By Robert Andre Emmanuel
The United Progressive Party (UPP) may soon see another member exit its ranks, as Sean Bird, the party’s caretaker for St. John’s Rural East, is considering stepping away from active politics.
In an interview with Observer media, Bird stated that he was “taking a step away from active politics.”
“I have questions about the direction of the party… and I do not intend to be a hindrance…politics should be about addition, not subtraction,” he told our newsroom.
Bird joined the UPP relatively recently to contest the 2023 general election, running against his relative Maria Bird-Browne for the constituency.
This development comes in the wake of news that former All Saints West branch chair Kevin Arif Jonas has resigned, citing a need for a new beginning that aligns more closely with his personal and professional goals.
UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle addressed Jonas’ resignation during an interview on Observer media’s “Connecting with Dave Lester Payne.”
“I can confirm Brother Arif Jonas has resigned he and I would have had a discussion this morning in regard to what was the reasoning behind his resignation and I’m comfortable with knowing that it’s more of a personal matter rather than any problems with the party.
“Persons are faced with many challenges and as an organization that is about putting people first, I would have given him the assurance that if there is any time he is in need of any assistance that we can help him, don’t be afraid to call and I just want to thank him for his service and wish him every success in his endeavors,” Pringle expressed.
Party Chairwoman D Gisele Isaac offered a more forceful response to recent events.
In a statement to our newsroom, Isaac said, “Oh, please! What turmoil? Arif has not been ‘active’ in the UPP for YEARS now for personal reasons. This resignation has not affected the Party’s operations and will not create nor contribute to any ‘turmoil, as he is not an officer, nor has he played any “significant” role in the Party’s operations since 2018 — including in IT.”
Isaac also highlighted recent growth in the party’s membership, stating, “Hundreds have joined the UPP since the last election and others have signed up since the Convention, with a high-profile figure doing so as recently — and openly — as last Tuesday’s General Membership Meeting.”
She also questioned the media’s focus on the resignations that have surfaced.
“What’s next? When a Party supporter dies, will the media now begin to make that an issue, too?” she said.
