Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Jamale Pringle, has officially welcomed Kelton Dalso to the party’s slate of caretakers, following a primary election held in the St. George constituency on the evening of Monday, January 19.
Although only 16 branch members were eligible to vote in the primary, Pringle expressed strong encouragement over the turnout and the engagement shown by local party members. The primary was held to fill the vacancy left by the incumbent Member of Parliament for St. George, who has written to the party stating that he would not seek re‑election due to health reasons, leaving a key seat open ahead of the next general election.
“I am confident that Bro. Dalso has the energy and commitment needed not only to take the Branch forward but to keep the St. George seat in the column of the United Progressive Party,” Pringle said following Dalso’s selection.
Dalso, a son of St. George, is widely known in the community as a successful businessman and team player. He also brings legal training to his role, having been recently called to the Bar of England and Wales, underscoring his blend of professional and civic credentials.
Pringle also took time to commend Kelton Dalso’s competitors in the primary — Kem Riley and Jermaine Kentish — for their interest in serving the party and contributing to the democratic process within the branch. He thanked the St. George Branch Executive for its professional and transparent handling of the nomination process.
With Dalso’s confirmation, the UPP now has a full slate comprised of 16 sitting MPs and caretakers who will contest seats in the next general election in Antigua and Barbuda, as the party intensifies preparations for the national vote.
The selection comes amidst broader party momentum, with the UPP actively rolling out its policy priorities and organizational plans for the coming election cycle. Recently, the party has been highlighting its National Rescue Plan, contrasting its vision against the incumbent government’s record on issues such as healthcare and economic governance.
Political analysts have noted that the departure of the previous St. George MP presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the UPP, as it seeks to retain the seat in a competitive electoral environment.
For Dalso and the UPP, the coming months will be a test of grassroots engagement and campaign strength as the party works to rebuild and expand its appeal across constituencies ahead of the anticipated general election.