Prime Minister Gaston Browne has delivered a pointed assessment of the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), describing it as disunited, poorly organised, and in need of major restructuring following its defeat in last week's general election.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks during an appearance on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM on Saturday, where he called on the party to undertake serious introspection if it hopes to remain a relevant political force.
"If they fail to reform, then evidently it means that they're not interested in the people, and the people will reciprocate and keep them in opposition," Browne said.
The comments follow a decisive victory by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in the April 30 general election, in which the ruling party captured 15 of 17 parliamentary seats.
Browne attributed the UPP's poor showing in part to internal divisions, arguing the party failed to present a unified front to voters. "It is clear that the UPP did not present themselves as a united institution to start," he said, adding that the lack of cohesion "helped to undermine them to some extent."
He also took aim at the opposition's campaign, characterising it as disjointed and lacking direction. "The campaign was totally disjointed. It had little energy… it was lackluster. They had no consistent messaging," Browne said.
The prime minister further argued that a weak ground game and an inability to connect with ordinary voters compounded the party's difficulties. He urged the UPP to attract new talent and develop clearer policy positions, warning that without meaningful structural change, the party risks remaining on the political sidelines for the foreseeable future.
