Watching George Wehner standing alone on election night was a pathetic sight, reminiscent of the line from the nursery rhyme: “and the cheese stands alone.” The UPP’s absence was deafening, their leadership nowhere to be seen, their base nowhere to be felt, and their momentum seemingly evaporated.

For a party that came heartbreakingly close to victory in the 2023 general elections, the by-election was nothing short of a disaster. Where was the Political Leader? Where was the Chair? Their absence during the count was an indictment of a party in crisis. Meanwhile, the ABLP’s well-oiled machine was in full display—a sea of red flooded the streets, demonstrating power, unity, and dominance in what remains their stronghold constituency.

What happened to the UPP in just two short years? This is no longer just a question of strategy; it’s a glaring failure of leadership. Jamale Pringle, the once-promising face of the opposition, now appears ineffective and absent at critical moments. Leadership isn’t just about words in Parliament; it’s about showing up when it matters. On election night, Pringle and the UPP leadership failed to show up—literally and figuratively.

The party looks weak, disorganized, and adrift. For supporters like myself, it’s infuriating to see this level of ineptitude. The UPP isn’t just losing elections—it’s losing credibility, momentum, and the trust of its base.

If this is the direction of the UPP, then the party is sleepwalking into irrelevance. The ABLP didn’t need to out-campaign them this time; the UPP did that job themselves. It’s time to wake up, or step aside. The people deserve better.

Yours truly,
UPP supporter