ST JOHN’S, Antigua, Sep 25 2015 – A process of “crisis and courage” is how International Leader and Change Management Expert, Dr Isaac Newton is describing the current rift between the Joanne Massiah-led faction of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and Political Leader Harold Lovell.
Dr Newton’s observation came after the party announced it was officially ending peace talks with the All Saints East & St Lukes’ MP and her team.
Last week the central executive commenced talks with MP Joanne Massiah and her team aimed at closing the gap between her and the new leadership.
On Thursday, the UPPs central executive said it took the decision Wednesday night following the “repudiation of the party, on Tuesday, by outgoing Senator Anthony Stuart, a key player of Massiah’s negotiating team.”
Stuart was relieved of his senatorial seat by Leader of the opposition Baldwin Spencer. A letter advised him that his position will be revoked, effective September 30.
On Tuesday, Senator Stuart used his last session in the Senate to unleash a scathing attack on the UPP, for what, he said, was its “wicked and evil treatment” meted out to him.
Stuart also described his former mentor, Baldwin Spencer as “calculated,” “wicked” and “vindictive”. He also claimed that the “communists” had taken over the party.
Commenting on this development, Dr Newton said during the course of a crisis and courage, a strategic decision has to be made between “building and bleeding.”
“We do see political parties going through these transitions, and I think the UPP is at a critical crossroad; and it is a cross road that the party will have to consider how it wants to recoup and recover.”
“It has just sustained a dramatic loss and so, therefore, it has to arrange its affairs in such a way that it is able to be on the better side of the universal principle, that a house divided will not stand,” he said.
The opposition party said in its missive “Stuart’s vilification of the UPP, its leadership, and the policies of the government under which he served two terms- in business and senatorial capacities-was seen as having undermined the good-faith in which the party and the Massiah faction were engaged.” (Daily OBSERVER)
