Bowen named as first deputy by UPP political leader and ratified by Party’s General Council; Lewis considers accepting second position

Sherfield Bowen, Member of Parliament for St. Phillip South, has been named
a deputy political leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP). His
appointment was announced by Political Leader Jamale Pringle on Sunday
night, May 19, during the Party’s first General Council meeting following its
12 th Biennial Convention, held April 20-21.

Following ratification by the General Council members, MP Bowen accepted
the appointment, saying he was honoured and humbled to do so, and pledged
to work in the interest of the Party and its objectives.

The UPP Constitution calls for the appointment of two deputies of the political
leader’s choosing. Accordingly, MP Pringle reported to the Council that an
offer had been made to MP Richard Lewis, against whom he had contended for
leadership, on Convention night. However, up to Sunday, he had not received
an answer, Pringle said.

MP Lewis, the representative for St. John’s Rural West, later explained that,
owing to certain circumstances, he had requested some time to consider.
However, he assured the Council that he is willing to serve in any capacity that
would advance the Party, as a united front is necessary to effect a change in
government.

Accordingly, it is expected that, at the next meeting of the Council, an
announcement of the second deputy will be made.

Meanwhile, support among Party members for Bowen’s appointment has
been strong. A ringing endorsement from one supporter credited him as
being “level-headed and listening before he applies his mouth. [Therefore],
whenever he speaks, he gets the attention of everyone, including those on the
Government side, and he understands fully the functions of government.”