HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has many gifts. He is decisive, has a clear sense of the direction that he wishes to take the country in and he strategic. His actions after the passage of Hurricane Irma, the handling of the Scotiabank issue and the establishment of the 4th landed campus of The University of the West Indies come to mind as highlights of his leadership. Whether or not citizens agree with how these issues were handled, the fact remains that the gentleman has mounted 3 successful general election campaigns.
One area that stands out to me as an area where he might want to pay closer attention to is how he chooses to address dissent. It is a trend has been developing for some time & that is of concern of many, including those in his own party and I dare say his own cabinet.
On Saturday the 1st of November, our Nations Independence Day, it was drawn to my attention by many persons that I was the subject of what can only be described as an attack on me, my love and fidelity to this country. Excerpts of the relevant sections were shared and I listened in disbelief. Among other things, I was accused of “trying to tear down the government & the country”. I categorically & absolutely reject any such assertion. Quite frankly I was disappointed that the Hon. Prime Minister chose to use his program on our day of Independence to attack a fellow citizen for simply expressing views that he may not be comfortable with. In my humble opinion, Independence is a time for National Unity and reconciliation, not acrimony and controversy.
On Thursday October 23rd, 2025 Calistra Farrier – the Host of The Narrative out of Grenada and aired regionally reached out to me seeking my perspective on the scandal involving the improper procurement of vehicles. The interview was conducted on the following day, Friday the 24th. The interview was not conducted at WTP studios, no reference was made to WTP FM by either the host or myself. WTP had absolutely nothing to do with the interview. Any suggestion to the contrary is disingenuous at best, ‘intellectually dishonest’ at worst – to borrow a term.
In my interview, I made every effort to recall what has been put out in the public domain – ironically by the Hon. Prime Minister himself. This is why this situation is so baffling to me. To my mind, the main degree of separation between myself and what has been disclosed publicly, is that I believe that an independent investigation would be best for all concerned – especially the taxpayers and voters. That is my view. Maybe I am wrong. And so what if I am? I am human. I have been wrong before; I will be wrong again. Persuade me and those like me. Respond to my open invitations, (most recent one in September – which was ignored) to come on my program and persuade me that I am wrong. If the Hon. Prime Minister is persuaded by the strength of his argument – any argument, he should be accessible to all media houses to be quizzed accordingly. He should not just to be surrounded by a cast that is highly unlikely to challenge him in any meaningful way. Speaking of this cast, members of this same cast tried to encourage me to be a part of their broadcast house. I shudder to think what my fate would have been had I chosen to accept. Clearly, in this instance – I made the correct decision. That aside, my professional integrity in reporting and interviewing is my stock in trade. I have no interest in trying to destroy any one, any institution and certainly not to bring any harm to the reputation of my country. In this instance, I called it as I see it.
The interview was very well received from a wide cross-section of those who watched it. The near unanimous consensus was that I was fair, balanced and respectful. Any suggestion that I was misleading is nonsense and comes from a corner that either didn’t watch the interview or is simply projecting.
Sunday November 2nd was International Day to end impunity for Crimes against journalists. It was held under the theme “When journalists are silenced, we all lose our voice.” Antonio Guterres called for the protection of media professionals worldwide so that they can safely carry out their essential work. He warned of the growing dangers they face in their pursuit of the truth – Including verbal abuse, legal threats, physical attacks, imprisonment, torture and even death. The Sec Gen declared “Let us stand together to defend press freedom, demand accountability and ensure that speak truth to power can do so without fear”.
I perceived what happened on Saturday to be a threat and is deeply regrettable.
The Constitution of our fair land states in Chapter 2, sections 11-13 speaks to the protection of freedom of conscience, protection of the freedom of expression including the freedom of the press and lastly, the protection of freedom of assembly and association. These were included for good reason by the framers. A healthy democracy is built in part on persons being able to express their views and act in accordance with their conscience. This is a pillar of good governance. Whether they are supportive of the Government in power or not, all citizens benefit from the free flow of ideas and criticisms. It is an important channel between the government and the governed. Have we departed from this?
Many know of my antipathy towards autocracy and autocratic leaders. Certain leaders on the global stage are objects of my attention, simply because I fundamentally believe that democracy holds the best prospects for raising the standard of living of its citizens. If, as I want to believe, the Hon. Prime Minster upholds the essential tenets of democracy, he should have no difficulty with the free flow of ideas – especially those with which he fundamentally disagrees. Also, not everything needs to be responded to. Ignoring things has its place. There is a certain dignity, in silence. The sole living National Hero should be able to share his opinion on any matter without being the subject of an attack or the threat of one. Privilege comes with responsibility, the Hon. Prime Minster must understand that when he comes on his program every Saturday and attacks civil servants, business people, journalists, even the chairman of his own party, etc. it has a chilling effect. Further, any suggestion that criticism of the leader or the government is ipso facto an act of hatred of country or trying to destroy it should be rejected at every turn. It is inconsistent with the democratic traditions that we seek to uphold.
As we move on from our 44th Anniversary of Political Independence may we all strive for a healthier democracy, from the highest to the lowest citizen. We ALL want Antigua & Barbuda to be a model SIDS….to be that economic powerhouse that we aspire to become. A good place to start is to learn and practice the art of agreeing to disagree, agreeably. Civility in the public discourse. I encourage the Hon. Prime Minister to lead by example – it will do wonders for his legacy.
God Bless Antigua & Barbuda
DMW
Citizen
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What can I say. Darren, you just put the little boy in his place. This dude wants to be a strongman, but not round yah, on Saturdays he and his dirtbags go on Pointe FM and think they can malign whoever they want. Chet Green used to be around the Great Tim Hector and ACLM and now associating himself with litterbugs
I respect Darren and his response. However he is not the only person in Antigua who consider themselves ‘Independent’.
I listened to the interview and thought at times Darren was indeed trashing Antigua’s name excessively, and doing so relying primarily on Opposition propaganda. It is deceitful to posture to speak factually about someone or something, and not declare to the interviewer the information you are relying on has not been verified or is indeed know to be factual.
Having said that, I believe the UPP’s call for an independent audit has merit, just to clear everyone’s name and fully understand what went on. In the absence of that, then the PM should open himself up to be interviewed in the Press Conference by ALL media houses/professionals on the matter or subject to questions in Parliament.
Also, this thing about media or persons who criticize the PM getting hurt feelings and SENSITIVE everytime the PM responds to them need to stop. This is just how politics are now the world around. Have Darren ever listened to how UPP Chairman or other Leaders speak about persons who left their party?? Plus when Serpent verbally attack Hon. Samantha Marshall on her physical features? When is Darren condemnation of that?
Lastly, I agree that Darren interviewing a man like Achkash Maraj in ridiculous. How can a man who has no interest in Antigua, never spoken to the PM or never step foot here be allowed to be allowed to mercilessly attack the character of our PM, and not get push back? Who does that benefit?
WELL SAID!
Here are some surefire ways, to ensure for a smoother management, of PUBLIC FUNDS, as they pertain to the Governance of our Nation Antigua, Barbuda & REDONDA.
The system of governance must have…
A…Term Limits for all parliamentarians, from the Prime Minister to Speaker of the house. This eliminates from dictatorship to investigator, arresting officer, prosecutor, lawyer, judge, executioner all in one individual. This is a concoction for a Tyrant.
B…members of both the lower and upper houses must be elected at the ballot box. No more appointments for free rides and perks.
C…the election date must be set, as a permanent date with specified time in office, passing of the baton etc. are all permanently set. Of course, contingencies in place for such things as Natural and man made disasters. Blondell might just show up like a Melissa and wipe out Mill Reef.
D…amend the Constitution, to ensure. that all ANTIGUANS, BARBUDANS & REDONDANS regardless if they have dual citizenship to sit as members of parliament.
The elimination of citizens born as Antiguans & Barbudans who’ve also become citizen of another Nation, to sit in parliament unless, they denounce their citizenship of the other Nation, and only keep their A&B Citizenship is unfair, especially in the light of, and the fact that many people invest and would invest even more in the Nation. They do pay taxes and will not be hesitant to comply.
The story of Lester Bird can be used, to show the unfairness, of this law, to those naturally born as citizens. CARICOM free movement or OECS free movement also make it reasonable for the law to be amended.
Hey look…Gaston Browne and his Government recently asked, nationals in the diaspora to invest more in the Nation. Harold Lovell, Jamal Pringle and the UPP too are always in the American and European metro areas where National resides asking for support, donations, etc.
INVESTMENT without Representation at the decision making tables doesn’t apply, logically. The Arabs, Chinese, Caucasians are all at our decision making board rooms even if they’re not visible.
Reasoning, hashing out these and other archaic laws which are stagnating REAL GROWTH for all Nationals at home and abroad will go much further, in addressing some of what are causing CORRUPTION, MALFEASANCE, and other negatives keeping the Nation, in this MENTAL QUAGMIRE which it keep finding itself in, and affects the poor and underrepresented mostly.
Jumbee Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏾Garrat_Bastard
Vere Edwards
He mean fu do um. Selective posturing?
Maturity is seen in one’s ability to manage emotions rather than be managed my them. One can feel angry without acting destructively, feel hurt without becoming bitter. Emotional maturity means acknowledging your feelings but still choose your behaviour with wisdom. When a person react impulsively, they give their emotions authority they were never meant to have. Mature individuals pauses before and reflects before responding. They know that temporary feelings can destroy permanent relationships if left unchecked.
This habit of using a radio station to destroy and to go after people unjustly including Sir Viv, you Darren, Business Leaders and others must end. It doesn’t do us all any good. Many ordinary citizens do not have the benefit of a radio station to respond and to defend themselves. Let’s do better!
Darren , you’re a DAMN HYPOCRITE. You know exactly what you were doing. You get your ass kicked. Our Prime Minister does NOT take last lick. No one should respond to Viv Richard’s ? Our Prime Minister is correct. Deal with whosoever attack. Is Viv Richards should not be responsible for His utterances. You Guys are bunch of HYPOCRITES .
@ Fair Response
I read your exhaustive comment and the only thing I would say is ” where ignorance is bliss it’s folly to be wise”
@Fair Response, U r being bias as U write as well. Everyone is entitled to their opinion n I respect urs. I too listen the interview but when U saying Darren tried to trash Antigua’s name is somewhat not fair to me. Aa a matter of fact, I think Darren selected his words carefully at all times, n sometimes danced around the questions rather than try to bring anyone down. Yes he may have made referenced to things said by others in the media n a matter of fact, he tried to quote most of what was said by the PM himself. This was really handled well on his path.
On another note, have U ever listened to the PM slandering the females of this country. It seems not but U rmbr Serpent calling out Samantha. Pure hypocrisy on ur path cuz the PM does it over n over but yet still the SLIENCED can be heard at all times when it is done. Speak the things fairly. We are too blinded by party. Think about ANTIGUA for once !!!
Darren, I salute you. I watched your interview with Ms. Farrier. You articulated your thoughts clearly. Don’t worry about the Rum Men on RUMSHOP Radio. They are all spineless. An independent investigation is clearly warranted to ensure that the truth and not a narrative is told. Broncogate will not die a natural news cycle death. It’s too important to public trust in public institutions and the officers in charge.
Ras Smood I agree with every point you made in your post. Jumble no sleep!
Mr. Darren Mathew-Ward I beg to disagree but in a different way. As soon as I had finish listening to that interview with you and the Grenadian Journalist I called a few friends and this is exactly what I said. I said Mr.Ward did a weak interview. He was overly careful and cautious and that I believe it was because of his association with Chet’s radio station.
Even in this response you are still being careful Mr.Ward . Almost compromising your savvy Journalistic approach I admired in the past, especially on Observer Radio. You made it clear to the lady that it was PM Browne that is credited for breaking the news. As a Journalist, your role is to call a spade a spade. It’s dead wrong that our PM has decided to take on the job of the judiciary arm of government. The PM is the Minister of finance and his ministry must be held accountable.
His attack of our National Hero on independence day was of poor taste. He got personal and spoke about Viv’s finances. Even if Viv doesn’t have a dollar in his name or not, he is the most beloved son of the soil. Any Antiguan, all Antiguans everywhere will not see him in need of Anything. I will be glad to give Viv my Vechicle and catch bus. So your threats are useless.
His attack on the Hon.Chet Green was democracy in reverse. He is the Chairman of the ABLP party, the one that you are the political leader of. It was you and Chet that removed Gail Christian so you can become political leader. Chet fought against Assot Michael because he has your back. He acts like a statesman and has kept his name out of trouble, except for when he try and defend the defenseless, which always backfires in his face.
After the last general elections and you Darren was on the national TV as a journalist. The PM basically said that he was going to change this type of behavior. You agreed with him that if he wanted to expand his political life that following through on that promise will be definitely a step in the right direction.
Mr.Darren Mathew- Ward my advise to you is to return to where you began. In being that Savvy and uncompromising journalist. Uncompromising in terms of firmness and boldness- not integrity. Your integrity to me is impeccable.