LETTER: Anthony Smith Jr: A Stand for Integrity and Putting Country First

Anthony Smith Jr: A Stand for Integrity and Putting Country First

In today’s political landscape, where personal interests often overshadow national concerns, Anthony Smith Jr.’s decision to break away from the United Progressive Party (UPP) and operate as an independent candidate is a courageous move that should be lauded. Smith’s departure is not just a personal decision—it is a statement about putting the country first, an ethos that transcends party loyalty. The constitution allows for this move so that political party policies do not dominate the constituency’s priorities. His stance, however, is validated by the very leaders who once stood with him and spoke against similar practices. It’s time for us to recognize that Smith is not only standing up for his own beliefs but also for the betterment of the nation.

A Unified Voice from Party Members

Anthony Smith Jr.’s decision to leave the UPP is not one made in isolation. Algernon “Serpent” Watts, Kelvin “Shuggy” Simon, and Richard Lewis—all of whom have held significant roles within the party—have, at various points, echoed sentiments that align with Smith’s concerns. The truth has come full circle, with these respected figures now acknowledging that Smith’s warning signs about the party’s internal toxicity were justified.

Serpent, Shuggy, and Richard Lewis—three key voices in the UPP—had previously expressed skepticism about the direction the party was taking under Isaac’s and Pringle’s leadership. Their remarks now reflect exactly what Smith had been saying all along. For instance, Richard Lewis, in an interview, stated that had Gisele Isaac handled the retreat better, Smith might have never left the party. This statement underlines the discontent among party members, who were increasingly frustrated with the lack of respect and proper leadership within the UPP. A retreat meant to foster unity and love, bringing the party leaders together, ended in chaos orchestrated by party chairman Gisele Isaac, and the details of the retreat are still kept under wraps.

Gross disrespect was also meted out by Jamal Pringle and Gisele Isaac to former party leaders Harold Lovell and Baldwin Spencer.

The Threats of Expulsion and Disrespectful Practices

Smith’s decision to leave the UPP was not simply a matter of differing political views. There were real threats to expel him from the party, shame him, and weaken his political chances—a move spearheaded by a “UPP lawyer and a costume builder.” These threats were confirmed today by all three MPs—Serpent, Shuggy, and Richard Lewis. They were not mere internal squabbles but part of a larger pattern of disrespectful and undemocratic practices that have become synonymous with UPP leadership. The casualties of this practice are evident; Joan Messiah and Kenneth “Nat Moses” Francis are elected members who were unceremoniously dismissed by the UPP’s leadership.

From the outset, the environment within the UPP was toxic. Under the leadership of Chairman Gisele Isaac and Jamal Pringle, Smith and other party members were subjected to manipulation, exclusion, and intimidation. The party’s decision-making process was undermined by a leadership style that valued loyalty over integrity and personal gain over national progress. The toxic environment created by Isaac and Pringle’s leadership stifled constructive debate and alienated members who sought to bring about real change. Hatred permeates the atmosphere of regular meetings.

Smith’s decision to leave was a result of this toxic environment—a direct consequence of leadership that failed to uphold the values of transparency, respect, and accountability. It became clear to Smith that staying within the UPP would mean compromising his values and betraying the trust of those who believed in him as a leader who would put country above party.

Smith has won voters from across all party lines, including UPP, Antigua Labour Party, and independents.

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