Anthony Smith (Left), Harold Lovell (right)
Former Leader of the United Progressive Party, Harold Lovell, is back in the political race and will contest elections in All Saints West against former UPP member Anthony Smith. Smith, who won that seat on a UPP ticket, left the party and is now Agriculture Minister in the Gatson Browne-led administration.
In a move that reshapes the UPP’s election line-up, Barbara Coates has stepped aside as caretaker for the All Saints West constituency, making way for Lovell.
Last elections, Lovell contested the St John’s City East Constituency against ABLP’s Melford Nicholas and lost by 4 votes.
The announcement came Thursday night, August 7, during a meeting of the ASW Branch that was attended by UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle, party executives, and prominent constituents. The switch received unanimous endorsement from the branch and influential community members according to a UPP press statement.
Meanwhile Coates, who has served as caretaker for the past year, said the decision followed extensive discussions with her executive and campaign team. She then approached Pringle with the proposal to have Lovell, a long-time ASW resident, take her place.
Lovell, who retired from politics in January 2023, revealed he had been under steady pressure from voters to return. After a great deal of introspection and consultation, he said, he yielded to Coates’ request, and his return was enthusiastically welcomed at the night’s event.
Pringle said Lovell’s return brings a wealth of political experience and proven loyalty to the UPP, even though, he admitted, he had hoped to have him do so in another constituency. MP Pringle expressed confidence that the two sister-constituencies, Lovell’s All Saints West and his All Saints East & St. Luke, would be in the winning column next election.
The political leader also praised Coates for her dedication in keeping the branch together and active over the past year. Further, he said, her decision to concede her position on the slate speaks to Coates’ unselfish nature and is an admirable demonstration of putting the Party ahead of self.
Coates will remain active in the constituency, serving on the branch executive and joining Lovell’s campaign team as the party gears up for the next general election.
United Progressive Party Press Statement:
It has gotten so bad for the United Progressive Party? A retiree has to take over the seat! No competition for a man like Anthony Smith or even a party like ABLP. Let’s remember that UPP isn’t even a party. It’s a comedy group. What’s next one their show after this?
TURN UP THE HEAT!!!! Well well well, this is one for the books! What’s next? Baldwin Spencer going to return to contest Gaston Browne? Better UPP just end themselves
Might as well remove Jamale as leader and return to your post Mr. Lovell.
That is whay he really wants.Lovell is selfish,FAKE and BAMIND .He destroy anything he put his hands on.He is one if the reason ACLM FALL APART.BRCAUSE OF SELFISH WAYS.Ask Alister Thomas.he too was part of the ACLM. It’s time those too find somthing meaningfull to do with they time and self.and leave de politics alone
Have this man no shame. “Lovell who retired from politics in January 2023, revealed he had been under steady pressure from voters to return” how many times is he going to use this line. Who are the voters? They must be doing this to make a fool of you.
What I want to know is what happens to Pringle now? Is there going to be a leadership struggle now?
That’s a great strategic move by honorable Harrold Lovel and I know he will be successful in getting rid of the Gaston Browne liar, deceiver, cheat, fraud, crook, swindler, and tricksterand his dumpsters.
Gaston Browne is the person you’re calling a liar, a deceiver, a cheat, a fraud, a crook, a swindler, a trickster? And by the way, who are his dumpsters? The person who live on all of these words you place here is Harold Lovell. 11 years ago, where was Antigua? In financial crisis, with companies like bargain center owing millions in taxes. And who was our financial minister? The one and only, Lovell. Now under the Browne administration Antigua can stand as an economic powerhouse. Sooo General Public, be careful what you say. Harold Lovell is back because UPP is going under.
Good News indeed. I always knew Capt Lovell would return. Welcome back Sir.
Well well what ah man.. he nah hav no shame, lub fu lose boiiii….😂 😂
Let’s see what his “dew” season will bring him 👍🏼…
Stunned. But okay, let’s see if this changes anything for UPP.
Too little too late. The current problem of the UPP is its leadership. Harold Lovell should have never resigned as leader of the party when he did. It is very unfortunate how the political career of Lovell is moving.
Great move, Get the ship back on track Lovell. You the know the ABLP choir will sing but ignore them.
There comes trouble again with in the UPP, need why they didn’t try to someone from one of the college with fresh thinking, and good idea, everyone already use to Harold Lovell.
Perfect move. ABLP fraid Lovell Lakka monkey fraid gun that is why dem always thief he. Ah now them go spend money in that constituency it’s the only way dem can bang he
LOVELL IS A SPENT FORCE!!! One loser making way for the BIGGEST LOSER.
Just fu Pringle haul he chupit self outta leadership now
When this ABLP Regime falls and believe me it will, it’s going to be wailing and gnashing of teeth, but it will be true liberation for Antigua and Barbuda. With the announcement that Lovell is back you can just anticipate their corrupt machinery going into overdrive, but every machine has a lifespan.
Yall see the man sleeping in the picture up there, right? even UPP excitements are boring. sleep on the stupidity sir! thanks for that picture Antigua.news
Mr. Pringle sad to say but you just signed your death warrant. Put on your armor because their knives are being sharpened and there is a bullseye on your back.
So, when the story broke that Harold was returning and he came out and said that he wasn’t clearly, he lied. So, he re-started his political career with a lie. Well can’t be surprised cause UPP is a lie
As a UPP supporter, Mr Lovell should stay out. He should be an advisor to the young politicians. My gut told me that he is not going to win his seats. 80% of the voting populations in Antigua and Barbuda are between the age of 18 to 45.
I am just here for the comments.
I saw come comments in FB and can you believe Anthony Smith?! What a total backstabber! It’s straight-up wild to see someone who once repped the UPP now acting like he’s forgotten where he came from. I guess he nevous about his new contender eh. Woiiii. Like, c’mon dude, we stood by you when you got that All Saints West seat! And now, as Agriculture Minister, it’s like he’s livin’ in a whole different world. It just hits different, ya know?
But Harold Lovell comin’ back to the game? That’s what’s up! After that close call last election, it’s a good thing to see him throwin’ his hat back in for All Saints West. He’s the real deal….always has the community’s back. UPP rallying behind him shows they mean business and are ready to take a stand.
That endorsement from the ASW Branch? We have to stand by him. Time to stop messin’ around and back someone who’s got our values. Lets see what will happen in Antigua.
Interesting day for politics in antigua and barbuda. The only man who can really challenge gaston browne. Welcome back harold
A chance for new leadership or a return to the past?
The big question now is, what does this mean for the voters of All Saints West and for the UPP?
What a sham.HL can’t even win were he born and raise a ina allsaint he go win.when how? He is just dieing to be a leader witch will never happen.ABLP going to rule for the next 30 yrs.may if UPP CHANGE THEY NAME THEM MIGHT WIN BUT NO TIME SOON YALL DON’T see the progress of the ABLP Witch political party can win them show me Oh maybe DNA.because UPP IS HOPELESS