Former UPP PRO Winston Henry Made the following comment in a blog post on ANR.

I am always amazed when ever I read these articles my lawyer friend would send to me. I find that in many cases the writer has valid points even though i may not always agree with him or her. I also find the feedback equally the same.

What strikes me most is to read how varying our political prospective can be. On the one hand persons believe that once you are elected that means everything, and no one should question that. After all, I was elected at a convention by 200 to 300 hundred, so you 60, 000 registered voters should just accept that. How dare you question or criticize me/us!!!

What seems odd to me is this, we are so protective of a convention election that we hate the idea of anyone even suggestion otherwise. However in the same breath we are asking that PM Browne and all HIS ELECTED members of government step down for the good of the country.

While I believe that the PM is not doing right by the country in many ways, I also agree that he has gotten many things right. If I make a call for him to step down, I must equally be of good conscience if warranted make the same call of Mr. Pringle, again if warranted.

How is it that we can be so hypocritical in saying the PM should resign or be booted out of office but the UPP leader is untouchable and no critique should be fall him?

The real question is not whether Pringle is elected or PM Browne is elected, the fundamental question is this, are they best for the country at this time?

Sure one has power and the other is “just the opposition leader” to be honest they are both two very powerful persons in the political landscape of the country. Their roles are different but their responsibilities to the nation is the same. GOOD GOVERNANCE and ACCOUNTABILITY. Both should be given the respect and both should have protected police detail.

The Prime Minister minister controls cabinet, the opposition leader controls the public accounts committee. The Prime Minister dictates the governing policies, the Opposition Leader has oversight of those policies and has the attention of the public to report how the cabinet is spending their money. Look at it from. The prospective of the courts vs parliament.

While parliament makes the laws and that is awesome it is the role of the courts to oversee those laws and interprets them for the people. And that to is equally important.

They are both very important they are both necessary for justice. The same way the PM and cabinet is important so too is the Leader of the opposition, in governance. Section 78 of the constitution.

Same coin two sides very different responsibilities in the public interest and for the public good.

That brings me to this question; if it’s OK for us to question PM Browne’s integrity, and hold him accountable, what are we saying that as Antiguans we ought not to hold Mr. Pringle to the same degree of public scrutiny?

If the UPP’s position is the PM should be judged by the Antiguan public, then so too must Mr. Pringle, NO EXCEPTIONS, NO FREE PASS. Is he not the PM in waiting?

We want to have it both ways, we have become so blinded by our party affiliation that we forget we are first Antiguans, then members of a party second.

I will say this, I don’t have an issue with the UPP defending its leader, I have an issue with blind loyalty and cultists behaviors.

So yes if Mr. Pringle wants to lead this county, let me be very clear, i don’t care whether I are a UPP supporter or not, he must show me as an Antiguan that he is fit and ready to lead. The same standard I hold PM Browne too and is willing tonspeak out I will do the same with Mr. Pringle NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

I am not judging him on Mr. Gaston Browne standards, rather I am judging him on the basis, that, he can truly represent all Antiguans and Barbudans in any circle.

If the people are feeling as if he lacks capacity in their eyes. Find out what they are expecting from you then go and aquire the necessary skills and show them that you have what it takes and you are willing to do what it takes, to be the best leader for the people. NOT JUST LIKABILITY but the necessary skills to lead a country.

Whatever you do STOP asking people to accept any inadequacies just because people were elected at a convention.I not accepting that from PM Browne and neither am i accepting that from Mr. Pringle. If the UPP is willing to call on PM Browne to resign stop acting like spoil brats as soon as someone calls out the leader. Use it as an opportunity to be better to do better and lift your focus.

A convention may be good for the party, however, the nation now need to know that, what the party sees when they choose you at the convention you can pivot nationally and your worth it every vote and worthy to be the leader and the Prime Minister in waiting.

At any conventions the choosing of a Leader has national ramifications. This choice sets the tone for who will be the next Prime Minister. The choice must be measured, not just party interest, but national expectations. The public will (like it or not) weigh in on your choice and if they find that it does not meet their standard they will tell you.

For those of the UPP that is starting to take on cultists attitudes STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!!!. You are not doing any good trying to have people accept blindly.

Tell them why he is the best choice, let them know what he brings to the table and put your campaigning for Mr. Pringle to work instead of trying to force your decision at a convention down the throat of people. Sell his strengths and work on his weaknesses. Convince people not confront them.

We have an fairly educated public, start respecting that and stop treating the people like how the ABLP is treating them. Stop the cultists mentality.

Antigua 🇦🇬 First, Antiguan always

Winston Henry