Lennox Weston: ABLP Abandoned Asot Michael but ‘Reclaimed Him in Death’
Former MP Lennox Weston stirred emotions and sparked conversation during his tribute at Hon. Asot Michael’s funeral, claiming that Michael was abandoned by his close friends in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), only to be embraced once again after his passing.
“Asot Michael, a man who gave so much to the ABLP and its cause, found himself abandoned in life by many he once called friends. And yet, in death, those same individuals have reclaimed him as their own,” Weston said, addressing a packed congregation.
Weston’s comments cast a reflective and, at times, critical light on Michael’s later years, particularly on his strained relationship with the political party he represented for much of his career.
Despite the controversies surrounding his later political life, Weston painted a vivid picture of Michael as a bold and generous leader who revolutionized politics in Antigua and Barbuda.
“Asot was a political trailblazer—a master campaigner and fundraiser who knew how to connect with people at a personal level,” Weston said. He described Michael’s focus on direct assistance to constituents, from providing health and education support to organizing festive giveaways during the holidays.
Weston also recalled Michael’s ability to captivate audiences, both on the campaign trail and in Parliament. “He was a showman, a performer, and a man of action,” Weston noted.
Weston did not shy away from addressing the fractures in Michael’s relationship with the ABLP. He recounted Michael’s decision to run as an independent candidate in the 2023 general election after parting ways with the party, achieving a historic victory in St. Peter.
“Abandoned by those he trusted, Asot mused his way to within six votes of a stunning electoral upset that could have changed the political landscape,” Weston said. “In doing so, he became the first independent candidate to win the St. Peter seat, a feat that sent shockwaves through the Labour Party.”
Weston’s remarks reflected the complexities of Michael’s career, which saw him shift from being a key figure in the ABLP to an independent force who continued to serve his constituents with the same vigor and dedication.
While Weston celebrated Michael’s enduring legacy, he did not hold back from critiquing the political dynamics surrounding his funeral. “In death, the ABLP has reclaimed Asot as their own—a true Labourite, a comrade,” Weston said. “But the question remains: where were these voices of support during his darkest hours?”
The statement drew murmurs from attendees and underscored the complicated relationship between Michael and his former allies.
Weston’s tribute blended celebration with critique, capturing the essence of a man who was as dynamic and impactful as he was polarizing.
“Asot’s generosity, charisma, and passion for service will never be forgotten,” Weston said. “He gave everything he had to his constituents and his country, and that is the legacy we should remember.”
Michael’s legacy, as Weston described it, remains one of resilience, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the people he served—even in the face of adversity.
WATCH THE FULL TRIBUTE BY WESTON HERE:
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Typical of a failed and fallen comrade. Typical of a Weston! Return to oblivion from whence you came!
The reality is ,when you are with UPP ,the ABLP and it’s leaders call you ” Bottom of the barrel ” After you switch over to ABLP you kin wash then drink the Kool aid you are the greatest and get rewarded with a job or jobs , while the long time supporting comrades can’t even gain enough to survive economically .These people just wicked ! I am surprised to hear from some calling Asot all kind of great names in death ,and were the same ones saying all kind of ills about him publicly before. Man kind wicked !
An excellent real farewell eulogy encapsulating the life and works of Honourable Asot Michael who was murdered in his house. We will all miss him for any number reasons. He was a true Patriot and in time he may be one of our National Heroes. Respect to his memory and condolenses to his family, colleagues and loved ones.
I became fearful of ABLP when I saw their treatment of MP Asot Michael and how they allowed one of their own, Dean Jonas (former MP), to be treated like some criminal by a police officer in such a situation. This was one of the situation the atoorney general should have lawfully intervened and the incompetent prosecutors they have.
The way they spoke about MP Asot on their ABLP radio and the way the AG sat their and did nothing or said nothing, let me know he is not a person I should consider a rolemodel or a hero. You sat there and do nothing. Imagine what these people would do to me and allowed to be done to me, a nobody like me. I am nobody in their world. Not even a person worth protecting or hiding in the most minute way. They would have let me rot.
Someone helped your party win, (like these people) and I understand you had a disagreement but you are going to allow folks on your radio to talk about these men the way they did? Do you have any sort of loyalty or appreciation or memory?
I honestly have to say, ABLP is not a good party, they have no clue that strategic can also include respect and remembering the good that persons have done for you in the past. It doesn’t have to always be dirty.
I even look at my mother in a different and untrustworthy manner because she too allowed the PM radio to make her begin speaking the hormone things against MP Asot Michael. You can disagree but you do not have to wish murder on a person like ABLP person did me on this platform and that and worse they did to MP Asot and former MP Dean Jonas.
I truly consider ABLP to be the most evil party in Antigua and Barbuda and I no longer have a rolemodel or hero. I was mistaken my entire childhood life watching justice and striving to be like a person I thought was moralistic and legalistic.
I am not telling anyone who to vote for but I can tell you truly that this party is also evil. I was wrong about them being better, they are worse.
I helped numerous people financially in Antigua and Barbuda in the presence of the AG and outside his presence for those people to see it is important and beneficial to vote for him. I let them know i am doing this becaused I was inspired by him on the TV show justice, so I paid their rents, medical bills, place ticket to get visas, and all kind of things hoping my story would motivate them to support such party and man. I am wrong, I was wrong for thinking ABLP is a party to be supported. Not with whose at the head, and I will surely do all I can next election to encourage folks to get better leaders.
You need no more signs of the evilness of ABLP. I refused to finance UPP candidate who asked for financial help because I erroneously thought ABLP is my party, and is better. They are the worse. Waiting for the idiot bloggers to respond.
Who gives a rat’s butt about u and ur hurt feelings. U can have all the money and education u want ur rotten personality and hunty attitude mek them nah want have nothing to do with u. U are the emboidemt of an educated ASSHOLE that what BOTH ABLP AND UPP nah mess with u because your bitchy arrogant self entitled attitude!!!!!
When people have no self worth, decency or class, these are the occurrences that proliferate. They have allowed themselves to be used for handouts by a corrupt, diabolical so-called leader. They each feel compelled to lead the charge to attack his opponents even before the dictate is made because whenever he ‘loses it ‘ the world will know from where their mothers got them. Lennox Weston is probably the only member of the party who never feared him and openly made challenges whenever the need arose. Mr. Michael was ofcourse not faultless but Gaston has something to contend with for the remainder of his life; that’s if he has a soul.
Are you offended by the truth spoken by former MP Weston who grew up in the house of Labour, and is from St. Peters that the late Asot Michael represented? Exactly why little Antigua and Barbuda is in the current mess that it is. I hope you’re not another Johnny Come Lately who didn’t contribute one building block to the ALP but is quick to be critical of those who do.