ANTIGUA & BARBUDA | MP Richard Lewis committed to building the United Progressive Party (UPP)

ST. JOHNS, Antigua, July 18, 2024 - In a strong show of loyalty, Member of Parliament for St. John's Rural West, Richard S. Lewis, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the United Progressive Party (UPP).

In a recent statement, MP Lewis emphatically dismissed swirling rumors and what he termed "baseless propaganda" regarding his alleged intentions to defect to the governing Antigua Labour Party (ABLP).

Lewis declared, "I am fully committed to representing the people of St. John's Rural West on the UPP ticket." He categorically denied any negotiations to leave the UPP or to take on an ambassadorial role, and firmly stated he has no interest in running on the ABLP ticket.

The MP highlighted his ongoing dedication to addressing critical issues affecting the people of Antigua and Barbuda, including his focus on government accountability through the Public Accounts Committee. 

Lewis pledged to continue his "fight for good governance" and assured his constituents that he would not be swayed by any pressure to abandon his principles or party allegiance.

"I remain committed to upholding my obligation of service and integrity to the Antiguan and Barbudan people, and to the people of the St. John's Rural West constituency," Lewis affirmed, solidifying his position as a steadfast member of the UPP opposition.

On July 15, the UPP MP for All Saints West, Anthony Smith, tendered his resignation to the UPP and crossed the floor and the next day, he was sworn in as Minister for Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.

Its Understood that Smith who had been targeted by the Gaston Browne administration over a period of about eighteen months, in his resignation letter cited "a misalignment of values that cannot be reconciled," as his reason for moving from the UPP.

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