The recent fallout within the United Progressive Party (UPP) can no longer be ignored. While efforts were made to foster unity and rebuild fractured relationships during the party retreat, the unexpected and dramatic walkout by the party’s chairman has thrown the party into deeper turmoil.

This action at the retreat has served as a trigger for candidates and senior party members to leave the institution. This act, witnessed by several senior members and candidates, symbolizes the dysfunction that threatens to dismantle the UPP from the inside out. It was coupled with the Chairman’s statement about individuals licking their wounds from the convention.

The retreat was not a battlefield—it was meant to be a sanctuary for reflection, growth, and healing. Yet, rather than contributing to the spirit of unity, the chairman chose a path of isolation and discord, embarrassing the candidates and Richard Lewis faction that challenged her.

In conversations with those present, it is clear that the environment was respectful and focused on reconciliation. According to eyewitnesses, only Brother Paul prayed, and Harold Lovell spoke before the infamous walkout, which has been downplayed until now.

Lovell’s message was sincere, offering praise for the chairman’s communication abilities, education, and past contributions. But it also included a call for responsibility—a plea for the chairman to step into a role of unity and leadership.

That moment, it seems, was the tipping point. Instead of embracing the challenge, the chairman walked out—no confrontation, no conversation—just an exit. No body talked her down; that’s a blatant lie.

What followed was a public attempt to convolute the reasons behind the walkout. Blending past experiences at the Board of Education with vague claims of becoming a “flawed person since the convention” only muddied the waters. This spin-doctoring might fool die-hard supporters or curry favor with the Leader of the Opposition, but for those committed to transparency and progress, “nutten tall go so.” The truth is clear: the chairman left because accountability was asked of her by the former Political Leader. Harold Lovell also needs to break his silence and speak honestly about the retreat and what it did to the candidates—who all exhibited great respect for D. Gisele Isaac.

Let’s be honest—degrees in communication and eloquent speeches can’t mask dishonesty forever. Yes, we salute academic achievements, including a degree in journalism and English from St. John’s University. But theory means nothing when practice contradicts principles.

Repeatedly, the chairman has attempted to appear intellectually and strategically superior, presenting twisted narratives to protect her image rather than uphold the integrity of the party.

This strategy of deflection and manipulation must end. Grassroots members, candidates, and senior figures within the UPP deserve honesty and leadership—not ego and escapism. If the party fails to acknowledge and confront the negative fallout from this retreat, the very future of the UPP is at risk.

Let this be a call to action: no more silence. No more cover-ups. The UPP must choose transparency, accountability, and unity—or it will suffer a disastrous demise at the hands of hypocrisy.