RESIGNATION LETTER: Winston Henry says UPP was dragged through the political mud by other people’s self-serving interests.

Senator Shawn Nicholas

General Secretary

United Progressive Party

All saints Road

Antigua

Ref: Pursuing Other Paths

Date: 19-09-2024

Ms. Nicholas

In 2001 became a member of the United Progressive Party and served in the capacity as Chair of the Rural East Branch, from there I served the party in the capacity as Public Relations Officer and Mobilization officer over the period of 12 years.

I was the senior member of a team charged by the then Political Leader Hon. Baldwin Spencer to meet with the electoral commission and discuss the integrity and security of the electoral process.

I have served in various capacities and have defended this party, its members and leaders without fear against the vicious victimization of the ALP and have suffered economic hardship as a result. I have given more than 23 years of service to the Party and I have not regretted a single moment of this.

In the recent months I have notice that the party have become more intolerant to different voices. and varying opinions. I remembered when opposing views were not seen as tribal warfare but rather meaningful conversation for good towards a greater outcome of strengthening the party.

That sense of open and honest discussion has left the spirit of the party and now it has descended into Richard side and Pringle side better yet US versus THEM.

Since our convention and if we are to be totally honest and objective, we must conclude that the party has fallen in the eyes of the general public, and they have question the UPP ability to govern.

It is normal for some slippage to occur after any convention where there are challenges for leadership. What is also normal is the leadership coming out of that conventions MUST make a deliberate effort to correct such slippage and foster a greater sense of unity and togetherness. In this area the leadership has failed.

It would appear that there are many in the party that do not see the need for this. They seem more comfortable in chaos, as it would appear, to serve their own twisted personal agenda or an agenda. design to weaken and destroy the party’s unity and strength.

What we have become is more divided with a whole lot of chests beating, grand standing and blaming, without the burden of political honesty. This is all happening while the party is bleeding with no doctor attending to its wounds, no referee to balance the opposing sides to bring calm and bring unity. I truly hope that the UPP can get back to its PEOPLE FIRST philosophy and agenda. The present I and Us mentality is destroying the party like a cancer.

Fergie Derrick said it best “everyone thinks that their prevailing view should carry the day” even Winston Derrick said, though he was speaking about the radio there is applicability in his words “this is a place where every body can call in and say what they feel, without fear of who feel one way or the other, so if you want to call and criticize me you can do so, it is your right”

My continued contribution of assisting the party will not change and my assistance to candidates will not change either.

The party as an institution will always have my support, however I cannot see where I can continue with the present behaviours and the prevailing mentality of senior members dividing the party between Us and Them.

For this reason, I have decided to step away from the UPP, and pursue my political path as a local commentator which will allow me to speak honestly on political issues, without any party encumbrances.

Me being a present member of the party does not allow me the freedom to speak openly and frankly on issues of the day which could include those involving the party. My purpose in this endeavor is to engage in honest dialogue with the public.

I realize that me stepping aside for a while may provide discomfort for members of the party nevertheless I cannot sit back and see the party that I have dedicated so much to, be dragged through the political mud by other person’s self- serving interest. I am hoping that the party will consider my honest assessment and seek to address the root causes of why persons are leaving.

Let me take this opportunity to provide some recommendations/assessment for consideration;

1. The Party should engage the services of a professional team to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the present state of the Party in the public eye
2. The Party should set up a truth commission to carry out a nation-wide constituency assessment to ascertain the feelings of the members at the grassroot level. Coming out of that assessment a report should be delivered to the executive with recommendations to be implemented and let the chips fall where they may for the good of the institution.
3. There should be regular Members of Parliament meeting as a group to discuss the issues and work out differences amongst themselves. I was made to understand that the Leaderdoes not meet with his parliamentary colleagues and that is a problem. I was also told that he does not consult with Dr. Spencer and that is an even bigger problem.
4. There ought to be a safe unjudgmental space where all is equal, for honest and frank conversation without feeling ostracize.
5. There needs to be a concerted effort to provide a level playing field for all new and aspiring candidates. Selection of who runs in a constituency should not be based on who you support as the leader but rather who the constituents see as the best person to win the seat.
6. The Party need a greater presence on the Media at least once per week with the members of Parliament hosting a show every Monday evening. Setting the agenda for national dialogue.
7. The party must give persons something to vote for and not just someone to vote against I am fully aware that some of these might have already been discussed but I believe it to be necessary to highlight them as issues I believe the party can and should address.

By no means do I believe that the points I raised is the panacea that will usher in a glorious day, but they could be the start towards a greater meaningful conversation that is long overdue.

My independent services will always be available to the party; however, I will make my Intentions known to the public as I seek to pursue my other political path. I remain confident that if the UPP is willing to make the hard and necessary changes it will be the Party that forms the next government in Antigua and Barbuda.

I am open to discuss any or all matters of this letter with you if clarity is required. I will not share the contents of this letter with the general public as I do not wish for it be a news item anywhere. I will however, on my next conversation with Dave Lester Payne inform the public of my intentions of pursuing other political paths and that I will be stepping away from the UPP, I will also seek to provide clarity about my decision and highlight some of the recommendations that I truly believe can assist the UPP. All other matter remains under seal by myself.

I want to personally hope and wish the UPP assesses its present state of affairs and make the necessary changes to save the party and rescue this country. The party ignoring the issues it is facing will not provide a resolution.

Graciously Always

Winston Henry