LETTER: The UPP Must Move Forward, Not Backward

The United Progressive Party (UPP) has fractured once again, and the cause is not policy, performance, or electoral reality. It is power, entitlement, and an unwillingness by some to accept change.

Calls by Adrian Williams the new host of VOP and others for Jamal Pringle and Giselle Isaac to step aside in favor of Harold Lovell and his team are not rooted in grassroots dissatisfaction. They are driven largely by a small but vocal group—many from the overseas

diaspora and observer power circles who believe they should determine the direction of the party despite not carrying the burden of organizing, campaigning, or delivering votes on the ground. The usually come in after the fact.

This is not a new problem within the UPP. There has always been resistance to the idea of a young Black man from the countryside rising to leadership. Elitism has long shaped the thinking of some within the party. They belief that power must remain in certain hands, and if it does not, the party must be torn down and rebuilt in their image.

We saw it with Pookie Davis, and we saw it with Dr. Heath.

Jamal Pringle has earned his position. He did not inherit a safe seat or ride on anyone’s name. In All Saints East and St. Luke he faced a serious challenge when Colin James came within 10 votes of winning. Instead of retreating or blaming others, Pringle worked with the people. He helped build capacity, trust, and camaraderie at the grassroots level. That work paid off. In the 2023 election, his margin of victory increased. That is what leadership looks like.
By contrast, Harold Lovell’s record in

City East speaks for itself. He did little for Fort Road and the wider constituency and was rejected again by voters. Elections are the ultimate measure of political relevance, and the people have already made their judgment. Wanting to return to leadership through internal pressure after repeated electoral losses at the helm is not renewal—it is entitlement. Lets not forget that Harold Lovell was never a good leader to begin with. He managed the confusions of the last convention, called Hon. Baldwin Spencer the “chi chi paper” leader took the party to 2 consecutive

losses.
As a UPP supporter, it must be said plainly: Harold Lovell dont live peopl and did nothing meaningful for City East. The constituents found him out and rejected him. Jamal Pringle worked for his constituents, and that is why he won again and expanded his support. There should be no confusion about that.

The idea that Lovell should now be handed leadership is a demand for a free ride. That era must end. The party cannot continue recycling the same losing figures and expect different results. Attendance at political events, including recent

Christmas gatherings, shows clearly where public energy lies. Harold Lovell is already rejected by the people of All Saints West and it is very difficult for him to win against the young vibrant candidate there, the contrast is stark and telling. Harold Lovell is a washed-up “spent force” politician.

The UPP also cannot survive with two management teams pulling in opposite directions. That kind of internal division weakens organization, confuses supporters, and hands advantage to political opponents.
To the diaspora power base I need

to let you know again that you bet on the wrong horse at the convention and lost, its now time to make peace with Chair lady Giselle Isaac and help to fix the party.
Discipline and unity are not optional they are necessary.
The way forward is not backward. The party must commit to building with fresh, young blood while strengthening those who are already doing the work. The overseas diaspora must set aside ego and personal influence and work with the current leadership, not attempt to override it.
This is not about personalities. It is about results, relevance, and

respect for the will of the people. The UPP must move on, end internal power struggles, and focus on building a future and not reliving a past that voters have already rejected.

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