Hon. Anthony Smith Reflects on His First Weeks as Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy*
Antigua and Barbuda – The Hon. Anthony Smith, the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, is embracing his role with enthusiasm and determination. Having recently taken his seat in the Cabinet as an independent member of the House of Representatives, he represents the people of All Saints West and reflects on his first couple of weeks in office as both remarkable and inspiring, demonstrating the capacity to function effectively.
Minister Smith describes his journey thus far as one of discovery and collaboration, particularly highlighting the warm reception he has received from both his colleagues and the dedicated staff within the various ministries and departments. “It has been a remarkable experience,” Smith stated. “The level of technical expertise and professionalism of the staff across all departments has truly demonstrated commitment to nation-building. Each department head possesses a clear understanding of his or her role and objectives, and has a clear vision for the future.” As the strategy executive, Smith believes he just needs to synchronize all departmental visions with the government’s policy and inspire production.
He attributes his optimism for the future to the collaborative spirit fostered within the Cabinet. He believes that his youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and managerial skill set lay the groundwork for transformative initiatives that will significantly benefit both the ministries and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
Smith emphasized several key areas he aims to focus on during his tenure, including food security, youth agricultural development, modern technologies, and land empowerment.
“Our youth are the future of this nation, and it is vital that we involve them in these initiatives,” he said passionately.
The Minister also expressed excitement about the opportunities within the blue economy, recognizing the potential to harness marine resources for economic development. A notable achievement he mentioned is the successful launch of an aquaponics farm at the National Vocational Center for Persons Living with Disabilities. This initiative not only aims to bolster food security but also seeks to create economic opportunities for some of the most vulnerable members of society. He envisions expanding similar programs in schools to offer practical and economic skills to young people.
Smith says this system of coupling aquaculture with hydroponics fits into Antigua’s low rainfall, ecology, and limited land space, making it a great agro-business opportunity that young people will embrace.
Adding to his early accomplishments, Minister Smith represented Antigua and Barbuda at the “United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification” preparatory conference held in the Bahamas. He spoke on critical issues pertaining to desertification and land degradation, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land use for future generations.
As he continues his journey as the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith remains committed to implementing projects that will not only drive economic growth but also enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. His vision for a collaborative, innovative approach to governance shines through as he looks forward to making significant strides in the months ahead. His main vision is to significantly increase agriculture’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Hon. Anthony Smith Jr.
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I still can’t understand how an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE can be in another party’s cabinet and hab the gawwwlll to expect ppl to vote for him AGAIN ….. howwwwwww?
ANTIGUANS he and GASTON hoping for you all to have short memories and be bought at all cost.
You hab gawwwwwlll dirty money NEVER LAST
I will vote for him, and I will mek my family vote for him too and will rally for him as well in my community and around in this island well locked and loaded and ready too for any drilly gang or any gang attack too, we ever ready this man ya legendary.
Hon. Minister Anthony Smith, RESPECT AND WELL WISES TO YOU SIR.
I’ve read what Anthony Smith has said, and at no point has he made any apologies whatsoever for his desertion of the constituents that elected him in All Saints West.
He doesn’t deserve the tag before his name as “Honourable” – no way, no how!
Smith has done a great disservice to our democracy and then continues with this blatant denial.
I’D HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR HIM, IF HE JUST ADMITTED THAT HE LEFT THE UPP FOR GASTON BROWNE’S FILTHY LUCRE.
Seems like money 💰 talks and bulls#@t walks …
s the top of the game as far as his position priligy near me The background of the Thunder Lion God Realm is profound
See you in 2028….All Saint West….gone out of the hands if the UPP.
@ REBELSALUTE
If wishes were horses beggars would ride.
I agree Anthony will win ASW by 5,000 votes next time!!
You, he and Gaston would be a dam fool to think that, with all the fetching hunger and suffering in Antigua.
IF ANTIGUANS VOTE THESE PEOPLE BACK IN, THEY REALLY LIKE ABUSE
This is the Legacy of Gaston Brown.
Conspiring with crooks like Smith and the Man call George to jump ship.
Give away our lands to foreign investors all over Antigua( Antiguan’s can’t even get access to their own beaches)
Bring in illegal immigrants left right and center.(Where are the 1000 so-called refugees Gatson?)
Coward to criminal fraternities and gangs..giving gangs relevancy by trying to negotiate with terrorists gangs.
Negotiating a terrible business deal with air peace for liat 2020 (we don’t even own 50%shares)
Allow illegal guns to run rampant in Antigua,while business people are getting terrorize in broad day light with no fear from these gun thugs.
These are just a few.
So this is Gatson Brownes legacy.
So why would anyone wants to be a part of this legacy is beyond me, unless the money is that good? Huuumm!
And I don’t see any of this changing in the next three years.. yep..all facts.
Anthony Smith, like his new puppet master.All of self and to hell with all those who voted for me.I am $$$$$,richer. While you remain poor,poorer,poorest.Selfish greedy, bastards.
@Brixtonian, Mr. Carmichael,
Are you simply commenting for the sake of it? I do not believe that you were exp him to address his defection in this address. You’re being impossible.
It was clear that he was giving a account for his stewardship as a government minister.
He’s still learning on the job as he is simultaneously bringing his managerial strengths to the position.
He will do well if he continues to listen to the technicians and the trained experts in their respective roles.
He ought not be deterred by the noises that have no impact on his political future.
Many of you who are commenting on here are misguided and are not even voters in the constituency he serves.
I can only wish him well as he is filling the position with courage, commitment, capacity and class.
@ Dave Ray, my concern has always been about the constituents loss of their voting rights in All Saints West. I’m surprised that you are still skirting around this important democratic issue.
Sadly, you are now coming over like the many out of touch ABLP supporters who will not actually address what I’ve said.
It seems like you are also giving me a “wide berth” on Anthony Smith’s treatment of the voters in ASW?
Why Dave, why?
Furthermore, I again note that this Anthony Smith topic awakens you, but you’ve gone strangely QUIET regarding Gaston Browne’s lack of action and activity on the growing crimes, murders and gang violence here in Antigua in recent times.
Why Dave, why?
IS IT BECAUSE YOU FEEL RATHER “SAFE” RESIDING IN ANOTHER COUNTRY?
So sad that you’ve lost sight of Antiguans REAL problems who are living here.
STAY IN YOUR COMFORT BUBBLE DAVE, WHILST THE REST OF WORK TOWARDS A BETTER LEADER AND BETTER GOVERNANCE!
With highest of respect Dave I voted for him not as a UPP supporter but very much like the 65% of the voters who voted for him was to effect change in which administration runs the government of 🇦🇬. Bad enough because of the type of electoral system we have the majority did not get their wished then the action of Mr. Smith. I will let you know it because of the peaceful nature of our people why things are so quiet but look for the reaction in the next election.
I think that will be the end of Smith’s political career.
What a place this Antigua and Barbuda is when people can support treachery, greed,betrayal and unconscionableness. I cannot bear to read or listen to anything Anthony Smith has to say. Yet people like Dave Ray and other Labourites are commending this traitor while feigning criticism to those who find this man despicable from a patriotic point of view.
How can any civilized individual not find this man reprehensible and an epitome of what denigrates our democracy to new lows.
The source of this is the clown who sits in our highest office. A thug,classless, one who betrayed the Swiss Bank employees who supported him,vilified Asot Michael after he put him there. ALP is just, ” a den of thieves and whores ,” plain and simple.
Do you guys truly believe that denigrating people’s characters because of political partisanship will gain you any ground in furthering the growth and development of our country?
I can’t for the life of me fathom the divisive nature in which you guys communicate.
@Brixtonian, Mr. Carmichael, I might live in my bubble but I contribute to the remittance and economy of Antigua. I come there rather often as I was there three times this year and will return next week.
The PM is not to blame for the crime and violence of our youth. It’s divisive behavior of the citizens and the lack of parenting skills that we have developed over time.
@Watching and @Hallelujah Amen:
You might have voted for the young man as an opposition member with the intention of winning the election so that he can serve as a minister. Well, now he is serving. As you know that he has not signed on to the ABLP but rather to the governance of our country.
You will be given a chance to reverse your decision in the next general elections, if you choose to vote.
You see, we cannot continue to live in a place of complaining and feuds. It will only make us angry with real substance for the future. The young people are watching…. remember that.
Do you guys truly believe that denigrating people’s characters because of political partisanship will gain you any ground in furthering the growth and development of our country?
I can’t for the life of me fathom the divisive nature in which you guys communicate.
@Brixtonian, Mr. Carmichael, I might live in my bubble but I contribute to the remittance and economy of Antigua. I come there rather often as I was there three times this year and will return next week.
I can choose to address what I see fit. That’s not determine by you or anyone else for that matter, my dear sir.
The PM is not to blame for the crime and violence of our youth. It’s divisive behavior of the citizens and the lack of parenting skills that we have developed over time.
@Watching and @Hallelujah Amen:
You might have voted for the young man as an opposition member with the intention of winning the election so that he can serve as a minister. Well, now he is serving. As you know that he has not signed on to the ABLP but rather to the governance of our country.
You will be given a chance to reverse your decision in the next general elections, if you choose to vote.
You see, we cannot continue to live in a place of complaining and feuds. It will only make us angry with real substance for the future. The young people are watching…. Remember that.
And AGAIN @ Dave Ray, you still haven’t addressed Anthony Smith’s UNDEMOCRATIC treachery against the constituents who voted for him in All Saints West.
WHY DAVE, WHY? 😁
Selective memory loss, oh dear, it must be really difficult to admit that you’ve got this Anthony Smith connivance absolutely wrong Dave.
I FEEL YOUR SENSE OF FRUSTRATION…
@Brixtonian August 28, 2024 At 12:13 pm
Stop your crying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYoxRvmg5O4
I mean he apologize in Parliament when your party walked out while he was speaking. What more do you want? Blood?
Get over it. More will come over to the ABLP. Your party lacks many things. Fix it before it is too late.
@Dave Ray August 29, 2024 At 7:51 am
@Brixtonian, Mr. Carmichael
Dave how you guessed his name. when I posted something with his email address the editor didn’t publish my comment. But that’s ok. Mr. Christopher Carmichael, a.k.a Brixtonian.
Who cares about your real name. LOL.
Maybe Mr. Lester Simon does. he seem to be fixated to persons using pseudonyms rather than their own name. I wonder how the hell he would know whether or not a person is posting their real name. And what does that has to do with the message. Many writers of novels are only known by their pseudonym. And we buy and read their books all the time.
My back is broad and my shoulders are wide @ Less whatever you call yourself nowadays.
Whatever happened to @ From The Sideline?
YOU HYPOCRITE …
It seems like you and Dave Ray are more fixated in trying to find out who I am, than being concerned about the demise of democracy here in Antigua, and Gaston Browne’s negotiations with gang members.
The politics here are the lowest in living memory.
ABLP supporters like you would love me to stay silent, but while my Lord and Savior keeps my mind alert and breath in my body, I’ll keep on keeping on until cronyism; nepotism: self-enrichment; jobs given to those who you know; transparency and open governance; accountability for the Covid-19 fiasco; and the high cost of living that’s spiralling out of control, are ALL investigated.
OH, AND A DECENT PRIME MINISTER TO LEAD
Simple enough for you both?
Didn’t think so … 🥱
@Brixtonian, these Labourites are a lowdown, dirty lot,lacking the capacity to differentiate between treachery,betrayal, and political prostitution and anything that resembles Conscience. It’s acceptable to support Anthony Smith? One of the biggest traitors in the history of Antiguan politics? Wow!
It’s impossible for them to admit that ALP is just no damn good.
Imagine, Dave Ray having the audacity to accuse anyone of denigrating people’s character. What,he has selective memory? Who masters the art of character assassination better than Gaston Browne, Lionel Hurst and Tanny Rose? Rose spent his life denigrating people’s character at a pay of $9,000 dollars per month. LiNohell actually stated that that’s the ALP’S MO.
ALP is now inundated with turncoats,flip-floppers, traitors, double crossers,political prostitutes, all leaching the treasury, contributing to the exorbitant wage bill.
Antigua and Barbuda is dirty,dilapidated and just embarrassing, as they continue to steal from the government’s treasury. Poor people catching hell with skyrocketing food cost,horrible roads,no water for a week at a time, crimes in broad daylight, disappearing young,grant money given to complete projects unaccounted for,Barbuda’s Irma funds still missing, and these morons would have us believe the country is running good.
Just a futile effort to present anything to them.
Simply put @ Watching, their unyielding support of Gaston Browne’s unworkable policies and inactions suggests to me that this is a serious case of COGNITIVE DISSONANCE from the both of them.
They know in their hearts that Gaston Browne is the wrong man to lead this great country and causing untold harm and suffering to those who reside here; yet, they SEE no evil, HEAR no evil, and SPEAK no evil of him.
As I said, a sure sign of cognitive dissonance.
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