On July 7th, 2025, a startling article circulated claiming that former United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Harold Lovell was preparing to challenge Jamale Pringle for leadership in the next general election. The reaction from the party was immediate and filled with vehement denials—from the highest-ranking officials to grassroots supporters.
“Nothing go so,” they declared. “Lovell retired from politics and he’s not coming back.”
But if Antiguan politics has taught us anything, it’s that Harold Lovell’s “retirements” are rarely permanent—and the denials from UPP often age poorly.
For years, Lovell has publicly stated he was stepping away from frontline politics. And yet, time and again, he has returned, leaving behind a trail of broken promises and political casualties. Who is next?
The party’s latest round of denial feels like déjà vu to many observers who’ve watched this cycle repeat.
The Pattern of Political Betrayal
Let’s not forget Joanne Messiah—a respected, competent leader who Lovell once praised as “the best candidate to lead the party.” Not long after, Lovell returned, undermined her leadership, and effectively pushed her out. Her career in the UPP was destroyed under the weight of Lovell’s interference, and the party never fully recovered from the split her departure caused.
Then there was Richard Lewis. Lovell gave his full support to Lewis—until he didn’t. When Lewis gained traction and appeared ready to lead, Lovell returned again and sidelined him. His political momentum never recovered. Lovell return as the convention chairman and and planted a permanent dagger in Richard Lewis’s career.
Lets no be naive and fall for the Barbara Coates lie and made up narratives. She too, fell victim to the pattern. Lovell told her he was “moving her aside for now,” promising to come back and support her. Dont laughed out aloud, just chuckle.That promised support will never materialized, and her political relevance will continue to fade into the background. Good luck Barbara Coates..!
Is Jamale Pringle Next?
Now, Jamale Pringle—a young, rising leader with clear grassroots appeal—is facing the same threat. Lovell has already returned from “retirement” several times, each time targeting rising figures in the party and replacing hope with division. Supporters of Pringle believe the UPP has finally moved forward under new, youthful leadership. But with this latest rumor, many are asking: is Lovell about to repeat history? I am sorry Pringle, give it up softly and facilitate a smooth transition or Horible Harold will brake your neck and wipe that shine off your black.
While UPP loyalists continue to swear that Lovell is “out for good,” that he is not coming back “this time,” he is just running as a candidate, history provides little reassurance. Each time Harold Lovell promises to step aside, someone else’s political career seems to pay the price. But for me the party pays the biggest price because there is no time for healing.
Manufactured Confusion?
UPP supporters blame the Labour Party for spreading fake news and stirring confusion. And while political misinformation is nothing new in Antigua and Barbuda, deflecting blame doesn’t address the deeper problem: UPP’s own credibility is crumbling from within.
The party’s lack of transparency, shifting narratives, and chronic denials only erode public trust further. Whether or not Lovell truly intends to return to leadership once more, the damage may already be done. Supporters are confused. Aspirants within the party are nervous. And the public is losing faith in a party that seems more interested in protecting a political relic than building a stable future.
Conclusion
If the UPP wants to survive and rebuild, it needs to be honest with itself and with the public. The Harold Lovell era is supposed to be over. But until the party shows real commitment to new leadership—and stops recycling the same broken promises—the ghost of Lovell’s political ambition will continue to haunt its future.
I love my party but I can’t support this.
Thank you Antigua News Room for the space.
