Concerns have been raised about the unexpected resignation of All Saints West MP Anthony Smith Jr from the United Progressive Party (UPP), with worries that it might disillusion young voters with the country’s political system.

Jamale Pringle, the UPP’s Political Leader and Leader of the Opposition, shared these worries in response to MP Smith’s resignation from the UPP and subsequent inclusion in the Gaston Browne Cabinet.

Pringle in an interview aired on Observer Radio, expressed that Smith’s switch is not only a blow to the opposition party but also to the more than 2,000 people, including many young voters, who supported Smith.

In the story written by Tahna Weston, Pringle mentioned that such political moves tend to discourage individuals from having faith in those seeking elective positions.

Pringle further emphasized the impact by stating, “And this is where it hurts for me, because I understand, I know, what it takes to move a person within a constituency to vote for you.”

He also pointed out that constituents who voted for Smith felt betrayed, and highlighted the emotional distress experienced by some members of the UPP’s All Saints West branch during a recent meeting.

Pringle also mentioned the disappointment of a father who convinced his daughter to vote for the first time and felt let down by the MP.

Additionally, Pringle underscored that those who voted for Smith intended to reject the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party and the incumbent Michael Browne.

He concluded by expressing how deeply hurtful it is for the people, as they didn’t even have the chance to hear from Smith before he decided to become an independent candidate.

Smith left the UPP last week, citing issues with the party’s leadership, among other reasons. Hours later he was sworn in as a government minister