The United Progressive Party (UPP) has rejected claims of an internal leadership challenge, describing the speculation as a diversion orchestrated by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).
Reports had suggested that former political leader Harold Lovell intended to challenge Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle ahead of the party’s upcoming convention.
However, UPP Chair D. Gisele Isaac said the article lacked credible evidence and accused the ABLP of attempting to deflect criticism over the government’s $75 million Social Security investment in the Jolly Beach Resort redevelopment.
“This is all part of a strategy to undermine Harold Lovell, especially as resistance to the Social Security-Jolly Beach investment mounts,” Isaac told NewsCo.
She also noted that Prime Minister Gaston Browne had previously challenged Lovell to a debate—an offer Lovell accepted, but which never took place.
Isaac further criticised Browne for publishing commentary on foreign investment in social security schemes, which she said was irrelevant to Antigua and Barbuda.
