Dr. Dave Ray: My Assessment of the Current State of Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda

35
Dr DAVE RAY

My Assessment of the Current State of Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda

As a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda living in the diaspora, I have been paying keen attention to the political landscape, particularly the complaints of the opposition over the past few years. My approach has been as objective as possible to assess the merit of their claims.

Having visited Antigua regularly—four times last year and once this year—I have taken the opportunity to engage with the local residents. Through casual conversations with a diverse range of individuals who are unfamiliar with me, I aim to gauge their sentiments regarding the current administration.

Observations on Public Sentiment

  1. General Satisfaction:

From my observations, individuals who are satisfied with the government’s performance often exhibit a natural glow, while those who express dissatisfaction tend to display a more sour demeanor, often supporting the opposition. 

  • Support for the Current Administration:

Many citizens express a general satisfaction with the current administration’s commitment to economic growth and national development. However, there is concern regarding the Prime Minister’s response to dissent, particularly when accusations of corruption arise. This issue resonates deeply with many citizens.

  • Skepticism Towards the Opposition:

A prevailing sentiment among individuals I spoke to is skepticism regarding the opposition’s capability to govern effectively. As one citizen articulated, “We know what we have, but we don’t wish to find out what we might get,” highlighting a reluctance to embrace change.

Economic Indicators and Community Engagement

My visits have revealed a thriving local economy. Many Antiguans own multiple vehicles, and the fashion choices reflect a strong sense of style. The vibrant nightlife at places like King’s Casino, Weatherill’s, Seafood Friday, and popular dining spots such as The Larder, Clean Food & Jooce, and Sips & Tips, Garden Grill Café, The Larder, Café Bella, Hemmingway’s, Burger 268, Like-A-Latte indicate a robust social scene. 

Then, there are Ana’s on the Beach, Salt Plage, Gourmet Basket, Dennis’, OJ’s Seafood, Alma’s Restaurant, Lucky Eddi’s in English Harbour, and in Barbuda we have Uncle Rocky’s and Nobu, and the  Hut on Jumby Bay.

The reason I choose to mention these outfits is that many local Antiguans are patrons filling the seats and are seemingly frequent in these spaces

Events organized by both the opposition and local organizations often sell out quickly, demonstrating strong community engagement. For instance, Pork Fest Fundraiser Events hosted by the opposition are sold out well in advance, while the Roman Catholic Church’s Christmas food fair also saw rapid sell-outs. 

During my time volunteering for the Salvation Army’s kettling exercise at Christmas, I witnessed the generosity of shoppers, with many contributing between $20 to $100, often accompanied by their children. Some even claimed that they had already donated earlier at another supermarket. This speaks to a buoyant economy, despite the naysayers.

Additionally, many locals are enrolling in classes at the UWI Five Islands Campus, seeking to advance their skills and improve their career prospects.

Areas for Improvement

While there are many positive developments, I must highlight several areas requiring urgent attention:

 ●Infrastructure:

The condition of roadways remains a significant concern, and the inconsistency of water distribution needs to be addressed. Although the administration has begun a road program and water regularity is improving, further action is necessary.

●Aesthetics and Community Cleanliness: 

The presence of derelict buildings and old vehicles detracts from the island’s beauty. It is imperative for the administration to prioritize the removal of these eyesores to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of Antigua and Barbuda.

Positive Developments and Future Outlook

Despite these challenges, the current administration has made remarkable strides in various sectors:

– Agriculture and Entrepreneurship: The government’s focus on agriculture and entrepreneurship is commendable, fostering a spirit of innovation and self-sufficiency.

– Educational Initiatives: The establishment of the UWI Five Islands Campus represents a paradigm shift in education, providing new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

– 

All the fetes on almost every weekend are sold out at a minimum of $100.00 for general admission. 

The salons, barber shops, nail salons, and even massage therapy practices are all busy to being, at times, overwhelmed. 

The opposition hosts Pork Fests, which are sold out, halfway through the event. They sell more than just pork dishes, of course. 

The Roman Catholic hosted a food fair during Christmas, and they were sold out quickly. 

I was humbly fortunate to be a volunteer for the Salvation Army kettling exercise during the Christmas season at the entrance of the Epicurean Supermarket.

The people entering the supermarket have generously, and the ones who promised to return after shopping honoured their promise. They sometimes asked their little children to deposit a minimum of $20.00 – $100.00, some indicating that they had already 

This speaks to a buoyant economy, despite the naysayers. 

Many people are enrolled in classes at the UWI Five Islands Campus to advance their capacity in various areas for a better career path.

Now, let me say here that I’m not thrilled with the conditions of the roadways and the lack of water distribution on a regular basis.

From listening to the press briefings and the PM’s explanations on Pointe FM on Saturday afternoons, he has stated that they had not focused on a road program initially as they were attempting to lower the debt to GDP by honouring foreign debts as much as possible which would in fact give our country a better rating as lenders would be more willing to assist us. 

The road program has begun as I was inconvenienced in a few well traveled areas. 

The water regularity is improving as it is more constant. 

The main issue that I have is the fact that the administration has not enforced the tearing down of derelict buildings and edifices across the island which diminish the aesthetics of the island. 

Old vehicles on the roads in villages and communities are not pleasing to the eye.

New Development in recent times

  1. The recruitment of Global Port Holding (GPH) that operate in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Asia-Pacific regions.
  2. The increased choices in airlift with full flight both ways to Antigua daily. 
  3. Home porting for a few cruise ships. 
  4. The increased stay over visitors to our shores is astounding. Just ask the taxi drivers. 
  5. The acquisition of Scotia Bank to merge with am indigenous banking institution 
  6. The acquisition of WIOC from the Palestinian (Russian-Jewish) Baruch “Bruce” Rappaport family for Antigua and Barbuda 
  7. The record-breaking recently constructed Sir Novel Richards Academy is making positive waves in the secondary education with which to be reckoned.
  8. The recent completion of the Barbuda International Airport 
  9. The PLH project that employs the greater portion of the Barbuda population with Antiguans traversing the sea weekly to work as well. 
  10. The acquisition of the Sembcorp Water Company in the early phase of the administration governance. 
  11. The number of Reverse Osmosis plants reduces the longstanding water crisis.
  12. The re-emergence of the LIAT with a new twist to keep the Caribbean connected. 
  13. The Royalton Antiguan Resort, the Royalton Chic Resort, The Hodges Bay Club,
  14. The Jolly Beach reopening, and many other resorts.
  15. The housing stock has increased tremendously by over 39.6% in the last four years.
  16. The stem cell research center

18.The cancer center, albeit under some logistical issues at the moment. 

  1. A new renal division underway. 
  2. Successful Kidney transplant surgeries at SLBMC.
  3. More polyclinics across the country. 

There is now a challenge for APUA division to handle all the new accounts as it relates to water rationing and distribution. That’s a good problem to have. 

– Infrastructure Improvements: Significant infrastructure projects, such as the refurbishment of the Deep Water Harbour and the completion of the Barbuda International Airport, are pivotal in trade. The recent completion of the fifth berth at St. John’s Harbour, capable of accommodating multiple cruise ships daily, further underscores this progress.

– Healthcare Advancements: The introduction of new medical facilities, including a cancer center and polyclinics, highlights a commitment to improving healthcare access for all citizens. Successful kidney transplant surgeries at SLBMC and the establishment of a new renal division are noteworthy achievements.

– Increased Tourism: The recruitment of Global Port Holding and the home porting of several cruise ships have contributed to a rise in stayover visitors, a positive trend for taxi drivers and local businesses alike.

Call to Action

Considering these observations, I urge both the government and citizens to engage collaboratively in building a better future for Antigua and Barbuda. Citizens should take an active role in community projects and civic organizations, contributing to the collective well-being of our nation.

As we embrace our motto, “Each endeavoring, all achieving,” let us work together to realize the full potential of our beautiful islands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current administration’s efforts tell a compelling story of progress, development, and sustainability for the residents of Antigua and Barbuda. Despite opposition criticisms, it is clear that the government is making strides toward improving the lives of ordinary citizens. We all have a role to play in this journey, whether through community service, supporting local initiatives, or simply taking pride in our nation.

God bless Antigua and Barbuda.

Dave Ray, Ph.D., CT, LMT

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]

35 COMMENTS

  1. Absolutely rubbish… did you see the broken glass on the bus stops?.. and I don’t subscribe to that saying, we know what we have but we don’t know what we may get.. it sounds like you are a sheep Dave ..

  3. People with PhDs usually write with more astuteness.
    All those restaurants mentioned are flocked by less than 15% of the population. How many people can eat saltplage 80 chopup&saltfish on a Sunday morning. Did you not visit the many sidewalk and corner vendors?
    I really don’t know why you would choose to write a piece like this

  4. It amazes me that Dave Ray saw an Antigua . I did not see on my trips there. Then again, he is looking for work within the Administration. What happened to your hair business? Not generating enough income, Dr Ray? Hair Doctor, that is. Gaston surely sitting on you and wiping his feet on you like a door mat. He could do you just about anything. As long as you get the work you are looking for. So keep on singing for your breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  5. The author of the article is a complete buffoon. His article leaves many questions to be asked: what has ALP offered him to write this rubbish and where were his eyes when he was touring around,

    He talked about various eatries
    and hanging out joints, and yes those venues are great. However, how many ordinary Antiguans can afford to dine and hang out at those venues?

    Additionally, he overlooked the drug culture that is prevalent amongst Antigua’s youth. If in doubt he should have taken a tour throughout Villa and Claire Hall.

    The buffoon failed to mentioned the government’s lack of available resources to addressed disaffected young people, the soaring crime rates.

    I am not sure where the doctor was staying to have reasonable running water, when there are areas where people have had no water for weeks.

    Cost of living in Antigua is the highest in the Caribbean and it is the most expensive place in the Caribbean, but he claimed the economy is booming! Many Antiguans are struggling to make ends meet.

    I know many Antiguans living abroad who have said they fear to return to Antigua because of the soaring crime rates and the cost of living. Antigua is rapidly becoming an unsafe island and the poor are getting poorer.

    He should have taken a bold and objective stance and asked his red comrades for their plans to make our country safe, improve our immigration, police and health services. In addition, he should advocate for the removal of those returnees from the US who obtained Antiguan citizenship and deport them to their birth country.

    We are in the second month of the year and we have had two murder and the police have not been able to apprehended the killers. The Police services are broken and ineffective. There are no accountability within the services resulting from bad governance. What’s Cutie doing?

    A young man was murdered in Swetes, the ambulance crew took 30 minutes to get to him, consequently, he was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital .

    I am hoping that the writer is not a MD. If he is and thinking of setting up practice in Antigua , I would steer clear of his practice, as undoubtedly there would be many cases of misdiagnosis.
    Anyway, sir, your voice us important.

  7. Lol, I chuckle at the responses this far. It is clear that the first portion of my article is being proven to be in point.
    The disgruntled opposition faces with sour fingers are on full display. 60 murders happened in St. Kitts and Nevis with a population of 46,000 between 2023 – 2024 while Antigua and Barbuda with a population of 100,000 was 8 within the same time period-
    We have one of the lowest murder in the entire Caribbean.
    What people fail to understand is that with progress and development in any country, the crime rate will rise as a part of the balance, unfortunately. It comes with the territory.
    Is there anything good happening in Antigua and Barbuda that you can see? Is it always doom & gloom for you all? Seeing the glass half empty is a pessimistic way to live.
    The many locals that I observe at these restaurants are not well-to-do, yet they’re able to dine out regularly
    There is a little booth across from Public Works, Ms. Ivy where if you do not pre-order, by 11:00am, you might not be able to get anything to eat during the week.
    There is Emily on Friars Hill Road and Aviator Restaurant in York’s where the same is the case.
    You can fight my findings as much as you wish, that doesn’t change the stark reality of the ongoing progress of our country.
    There are pockets of crime in every country and many of them are your children who made bad choices.
    If any of you wish to report on the the crime in Antigua, then publish an article stating the stats. Let’s see how that enhances our tourism product.
    Cheers

  8. Lol, don’t you worry about my former career path. I’m doing well in my new chosen field. It’s called Consulting.
    Life is good. I’m blessed in so many ways. God is awesome.

  12. This delusional nincompoop who’s claim to fame, was that he was a low level staffer on the failed Hillary Clinton campaign, is still trying to kiss gassy’s ass in hopes of finally being named as the mythical head of some dysphoria affairs.

    No one should give this piece of malarkey any serious consideration.

  13. Interesting observations. There have been some improvements for certain. However, a serious analysis requires numbers. There are 100000 people or thereabouts in Antigua. What percentage of them are at these places as described? A country is doing well when the vast majority are comfortable, only a few are struggling, and there are social safety nets that allow persons to readily recover from misfortunes and get back on track. Every country has some better off citizens. The question is what are the percentages in each category in this country?

  14. Now this is coming from a man that pay rent inna Merica. One man that na have on penny to knock one nickel and Antiguans must listen to he? Me na k if a UPP, ABLP, or DNA, me want wa me tax payer money suppose to go for. Water, road, light, education, and less inflation. Imagine the PM send all dem people a UWI, when they are making a living above the average Antiguan paychecks. Case in point, the 2 so called Senators on rum shop, the young boy that on Chet radio station and so much more. The average Antiguans na get none scholarships. So behave blow hard Dave come run he mouth cause he a look one job ask he if head good. Right now Go Green look like the best choice

  16. When you see Jesus take a picture Ray. For now your former Jamaican customers are wearing wigs and business is obviously down.
    It’s going to be down further with Trump in the White House when the welfare checks are no longer deposited

    You are a shallow guy Ray. You spoke of Antigua beauty. Beyond Hosford Hill where is it.
    You just discovered that most of the taxi tours are if abandoned cars and derilict homes.
    Rather than tearing down many of these structures around the country, why don’t you advocate for a restoration of these structures. It was done at Dockyards, Antigua’s UNESCO site. It’s being done and has been done around the Caribbean.

    Scot’s Row and most of St.Johns if handled by restoration design experts would have as much interests from tourists.
    Rather than running to Antigua four and five times year go visit the UNESCO restored colonial cities across the Caribbean and get an appreciation for not tearing down your heritage.
    Think about if the Antigua Sugar Factory was restored rather than dismantled. Few would want to go to the greasie spoons you listed
    It’s not about HATE it’s about dishonesty

  19. People are sad! I guess nothing at all is ever good in our country. Some of us just cannot say when it is good, we just see all bad and negativity. God bless Antigua & Barbuda. I take the good with the bad. Home sweet home.

  20. The assertion that individuals who support the government appear naturally happy while those who oppose it display a “sour demeanor” is an oversimplification that lacks empirical basis.

  21. Public sentiment towards a government is not determined by facial expressions but by tangible metrics such as economic performance, governance, social services, and infrastructure.

  22. The assessment portrays Antigua’s economy as “thriving” based on anecdotal evidence such as vehicle ownership, fashion choices, and the presence of patrons at restaurants and nightlife spots.

  24. As an ABLP supporter, thank you for your enthusiasm but my Prime Minister knows a fraud when he sees one. MY Prime Minister knows when people a looking a come-up on his coat tails. You tried this before and we put you to the side yet here you are again, broke and hungry. MY Prime Minister knows a proper assessment when he sees one. Do you think you can give him flank and call it porterhouse. Do you think you can give him Ribena for vino. Thank you for your literal brown nosing but we have enough qualified people over here clearly. Stick to what you know. Just come bring the likkle news for the scraps and STAY IN YOUR LANE. Stop trying to climb on our backs. UPP na want you and neither do we!find some other way to pay your rent and your debtors. I hear the lynch mobile of people you allegedly owe is after you.

  25. Worry about gangrene, because the stench coming from your sore foot is now rivaling your breath, as everyone is aware of your breath since it has a life and persona of it’s own then it is clear how bad your foot stinks. Monitor yourself

  27. One major point in your article, that is a huge inaccuracy, Bruce Rappaport was not a Palastinian, he was Isreali. It could be suggested that he was part of the founding of the modern genocidal country that it has become.
    While many of your observations are clear and on point; what is also clear is that some observations you either did not see or choose not to recognise.

  28. I’m glad to see that 90% of the respondents here can see through Dave Ray’s 🐄 💩! He is the most NUFF & EDGEUP individual on the planet. He has been a stinking liar and instigator from his youth and has never changed. He has used many persons for his gain and once he’s done he berates them and acts as if he’s better than they are. What PHD?? Any fool knows that no tertiary institution offers a PhD in cosmetology. Cosmetology is rather a trade than professional (not putting down the field of work). He has no idea what a laughing stock he has become calling himself “Doctor”. This man met me at the Antiguan restaurant next to his hair place in the Bronx and asked me if I knew any young college aged Antiguan girls in New York that I could introduce to him for the Miss Islander Show back in 2001. He gave me his number and I introduced him to this young lady ( the won who was Carnival Queen in 2002 and went on to win best talent at Miss World in 2003) and sent her to visit him at his hair place where he met her for the first time and interviewed her. He sponsored this young lady and she went on to win the title of Miss Islander. After the win, Dave Ray never said as much as “thank you dog”. He told everyone how he discovered her when he saw her on the subway and took all credit for her initial success. I confronted him about it and like the COWARD that he is, he profusely apologized and said it was the mistake of his “publicist”. Need less to say I cut ties with him. That’s when I found out what kind of lying, thieving, deceitful, narcissistic demon he really is. He has been BEGGING the current administration to play a vital role in their party representing the diaspora within the USA. He supposedly owns 2 salons, is a consultant and university professor of cosmetology (one can’t help but laugh) yet he still pays rent for his dwelling and has yet to build a home in Antigua. Talk about somebody being directly nuff and desperate. He owes several people money and has yet to pay them. Virtually everyone who helped him, he’s thrown to the side and berated them. Then once he sees you surpassing his so called success he starts a false smear campaign about you. Everyone of you who commented on his behavior are completely factual. The current administration has seen through through his sugar coated manure, and one day they will give him that rude awakening. His now calls himself a cuisine expert specializing in Caribbean food, skills he claims he learned from a late famous culinary expert and from his “Jamaican wife or ex wife. He is as putrid as they come, and one does not need to step in his s#!t to know that it stinks! Dave i suggest you carry a shovel and garbage bag wherever you go so you can clean up the 🐄 💩 you leave all over the place 😎.

  29. Buffoon Ray has expressed his opinion which he is entitled inclusive of his intellectual dribble.

    He has not presented any empirical data to support his dribble therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that his account is not credible and wholly unreliable. It leaves one to wonder which university awarded him a PhD. Has Gsston got a university fir comics?

    Where are the evidences showing how the hypothesise for his claims were tested? What research methodology was used, quantitative or qualitative, though he could have used both and what instrument was used to gathered data e.g. questionnaire etc.

    It is not the norm for “academics” to present ‘ bias’ information like being presented here. I urge the gentlemen to refresh his knowledge on how to conduct research enquiry and how to present untainted information.

  30. Dave Ray: You called into Observer Radio on Friday night. You mentioned a lady’s name . Just hoping you are not trying to fleeced her. That would be like hell to pay. You are a Consultant now, Doctor Hair Man. What a darn Joke.

  31. Lol, you guys are making me laugh. I am making many of you angry. Then, I accomplished much. Whoever that person who suggested that he or she help me find Shermain Jeremy is delusional. I don’t know who you are. If you believe that you run me with your comments, there is more to come.
    I don’t who told you all that I’m looking for a position. I’m good, trust me on that. I’m an ABLP member and supporter until death. That is clear. I was clear by indicating my assessment was not linked to any empirical evidence or independent study.
    That’s the reason it’s entitled, “My Assessment”
    I’ve upset many opposition supporters. That’s a good thing.
    But carry on…

  32. Dave ray .. why are you talking about Kitts and the murder rate? Remember we organized football matches and offered the gang’s chickens to our gang members to make a living 🫢… you are a “sheep-Minion “and your Article proves it .. what about the bus stops with the broken glass? What about the open sewage holes in St. John’s ? What about the roads that they got millions to fix and still can’t get that right ? Were you wearing those nice glasses with the prescription?when you visited ? Do you see any wrong with the current party? If the answer is no you are a SHEEP,.. you are writing about the current situation in antigua but yet you want to mention st kitts .. st kitts use there Cip money for the country we have to pay more for licensing our cars another way to drain us .. btw the murders in St kitts are mainly gang related..

  33. Dave! and you say you are an ALP MEMBER UNTIL YOU DIE ANSWERS MY QUESTION, YOU ARE A SHEEP .. LETS SAY hypothetically speaking, what if ! just what if !you found out the party you supporters is into corruption and other unethical doings? would you position remain the same? .. if the answer is yes, you are a sheep .. btw you are the only one
    Bothered by the comments, that is why you are responding ..

  34. Dave! and you say you are an ALP MEMBER UNTIL YOU DIE ANSWERS MY QUESTION, YOU ARE A SHEEP .. LETS SAY hypothetically speaking, what if ! just what if !you found out the party you supported is into corruption and other unethical doings? would you position remain the same? .. if the answer is yes, you are a sheep .. btw you are the only one
    Bothered by the comments, that is why you are responding ..

  35. Wow, you guys dragged this poor boast, narcissistic individual and rightly so. How many people does he owe and keeps flying around the place acting like he has money when he’s broke and begging everyone. What consultant, he’s fooling off people and making them lose their money and then saying they still have to keep paying him. Let’s not forget his poor wife who he doesn’t live with but flies everywhere but can’t visit her. He allegedly assaulted her and was arrested for it, hoping she wishes up and divorces him. Sick of this man walking around acting like he is some paragon of virtue but is a nasty, spiteful, selfish, conceited peacock who must be continually the center of attention or he pouts. Many friends and family have wised up and distanced themselves from him. One would think after being dragged over and over, in the comments here and on FB, he would change his dirty ways. He has no shame, NONE!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here