{"id":8824,"date":"2017-11-01T09:27:00","date_gmt":"2017-11-01T13:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=8824"},"modified":"2017-11-01T09:27:00","modified_gmt":"2017-11-01T13:27:00","slug":"upp-36th-anniversary-of-independence-message","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/upp-36th-anniversary-of-independence-message\/","title":{"rendered":"UPP 36th anniversary of Independence message"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>

UPP 36th Independence Message<\/strong>
\nfrom Senator Harold Lovell<\/strong><\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

As Antigua and Barbuda celebrates its 36th anniversary of political independence, we reflect on what has been a landmark year for our country; one that we will not soon forget.<\/p>\n

Following several highly publicized national and international scandals, there was the loss\u00a0of our visa-free access to Canada in June; a lackluster and disappointing 60th anniversary of Carnival in July\/August; and then Hurricane Irma\u2019s arrival in early September.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

Although the hurricane left behind a path of destruction and misery in Barbuda, it also engendered an outpouring of love and unity between Barbudans and Antiguans. It not only strengthened the bond of interdependence between our islands, it reinforced the circle of commitment among Antigua and Barbuda and many neighbouring countries in the Caribbean chain.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

As a once-proud country, there are so many issues that still divide and diminish us \u2013 from\u00a0the unfounded and aggressive attempt to amend the Barbuda Land Act by Prime Minister Gaston Browne; the escalation in violent crime, which makes all of us feel unsafe in our\u00a0homes; underperformance and uncertainty in our major industries \u2013 tourism and\u00a0 agriculture; and the lack of investments, jobs, education and training opportunities, particularly among our youth.<\/p>\n

These are issues that transcend politics and require a mature, responsible and united front among us, as a people, to find the best solutions.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

Fortunately, 2017 has also been an important year of reflection and reorganization for the United Progressive Party. We have rallied our base, mobilized a vibrant team, and identified a number of innovative policy platforms as we embark on the campaign trail for what is anticipated to be a very significant election.<\/p>\n

As Political Leader of the United Progressive Party, I pledge that the coming era of UPP governance will capitalize on the positive advancements made by previous\u00a0administrations, and we will strive even harder for the good of all Antiguans and Barbudans and those who call this country home.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

It is our intention to restore the dignity of our people through meaningful employment and\u00a0social programs that will uplift lives and offer hope. We commit to honest management of the people\u2019s money, and to putting that money to work for all Antiguans and Barbudans; not just for a chosen few.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

Together, we will Restore Pride and Prosperity for all of us, our children and generations to come.<\/p>\n

I wish each and every one of you a Happy Independence and may we continue to \u201cdwell in love and unity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

UPP 36th Independence Message from Senator Harold Lovell As Antigua and Barbuda celebrates its 36th anniversary of political independence, we reflect on what has been a landmark year for our country; one that we will not soon forget. Following several highly publicized national and international scandals, there was the loss\u00a0of our visa-free access to Canada […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nUPP 36th anniversary of Independence message - Antigua News Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/upp-36th-anniversary-of-independence-message\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UPP 36th anniversary of Independence message\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"UPP 36th Independence Message from Senator Harold Lovell As Antigua and Barbuda celebrates its 36th anniversary of political independence, we reflect on what has been a landmark year for our country; one that we will not soon forget. 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