By Tahna Weston
The United Progressive Party (UPP) has been hit by another resignation, the second one for this week.
Sean Bird tendered his resignation from the Party yesterday, September 27; however, he did not offer any explanation for his decision.
Bird, in his letter to the UPP’s General Secretary, Shawn Nicholas, said that he was resigning his caretaker position for the St John’s Rural East Constituency.
He thanked the opposition party, which has been rocked by a spate of resignations over the past two months, for the experience in representing it as a candidate during the 2023 General Election.
Bird also extended his appreciation to the UPP St John’s Rural East branch for the support of his candidacy.
Efforts by Observer to get a comment from Bird proved futile.
Leading up to Bird’s resignation, rumours were rife that “Shawn” was considering leaving the party, which prompted reports some in some sections of the media that Shawn Nicholas had tendered her resignation, which she denied.
Many at the time felt that Nicholas had been mistaken for Bird, since both names, though they sound alike, are spelt differently.
Damani Tabor, the former public relations officer for the UPP tendered his resignation on Monday, September 23. He also thanked the UPP for the opportunities afforded to him to serve in various positions within the party.
In July, current Independent Member of Parliament Anthony Smith was the first to resign from the UPP, citing a number of issues including the April Convention which saw Jamale Pringle being elected political leader.
Smith’s defection from the UPP was followed closely by the resignation of four executive members of the Youth, former Chair Guishone Powell, the current Chair Lexianne Powell, Vice Chair Chelsea Agard, and Secretary Sherry-Ann Cornelius, who requested to continue as regular members.
Party stalwart Dr Edmond Mansoor also tendered his resignation over two weeks ago, and has since joined the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).
Last week, a strong UPP advocate Winston Henry, while not resigning, announced he was stepping away from the party for some introspection. This was followed by the resignation of former chairman Kevin Arif Jones.
