By Robert Andre Emmanuel
Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Jamale Pringle has announced that the party will choose a slate of candidates in preparation for the 2028 general election cycle.
Pringle revealed this plan during a recent radio interview on Observer media’s Connecting with Dave Lester Payne, emphasizing October as a “busy month” for the party.
“We will be announcing at minimum 10 candidates who will be representing the United Progressive Party in the upcoming election,” Pringle stated.
He added that he believes the public will have confidence in these individuals and their commitment to the party’s “people first” mandate.
The party has seen a number of its candidates exit the party either through resignation (Anthony Smith Jr and Dr Cleon Athill), or retirement (Harold Lovell).
The party current holds five seats in Parliament with St John’s Rural West MP Richard Lewis, Deputy Political Leader and St Philip’s South MP Sherfield Bowen, St George’s MP Algernon Watts and St Mary’s South MP Kelvin Simon making up the contingent with Pringle.
Additionally, the current caretakers for the party include:
- St John’s City South caretaker Franz DeFreitas
- St John’s Rural South caretaker Gladys Potter
- St John’s Rural North caretaker Pearl Quinn-Williams
- St Mary’s North caretaker Senator Jonathan Joseph
- St Philip’s North caretaker Senator Alex Browne
- St Peter caretaker Tevaughn Harriette and
- St John’s City West caretaker Alister Thomas
Pringle highlighted the party’s thorough vetting process, stating that they are “doing a good job” in recruiting individuals to represent Antigua and Barbuda.
He emphasized the importance of integrity and standing up for what is right, even in challenging circumstances.
Additionally, the Political Leader addressed recent resignations from the party.
“This is nothing new to the organization,” Pringle noted, citing past resignations under previous leaders. “What stands out to me is the fact that we were able to rebound after all these challenges.”
He revealed that since January, the UPP has ratified at least 160 new members, countering the narrative of a party in decline.
Pringle dismissed some reported resignations as “propaganda,” suggesting they were part of efforts to destabilize the UPP and reaffirmed the party membership’s support following a recent general meeting.
“And while we cannot control who leaves the organization, I’m proud to report here since January, we have ratified at least 160 new members to the United Progressive Party,” he said.
