Leadership Battle Erupts in Antigua and Barbuda’s Spanish Community as Martinez Calls January 2026 Election

Leadership Battle Erupts in Antigua and Barbuda’s Spanish Community as Martinez Calls January 2026 Election

A deepening leadership dispute has shaken Antigua and Barbuda’s Spanish community as longtime representative Alex Martinez faces mounting accusations that he has no legitimate claim to the position he has held for years. The controversy has intensified to the point that Martinez and his team have now called formal elections for January 2026.

Martinez, who has acted as a de facto spokesperson for the more than 17,000 Spanish-speaking residents, has never been officially appointed or elected. Critics say that reality undermines his authority and exposes what they describe as a “self-assumed” leadership operating without accountability. The backlash, which has simmered for months, recently escalated into open calls for his removal.

Challenging his opponents directly, Martinez urged those who question him to stop “operating in the shadows” and face him at the polls. “Now is the time to come forward,” he said, inviting anyone with “personal ego or personal matter” to contest the seat through what he described as a democratic, transparent election.

Martinez said he first became an active leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Spanish embassy and consulate temporarily left the country. He said he and other volunteers organized communication networks, helped families secure food, and intervened in immigration and domestic issues during the lockdown. The work, he said, cemented his role as the community’s primary point of contact.

But Martinez acknowledged a strained and hostile relationship with the Spanish consulate, accusing diplomats of abandoning residents and failing to communicate with them about critical matters. He said the consulate and ambassador “disrespected” the community and claimed they receive “big money to come here and do nothing,” while he and his team were left to handle crises. The consulate has been contacted for comment.

His team insists that the upcoming vote will affirm his leadership. Jesse Shawn, a member of Martinez’s inner circle, said the community has seen better treatment and greater advocacy since Martinez became its de facto leader. He predicted that “after election, diplomacy will be better,” arguing that past patterns show Martinez enjoys strong support.

The election scheduled for January 2026 marks what observers say will be the most consequential leadership test the Spanish community has faced. The result is expected to determine not only who speaks for thousands of residents, but whether the community is ready to move toward “unity, accountability, and transparent governance”—or whether longstanding divisions deepen.

For now, all eyes remain on the January vote, with residents awaiting a decision that could either settle the dispute or ignite an even larger fight over legitimacy and direction.

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