with Gaston Browne, you would kiss his hand, and then go on to lick his shoe bottom

      8), You enjoy the ABLP self-enrichment schemes for the Prime Minister, his cabinet and friends

      9), You ASPIRE to be duplicitous like the Prime Minister

      And the best of all …

      10), If Gaston Browne continued with the previous 9 steps, you would GLADLY continue to vote for him and his party.

      And there you have it folks, the REAL definition of a “generational” ABLP supporter.

      I know I’ve spoken about this generational thing a lot, but I was just waiting for someone like @ SIMORE to come along … AND HE TOOK MY BAIT, HOOK, LINE AND SINKER!

      REMEMBER, ANTIGUANS ARE GREAT FISHERMEN 🐟🦞🐚

        • @ BRIXTONIAN

          You sound like Someone who never visited a CONSTITUENCY in Antigua. You DONOT have a clue how Antiguans are thinking. BRIXTONIAN,you prepare your narratives from whatever you read on Social Media and what you heard on Observer Radio. That’s how shallow you are…..You behave like those WACK jobs on the UPP ticket. I hope some day that you will start thinking for yourself. Let me remind you that you are supporting a losing party and I will be sorry for you after election 2023.

          BRIXTONIAN,please do not take ERIC ( THE RED ) polling lightly. I saw this Guy in the constituencies performing His house to house polling. So you can probably learn a thing or two from Him. instead you just run your BIG MOUTH appearing to be an Intellectual which you are not……BRIXTONIAN take your nose from HAROLD LOVELL ARSE and stop singing for your supper. BRIXTONIAN is an AWFUL PERSON. Should be ASHAMED of yourself.

          • Never forget @ SIMORE, I supported the ABLP in the last TWO elections, but once I realised he kept breaking his manifesto promises, and giving hard working nationals like myself a hard time, so I’ve decided to give the UPP a chance.

            Ideally, I would love to see a coalition with the DNA for accountability and for the betterment of Antigua as a whole (but sadly, this doesn’t seem likely).

            I still won’t resort to calling you any names though, because my vast educational background won’t allow it – HOWEVER, I NOTE THAT I’M WELL CAMPED OUT INSIDE YOUR HEAD THOUGH …

  21. UPP – No Philosophy – No Policies – No Plans – NO HOPE
    And I have to add no vision at all.
    People do you remember when Baldwin Spencer was asked by a young lady on Observer Radio, what is his vision for the country, he could not mention any vision. He is just going along from day to day. We all know the saying; without a vision the people perish. And so true, we almost perished under the UPP. Thank God, he gave us a brilliant young man with a vision by the name of Gaston Browne. He gave us a vision to work with and for. And ever since, the country has been growing and growing year after year. Even during a pandemic year, we managed to grow the country’s economy by 7%. And this year we are looking at a 10% growth. And the vision is quite simple. Making Antigua and Barbuda into an Economic Powerhouse. And yes, those without a vision could not see the vision and cannot live the dream. So, they sat and laughed at us. But the wagon moves on. And the country is making strife after strife in an upward direction. UWI Five Island will be the catalyst of this Economic Powerhouse. We will become the centre for new technologies. Hope you all heard the professor this morning on the Darren Matthew Ward show. Not a politician making that statement. UPP has no clue how to run this country.
    Let me tell you. If someone is looking for a job, they must be qualified and have experience. The UPP members that present themselves for the job have none of that. No qualification and no experience. So, who in their right mind will give them the job? They are doomed to fail if you hire them. If you have at least one of them, we may consider you.

  22. @SIDELINES: What are the qualifications to be a Politician? When Maria Browne decided to run for Political Office without her Husband’s knowledge.What qualifications did she have then? Where did she work? What contributions did she make? I am fully aware she was or still is on West Indies Oil Board of Directors.I do hope she is not on any Boards.She has a Substantive Ministry and is a Junior Minister in the Ministry of Legal Affairs.Where and how does she Manages two Ministries in Government.There is no wonder those Ministry’s run like manure.In my opinion,the Housing Ministry, Immigration Dept. and the Customs are cesspools of corruption

  24. $320,000,000.00 IMF LOVELL 🎯
    $47,000,000,00 WADADLI POWER CAN’T
    $100,000,000.00+ ABST HOTEL RIPOFF

    Don’t. Ever. Forget!

  25. # BRIXTONIAN
    Hope all’s well with you. I promised that I would never attack you again. Let’s. debate the issues and stop all the CUSSING. Stay strong.

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