Letter to the Editor

Whose Idea Was It?

By Dr. Ronan Matthew

Whose idea was it to get the members of Parliament, the senators and the past candidates,
to publicly endorse one candidate for the political leadership of the United Progressive
Party?

Political races, by nature, can be tough and competitive; however, they can also be carried
out without dirty politicking and in-fighting that is known to occur in other political parties
in Antigua.

It is difficult for me to believe that the idea came from the person who was endorsed in the
letter and it is also difficult for me to believe that the idea came from the signatories to the
ill-advised letter.

They certainly would have deciphered that this letter would have caused hard feelings
among those vying for leadership and it would have caused discerning supporters of the
party to wonder what the ‘hell’ is going on in the party.

To campaign and show support for one’s favorite candidate is one thing, to sign a letter
which will obviously be seen by the public and the opposing party is another thing which
some consider to be beyond the pale.

As stated, it is unlikely that the endorsed candidate for leadership came up with this idea.
The question then becomes, whose idea was it?

It is obvious that the person or persons who came up with this idea did not have the best
interest of the UPP at heart because of the fracture that this could cause, and the person or
persons also did not have the best interest of Antigua at heart.

Is it possible that the person or persons did not recognize that the letter would fracture the
party, thus giving the ALP a chance to win in the next general elections which could be
imminent if the UPP is weakened?

It is not beyond reason that there are herculean efforts by individuals, outside of the party,
to have undue influence on parliamentarians, senators and candidates within the party. It is
not too late to rebuff these efforts.

This is not a call for UPP members and candidates to be naïve; however, it is a call for them
to resist the filthy lucre that might be offered and to stand firm against undue pressure and
influence against those who do not have the best interest of the UPP and Antigua at heart.

Leadership takes courage, courage to do what is right and not what is expedient. UPP
leaders, it is vitally important to take a disciplined stand and be courageous in these difficult
times. The UPP and the people of Antigua, in general, will benefit from your courage!!!