Veteran United Progressive Party member Desmond Charles has formally resigned from the opposition party, citing what he describes as a fundamental breakdown in leadership and direction. According to Antigua News Room, Charles submitted his resignation letter to UPP General Secretary Shawn Nicholas on March 17, 2026, effective immediately.
In the letter, Charles — who has been affiliated with the UPP since 1990 and a formal member since 1992 — said the decision was born of "painful clarity." He invoked the party's founding era under Baldwin Spencer, Wilmoth Daniel, and Harold Lovell as a time defined by "sacrifice, tolerance, love, respect, and team play" — values he contends have since eroded.
"The UPP of today bears little resemblance to the party I joined back then," Charles wrote, pointing to what he called self-centeredness, disrespect for long-standing members, a lack of strategic focus, and an inability to engage with differing views.
Charles directed sharp criticism at UPP Chairperson Gisele Isaac, describing her conduct as "divisive and destructive." He was equally critical of Political Leader Jamale Pringle, stating that Pringle "has shown no interest in maturing into his role or guiding the UPP on a positive path." Charles called this a disservice to both the party and the nation.
He further noted that in recent polling, Prime Minister Gaston Browne outperformed Pringle by a margin of more than four to one on the question of whom the public trusted more to lead the country — a result Charles described as unsurprising given the party's current state.
Charles also referenced a personal sacrifice he made within the party, noting that he gave up his own candidacy in St. George to help pave the way for Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro to become Antigua and Barbuda's first female Member of Parliament.
"I will never put party over country," Charles wrote. "My decision to resign from the United Progressive Party reflects my conviction that I cannot continue to support an organization whose current direction and leadership no longer serve the best interests of Antigua and Barbuda."
Despite his criticisms, Charles acknowledged the friendships and experiences gained during his years with the UPP, but said he could "no longer associate" himself with an organisation that had "lost its way so completely."
