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Opposition Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s South Kelvin “Shugy” Simon
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been relentless in his criticism of the United Progressive Party (UPP), often targeting its candidates for what he describes as a lack of education, experience, and maturity.
Yet, an interesting contradiction lies at the heart of his actions: in the history of Antigua and Barbuda, no other political leader has recruited so many individuals from their opposition to serve as candidates or advisors on their team.
This paradox raises key questions. If the UPP candidates are as unqualified as the Prime Minister claims, why does he continuously dip into their ranks when building his team? The answer may point to a deeper recognition of the talent pool within the UPP—one that he publicly dismisses but privately values.
Perhaps it reflects a pragmatic approach to politics, where Browne recognizes the strategic benefit of neutralizing opponents by integrating them into his own camp. Or it may suggest a lack of confidence in the bench strength of his own Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).
Adding to the irony, in the lead-up to the last general election, Browne confidently declared that his party would achieve a “clean sweep” at the polls. Instead, the ABLP secured victory by the thinnest margin in the country’s history, a stark contrast to his bold predictions. Now, he is once again forecasting a clean sweep.
However, history has shown that overconfidence can backfire. The Prime Minister would do well to temper his predictions, as the political landscape remains unpredictable, and the electorate may not respond favorably to such hubris.
Ultimately, this dynamic reveals as much about Browne’s political strategy as it does about the evolving nature of Antiguan politics. Whether this strategy is a masterstroke or a sign of inconsistency will continue to be debated by voters and political observers alike.
Browne should be careful what he wishes for—the political tides have a way of turning unexpectedly.
MP Kelvin Shugy Simon
Imagine dis general election is called old upp candidates against new upp candidates utter confusion
Gaston love talk bout education but he picking up everybody from UPP side like is clearance sale 🤣
Man predicting clean sweep again? Last time he say that we barely scrape through. Sometimes you need to humble yourself yes
The PM playing both sides… bashing UPP people in public then hiring them behind closed doors 🤔 Make it make sense nah
This after you went begging!! And was refused…. interesting. Fox calling the grapes sower cause dem nah want you!!!
At least somebody saying what everybody thinking! PM can’t be calling people unqualified then turning round and hiring the same people 😂
When someone is lack of education they always admire educated people Glaston was always dissatisfied with his party and always try to push them out now he’s trying to squeeze them out by taking people from the opposition. If you claim they’re so incompetent why offer them money to come over to ALP.
Ah, but this is what is faulty in this simplistic sound-bite from Simple Simon. It’s the UPP’s ambitious young that choose to rise up and rid themselves of the suffocating old fogeys in the UPP who seem more interested in grasping for a last opportunity for title, pomp, fame and historical relevance. You give the PM far too much credit this time round, Shuggy, to suggest that he could walk into your camp, select and recruit from among your ranks and have them desert camp, Pied.Piper style. Amazing. But then, this is Shuggy’s Simple Simon analysis.
Another simple/stupid conclusion by this aspirant to leadership is that the PM recognizes the rich talent existing among the UPP ranks….! What utter foolishness! Talent?????? One of the first demands made by the PM of this young, disillusioned but robust young men who have shown the courage to leave rubish behind, is that, where lacking, each new-comer/recruit raise his intellectual capacity, ca-pa-city in readiness for leadership.
Shaggy, I’m sure you must have heard this adage before. It is better to keep you mouth shut and appear to be a fool ( to simpletons like yourself), than to open your mouth and prove it. A word to the wise is sufficient.
This is such a fascinating contradiction. If the UPP candidates are supposedly so unqualified, why is Browne choosing them for his team? It seems like he might see value in them that he doesn’t want to admit publicly. In any case, Browne’s approach raises some valid points. Does he really believe what he says about the UPP, or is he just playing a political game? Integrating former opponents into his team could be a smart tactic to neutralize dissent
It’s really interesting to see how Prime Minister Browne criticizes UPP candidates while still choosing to bring them into his own fold. It makes you wonder what he really thinks about their capabilities.
I wonder if this speaks to a broader issue within the ABLP. Are they struggling to attract and develop talent internally? Sometimes the best leaders are those who aren’t afraid to learn from the opposition.