The United Progressive Party (UPP) formally launched its general election campaign with a prayer-focused rally dubbed “Ignite,” blending worship, political messaging and candidate presentations as the party urged supporters to rally behind its bid for government on April 30.
Organisers framed the event as both a spiritual and political beginning to the campaign, repeatedly emphasizing faith, unity and change as central themes. Early in the programme, a host declared, “Tonight is the night to ignite the campaign… the campaign to victory,” as supporters gathered and the event was broadcast online.
The launch opened with extended prayer and worship sessions, with religious leaders asking for divine intervention in national affairs and for guidance for the party’s candidates. One prayer called for “deliverance” and urged that “the wind of change will begin to blow… across the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.”
Throughout the night, speakers linked the party’s political ambitions to faith, with one organiser telling supporters that “there’s no igniting without God” and encouraging the crowd to respond to the campaign theme by pairing “ignite” with “change.”
Candidates from several constituencies were introduced and given brief opportunities to address supporters, pledging to work toward victory and urging unity within the party. A candidate representing St John’s City West told supporters the party would “work hard to make sure we bring home that victory,” while others echoed calls for a nationwide shift in leadership.
Another speaker declared that the party aimed to “usher in a new day under the leadership of Jamale Pringle and the United Progressive Party,” reflecting the broader campaign message of political change.
Religious elements remained central throughout the event, with gospel performances and repeated calls for prayer. At one point, candidates were brought on stage and prayed over, with a pastor telling them, “God has chosen each one of you for such a time as this,” and asking for unity and strength during the campaign.
Supporters were also urged to participate actively in the electoral process, with organisers encouraging voter turnout and backing for UPP candidates on election day.
The launch marks the start of the UPP’s campaign activities ahead of the April 30 general election, as the party seeks to unseat the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.