BREAKING: Veteran UPP Member Desmond Charles Resigns, Blasts Party Leadership and Direction

A long-standing member of the United Progressive Party (UPP) has dramatically resigned, delivering a scathing assessment of the party’s leadership and current state.

Desmond Charles, a supporter since 1990 and official member since 1992, has severed ties with the UPP with immediate effect, declaring that the organisation has “lost its way completely.”

In a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to General Secretary Shawn Nicholas, Charles pointed to what he described as a deep deterioration within the party — citing “self-centeredness, gross disrespect,” and a lack of strategic direction.

He did not hold back in his criticism of the party’s leadership.

Charles singled out Chairperson Gisele Isaac for what he called “divisive and destructive conduct,” but stressed that the issues go beyond any one individual, accusing the wider leadership of presiding over the party’s decline.

More pointedly, he placed ultimate responsibility on Political Leader Jamale Pringle, stating that Pringle has shown “no interest in maturing into his role” and has failed to guide the party in a positive direction.

“It is shocking,” Charles wrote, “that a party which once championed ‘Leadership Matters’ is now comfortable with ineffective leadership and unable to present a credible alternative to the government.”

He further referenced recent polling, claiming Prime Minister Gaston Browne outperformed Pringle by more than four to one in public trust to lead the country.

Charles’ departure carries added weight given his long history with the party and his personal sacrifices, including stepping aside as a potential candidate in St. George to allow Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro to become the constituency’s first female Member of Parliament.

Framing his resignation as a matter of principle, Charles declared: “I will never put party over country.”

He said his decision reflects a belief that the UPP’s current direction no longer serves the best interests of Antigua and Barbuda.

While expressing gratitude for the relationships and experiences gained over decades, Charles made it clear his break with the party is final — marking yet another blow to the opposition as it prepares for upcoming general elections.

See full letter here:Letter – Desmond Charles (1)