The United Progressive Party‘s 12th Convention Week will kick off today with a Thanksgiving ceremony. This will be the party’s first convention since 2019.

The event, which will be held under the theme “Together in Unity: Forward to Victory,” will consist of a variety of activities and run from April 14 through April 24. The Party aims to emerge from the convention stronger, more united, and ready to retake the government.

Harold Lovell, Chair of the Convention Planning Committee, expressed his excitement about the upcoming week of activities, saying that everything is in place for a rewarding and productive event. The convention will focus on unity as the party works together to create a future built on policies and programs that uplift all Antiguans and Barbudans.

The week will begin with a Thanksgiving Service at the Christian Assembly Ministries in Paynters on Sunday, April 14. The UPP’s Choir will be featured on the exciting line-up of performances, and Pastor Paul Andrew will officiate.

On Monday, April 15, Media Day will feature Party representatives and spokespersons on various radio stations and social media platforms. They will recount and celebrate the UPP’s accomplishments during its ten-year tenure and discuss economic and governance issues currently affecting the nation.

Tuesday, April 16, will see constituency branches and the Executive gather for a night of karaoke and games at the Barefoot Bar at Pensioner’s Beach.

On Wednesday, the “Outreach to Our Stalwarts” initiative will honor retired supporters who helped to blaze a trail throughout the Party’s 31-year history.

Thursday, April 18, will feature the “Youth Connect” activity, designed to inspire, educate, and empower the youth.

The event will be held at Freedom Hall and feature a keynote address by Senator Damion Crawford, Shadow Minister of the PNP in Jamaica, and a panel of experts who will address the topic “How is Today’s Economy Affecting the Youth: The Disparity Between Economic Growth and Their Pockets.”

The convention will officially open with a grand ceremony on Saturday, April 20, at 6 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Centre.

The event will feature three guest speakers: Antiguan Commissioner Dion Irish, Chief of Operations for the City of Boston, Ms. Mickela Panday, former M.P. from Trinidad and Tobago, and Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Political Leader of the UWP in Dominica.

The ceremony will include entertainment and Party affirmations and is expected to attract hundreds of supporters.

Finally, the business session will take place on Saturday, April 21, and culminate in the election of a new Central Executive Committee, which will run the UPP’s affairs for the next two years.

Meanwhile, the political arena is currently abuzz with anticipation as all eyes are focused on the impending leadership showdown between the incumbent leader, Jamal Pringle, and Richard Lewis, the Member of Parliament for St. Johns Rural West.

The stakes are incredibly high, and the atmosphere is fraught with tension, as both men have thrown their hats into the ring with equal fervor and determination.

Early indicators suggest that some parliamentary representatives are leaning towards Lewis, which has only intensified the already heated competition between the two men.

As the April 21st election draws near, the nation is holding its breath in anticipation, waiting to see who will come out on top.