Businessman and social commentator Eli Fuller says he expects independent candidates to contest the next general election, arguing that growing public frustration with the political landscape could create openings in several constituencies.
Speaking in a Facebook Live video, Fuller said his recent post about running as an independent candidate in St. Mary’s South was intended as an April Fool’s joke, but reflected genuine sentiment about the need for alternative voices in politics.
“It was a joke, but also a protest,” he said, adding that many people are increasingly disillusioned with both major parties.
Fuller said he believes at least one independent candidate will formally enter the race and suggested that more could follow, particularly in areas where voters feel underrepresented.
He pointed to St. Mary’s South as one constituency where an independent candidate could gain traction, citing rapid development and what he described as insufficient oversight and advocacy on behalf of residents.
While acknowledging that independent candidates have historically struggled to win seats in Antigua and Barbuda, Fuller said the current political climate may present a different opportunity.
“This election is going to be different,” he said, expressing hope that at least one independent candidate could succeed.
Fuller clarified that he does not intend to run for office at this time, saying his current focus remains on his business, family and personal commitments. However, he did not rule out the possibility of entering politics in the future.
He encouraged individuals who are willing to “think outside the box” and prioritize national interests over party loyalty to consider offering themselves for public office, arguing that such candidates could help challenge the status quo and broaden political representation.
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I would NEVER vote for an Independent, if elected they have no power and they would only be Space Cadets (taking up space).
This Election Is About More Than Party Loyalty — It Is About the Future of Antigua and Barbuda
Antiguans and Barbudans, regardless of which party we have supported in the past, this moment calls for careful reflection.
A government elected to serve for five years has called a snap election after only two. It is reasonable for citizens to ask why—and to honestly examine the condition of our country today.
Over the past two years, many people across our nation have expressed concern about:
• The rising cost of living• Increasing youth crime• Unresolved serious crimes• Challenges within our health services• Ongoing water shortages affecting households• Poor road conditions across the island• Questions surrounding accountability in important national matters• Concerns arising from national controversies such as Vehiclegate• The delivery and reliability of essential public services
These issues affect all of us, regardless of political affiliation.
Many hardworking taxpayers continue to make sacrifices every day while still waiting for consistent access to some basic services. When communities struggle with regular water shortages while the tourism sector continues operating without disruption, it naturally raises questions about priorities and fairness.
This election should not divide us.
Instead, it should encourage us to reflect together on what kind of governance we want moving forward.
This is not about party loyalty.
It is about accountability.
It is about transparency.
It is about strengthening our country and protecting the dignity and future of Antigua and Barbuda.
Each voter must now ask:
Are we satisfied with the progress made over the past two years?
Are essential services improving at the pace we expected?
Is this the right time for a snap election?
Is it acceptable that citizens sometimes face difficulty accessing beaches on their own shores?
Is it reasonable that Antiguans and Barbudans carry heavy tax responsibilities while concerns remain about how national benefits are shared and reinvested within our country?
At moments like this, elections become more than routine political events. They become opportunities for citizens to send a clear message about the standards of leadership we expect—leadership that explains its decisions openly, earns public confidence, and demonstrates readiness to serve the full term it was given unless there is a compelling national reason to do otherwise.
At this important moment, Antiguans and Barbudans have the opportunity to shape the direction of our country by thinking carefully, asking questions confidently, and voting with independence of mind and commitment to long-term national progress.
As we approach the polls, let us vote thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the future of Antigua and Barbuda at heart. Long live Antigua and Barbuda. 🇦🇬
Make Antigua Great Again: A Call for Ethical Leadership and Renewal
As Antigua and Barbuda approaches a critical election in the next three weeks, the nation stands at a crossroads. After two years of a re-elected government, many citizens—like myself, living right by a cricket stadium—are questioning whether this administration can still deliver. The stadium once stood as a community hub—a place where families gathered, where kids learned cricket, and where we all felt united. Now, thanks to Michael Freeland and others, it’s been locked away. The gates stand closed, accessible only through a side entrance—no more family walks, no spontaneous birthday parties. Once a beacon of community, it’s now reserved for a select few.
This isn’t just about a stadium—it’s about what is happening all across Antigua. We see the same patterns: broken bus stops left to decay, unjust 40% hikes on SUV taxes, and a CIP program that fractured our ties with the U.S. We can no longer rely on that country for healthcare, shopping, or simple opportunity, as visa bonds now keep many of us away. Our MRI machines sit idle; healthcare professionals send their own families abroad for basic care. And while ministers tout a tourism boom, the wealth stays at the top—luxury cars for the powerful, while everyday people grapple with soaring prices.
This election is not just about party—it is about saving our nation. We need leaders like we once had—leaders who are humble, transparent, and committed to real progress. As I look out from my home by the cricket stadium, I hope for a future where public spaces, healthcare, and the economy work for all of us. Make Antigua Great Again—vote for integrity, for the future, and for all our brothers and sisters.
Mr. Eli Fuller asserts that there is a place for an independent candidate to emerge. I say unlikely.
The Daily Express supports Torys (Tories) and Brexit is the result.
Fox Network supports the Republicans and MAGA is the result.
Who does the Antigua News Room support?
Eli presents many thought pieces about so many aspects of Antigua and Barbuda. More often than not it is met with vitrol.
We thrive in vitrolism in politics, publicly and privately.
That is the reason why no individual with leadership skills and knowledge will step forward.
That person will be cut to threads, before they get out the starting gate.
We are too tribal to allow for excellence to thrive.
We are too myopic to create the environment for an independent candidate to be successful.
Two exceptions: The late Micheal was elected as an independent candidate, but had a legacy and an iron grip on The St. Peters constituency.
Anthony may be re-elected with ABLP backing.
Our everyday lives, and our discussions are about tearing down each other.
In spite of Eli’s good intentions; no such thing is likely to take place now, or in the near future.
Interesting Eli Fuller has identified and articulated solutions like no other figure in Antigua and Barbuda to growing our economy and getting rid or reducing inequality.
I’ve observed how his ideas has been brushed over; and the very same portion of the population he advocates for, has made it their business to denounced him.
Social Physiologists and Political scientists is likely to have the answer.
I have not been able to find any Caribbean experts; so it continues to be baffling how we continue to works against our best interests.
We are not sufficiently mature to accept an independent candidate at this time… but my message to Eli ….. Carry On!
Once again Fuller is missing the point.
It’s not about a growth in future “Independent” politicians in the country, it is more like dealing with the current psyche of Antiguans who keep putting Gaston Browne on some sort of pedestal and repeatedly voting him in, as if we have no other able bodied alternatives/candidates.
It’s rather weird and at the same time discombobulating.
I recall Trump standing at a podium with a rallying cry at how he “loves the poorly educated”. I couldn’t believe my ears … and look where Trump is today!
Like Trump, Browne’s power base comes from those who refuse to see what’s staring them right in front of their faces. Turning their backs on injustice; inequality and insincere acts by the ABLP.
I could cry for my country!
It’s so easier to follow the crowd than to follow what’s good for Antigua & Barbuda. A herd mentality that’ll hurt the honest and hardworking Antiguans in the long run.
MARK MY WORDS…
I wholeheartedly support your views @ Make Antigua great again. Lovers of Antigua and Barbuda are required to make a difference for the love of our country and say NO to corruption, greed and poverty. Long live Antigua and Barbuda🇦🇬 .
@Brixtonian
While there are some parallels between Trump and Gaston Browne as individuals and politicians; the motivations of followers are of a similar pattern.
White Americans support Trump for the primarily reason of “Making Racism Good Again: ”MAGA” While no one ever uses the word or term “Racist Again” In their mind he is delivering beyond expectations.
Since Reconstruction; Racism was made to look like a bad thing in America, but it was not removed from the minds and wishes of white Americans, who believed in white supremacy or white nationalism.
So what has made Antiguans and Barbudans shichophans for the ALBP?
Just like racism in America and the underlying causes elsewhere, Antiguan and Barbudans suffer from the same psychosis.
In Antigua the Antigua Labor Party is a “belief” which does not require active introspection.
ABLP has a grip that can’t be easily overcome.
Along the way The ALBP has created an environment of fear. Critics are put through a dehumanizing process, and closed out of economic opportunities.
For the ALBPers, morals and ethics are of little value or importance. Politics is about the personal gain through politics.
Keeping up with the Jones is most important in Antigua in what ever ways it manifests itself.
Hell will all else so long as they are Jeeping with the Jones.
The most successful businesses in Antigua and Barbuda are those who provide goods and services in making jeeping up with the Jones possible.
The mindset is if you are not keeping up with the Jones you are a failure.
That what ALBP knows very well and is able to
sustain.
Like Trump; who care about inflation or anything else except making Racism acceptable again.
@Brixtonian
You have consistently offered rational criticism and comments about the current situation and the ABLP policies and politics.
Like many you have been enabling through your comments the degradation of the UPP.
Any rational observer to political parties in Antigua and Barbuda should have advocated for the removal of Pringle as the leader of the UPP.
I have debated with those who support Pringle. It did not take long to realize these individuals were no different from ABLP supporters.
They supported Pringle for just like Gaston supporters they expected goodies from the support. Those goodies would not be available to them if another UPP leader emerged.
Now everyone is crying over spilled milk after dropping the milk and the ball.
Gaston is shipping for a home run. Do I like it?
NO I don’t but it’s reality.
Among the reasons why we are here is because so many people refuses to face and accept reality.
Philosophy I’m with you but we are not on the same page when it comes to political reality.
Mr. Fuller is a self centered narcissist, cares nothing for Antigua or locals! I bet he his a US passport and can run if things didn’t work out here!
@Country man abroad, I agree with much of your sentiments, but you probably missed my ardent support for the Honourable Richard Lewis (and Shugy) at the time when he was vying for the leadership of the UPP, mainly because he stood up to Gaston Browne in Parliament, and also put in a Freedom Of Information request in regards to government building contracts that may or may not have involved a family member.
Which Browne refused to adhere to.
However, I’m a realist, and when Jamal Pringle was declared the leader of the party, what else could I do but show my support for him, though initially disappointed.
Once again sir, I respect your point of view. 👍🏾
@ Wadadli4ever,
While you make a strong case for the thought process that we should exercise in this voting season.
What you have put forward better than Political Figures or individuals who consider themselves as being politically informed; needs to be presented relentlessly from other corners of our society.
The Pope in Rome is critical of Donald Trump and his political views and policies.
Here in Antigua, The Ecumincals are in bed with Gaston Browne. They pray and ask Gods blessings on the actions of him and his Cabinet
You could not sell or buy rum yesterday for we say we are a Christian country.
Half the country will show up and show off in their Sunday best tomorrow.
No preacher in all of Antigua and Barbuda will condemn
Until the institutions that makes up what is normally “Civil Societies” step forward and condemn what’s going on and stand behind those individuals and smaller groups who dare to step up against this Government actions and practices nothing will change.
We are entering into the autocratic period of our history
With the differences of opinion I have read in the above comments, the long and short of it I would suggest is to get rid of Gaston Browne and his corrupt Cabinet. The ALP under Lester wasn’t really anything to shout about but under Gaston it is wussa and this country and the people will suffer the consequences if they are returned to office. A word to the wise is more than sufficient. YOUNG PEOPLE ANTIGUA IS DEPENDING ON YOU. A brighter future awaits
Ah wonder why Eli target St. Mary’s South, are you suspicious that the people Round South will not lose the key of their brains and elect the OVER INFLATED WINDBAG so you are sending a subtle message to Gaston? We not beggy beggy and nyammy, nyammy like them other Constituencies so it will not work. Dwayne will be vanquished
That man Fuller doesn’t give a crap about Antigua or its people, he is one selfish dude, all of self and none of thee. People such as Eli are the true enemies of the state
He-lie Fooler, bleached substances become very transparent.
They are very easy to see through.
Not that easy to see through black.
That applies to human beings to.
How can anyone feel underrepresented by a party in oposition?
Where is the logic in that statement?
Opposition representatives do not hold the keys to the nation’s treasury.
That makes them lame from the start.
Additionally, if you recall, Gaston told citizens that those who rejected his party will also be rejected by the state.
He has kept true to that promise.
Your call for independent candidates is as transparent as the lovely water that you enjoy daily out at sea.
Interestingly you have identified a constituency which is solidly behind its representative.
How much more dillusional can you be!!!!
Your opinion is to stir some idiotic labour party supporter to become an independent candidate in hope of cutting Hon Kelvin Shuggy Simon’s vote count.
Dont worry!!!
We are seeing through that.
They will all be left on the roadside like fallen leaves or dead animals.
Is it that you do not intend to run at this time or Max didn’t yield?
It has been said in top labour circles that a colored/white/bleached out person will be the preferred choice in that constituency becaise of the composition of Hodges Bay, Blue Waters and Crossbies.
You see yourself as the primary successor to Max Fernandez.
Sadly for you he decided that he was the ready to hang up his political boots.
I do not know if you will stand a chance with Gaston after some of your sentiments, though.
He doesn’t love any opposing and independent views.
In fact he may see your opinion as directly opposed to his and see you as trying to dismantle his LabUpp party.
He doesn’t believe that citizens are dissatisfied with his government.
For him you are sowing seeds of discontentment.
Remember my words to you.
Your political career/ ambitions may have just been killed by you even before it started.
It reminds me of Hugh Marshall’s party which started and immediately ended at Country Pond.
Walk good!!!
The only good Fuller was the doctor on Long Street, hopes he lives a long and healthy life. REALLY GOOD GUY
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