UPP Drops Wayne Marsh as St. Paul Candidate Over Citizenship Issue

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UPP Drops Wayne Marsh as St. Paul Candidate Over Citizenship Issue
Jamale Pringle, Political Leader of the United Progressive Party, and Wayne Marsh, former UPP caretaker for St. Paul

Leader of the United Progressive Party, Jamale Pringle, has confirmed to Antigua.news that Wayne Benjamin Marsh will not be their candidate for the St Paul constituency ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The party is expected to announce a replacement soon.

Marsh, an attorney, who had been positioned as the party’s standard-bearer for St. Paul, is now reportedly unwilling to renounce his United States citizenship—a constitutional requirement for eligibility to serve in Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda.

Marsh has served for several years as the UPP’s caretaker in the constituency, engaging with residents and building support as the party’s prospective challenger to incumbent MP E.P. Chet Greene of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).

His candidacy had been seen as central to the UPP’s efforts to make gains in what is considered a highly competitive seat.

However, the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda clearly states that individuals who have sworn allegiance to a foreign state are not eligible to sit in Parliament unless that allegiance is formally renounced.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/03/23/upp-drops-wayne-marsh-as-st-paul-candidate-over-citizenship-issue. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (10)

  • Brenda March 23, 2026, 10:03 AM

    Why Wehner didn’t talk bout that? Yes I’m on his case cause he attacking Baltimore but not Wayne and his people. Get out man
    Reply
  • Pure wickedness on Wayne’s part March 23, 2026, 10:10 AM

    Why Wayne did that to UPP at the 11th hour if he knew he wasn’t going to surrender his US citizenship? Made the party waste time and money investing political capital into him, just to turn his back on the party when they need him.
    Reply
  • Lucky Dubie March 23, 2026, 10:11 AM

    Is this a constitutional requiremnt? didn’t you know about his dual citizenship before?
    Reply
  • UPP might have to drop Sherfield Bowen too March 23, 2026, 10:16 AM

    What about Sherfied’s US citizenship? Did he ever renounce it?
    Reply
  • Juju Bee March 23, 2026, 1:26 PM

    Think Wayne stupid? The man know his business
    Reply
  • Jessie March 23, 2026, 2:02 PM

    Sad to see Marsh leave but he knew that was coming
    Reply
  • Vinny March 23, 2026, 2:38 PM

    aparently upp sponsored his education to become a lawyer and now it is self interest all the way
    Reply
  • Ryan Wedding March 23, 2026, 6:03 PM

    UPP really dropped the ball here. St. Paul is not a joke seat, and now they scrambling last minute for a replacement. Meanwhile ABLP already grounded strong.
    Reply
  • Glen March 23, 2026, 10:05 PM

    So after all that time walking the constituency, meeting people and building support… now is when we hearing he not giving up his US citizenship? 🤔
    Reply
    • Informed citizen March 23, 2026, 10:29 PM

      isn’t that what UPP is known for?? unexpected surprises
      Reply

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