Is Lovell Planning a Political Comeback?

Harold Lovell Eyeing City East? PM Browne Speculates on UPP’s Next Move

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has claimed that former United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Harold Lovell may be considering a return to active politics, potentially running in the St. John’s City East constituency.

Browne made the assertion during a recent broadcast, where he questioned the viability of such a move and cast doubt on the opposition’s strategy.

“Lovell is apparently thinking of running in City East,” Browne said. “But the question is, what does he bring to the table that’s different from his past failures? This isn’t the answer to the UPP’s leadership vacuum.”

The Prime Minister described the idea of Lovell contesting another election as a sign of the UPP’s desperation, accusing the party of relying on “recycled leadership” instead of offering new ideas or candidates.

Lovell, who previously served as Minister of Finance and UPP leader, has been a polarizing figure, with his share of electoral losses and arguable economic policies during his time in office.

“This would be an act of nostalgia, not progress,” Browne remarked. “If the UPP truly believed in the future, they wouldn’t be digging up their past.”

St. John’s City East is currently represented by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) Melford Nicholas, the Minister of Information, who has held the seat since 2014.

Browne expressed confidence that the ABLP’s record in the constituency would make it difficult for the UPP to gain traction, even with a seasoned candidate like Lovell.

“The people of City East are well aware of what this government has delivered,” Browne said. “A Lovell candidacy won’t change their loyalty to real results.”

The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to criticize the UPP’s broader leadership dynamics, taking aim at Senator Pearl Quinn-Williams and other potential candidates. He alleged that infighting and disorganization within the party were preventing it from presenting a unified front.

“Instead of moving forward, they’re stuck in reverse,” Browne quipped.

Neither Lovell nor the UPP has commented on Browne’s claims about a possible run in City East.

Lovell, born on September 27, 1955, in St. John’s, Antigua, has been a prominent figure in Antiguan politics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Geology from the University of the West Indies and later qualified as a Barrister-at-Law from Thames Valley University and Middle Temple. Additionally, he earned a Master’s degree in Jurisprudence from the University of Birmingham.

Wikipedia

His political career includes serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs from August 2004 to January 2005, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and notably as Minister of Finance, the Economy, and Public Administration from 2009 to 2014. During his tenure in finance, Lovell navigated the country through the global financial crisis, implementing measures to stabilize the economy.

VoteUpp

In the 2023 general elections, Lovell led the UPP but was unsuccessful in securing the St. John’s City East seat, losing by a narrow margin of six votes to Information Minister Melford Nicholas. Subsequently, he resigned as UPP leader, stating that it was time for a “fresh start” for the party.

Caribbean Times

Despite stepping down from active politics, Lovell remained involved as an advisor to the UPP. In August 2024, he addressed calls for his return, particularly to contest the All Saints West constituency, but declined, expressing his commitment to supporting the party’s selected candidates and focusing on mentorship roles.

Antigua Newsroom

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