Dear Editor,
I write in response to a recent letter concerning Mr. Alan Weston that, rather than raising meaningful issues, relies heavily on speculation, insinuation, and divisive rhetoric.
Let us deal with facts.
Alan Weston is born, raised, and continues to live in St. Paul’s. He has been part of this community long before any election and will remain part of it long after. His decision to serve is rooted in that lived reality, not in outside influence or convenience.
The attempt to suggest that Mr. Weston is being “controlled” or “bought” is not only unfounded but dismissive of the intelligence of the people of St. Paul’s. It is also worth noting that, although the individual being alluded to was not named, that person’s support has not been limited to Mr. Weston. Financial support has also been extended to Mr. Chet Greene of the ABLP and Mr. Jamale Pringle of the UPP. Any attempt, therefore, to frame such support as unique, sinister, or controlling in one instance while ignoring its broader reality is plainly misleading.
Support for public figures and public causes, whether local or from members of the wider Antiguan and Barbudan community, is neither unusual nor improper where it is lawful. What matters is that public discourse remains honest and grounded in fact.
On the issue of the National Sailing Academy (NSA), the public deserves clarity.
For approximately three years, the individual referenced has provided sustained financial and material support to the NSA, contributing in excess of US $700,000 through direct funding, infrastructure, labour, and the organisation of fundraising initiatives. This support helped sustain the programme at a time when it faced significant financial challenges, allowing it to continue serving young people across St. Paul’s and Antigua and Barbuda, including outreach to multiple schools at no cost.
A formal proposal was subsequently developed; with support from former management, members of the board, and the property owner; to transition the NSA toward long-term sustainability.
The objective was not to take from the NSA, but to strengthen it.
The proposal included:
* Rebuild restaurant and café area within the existing footprint to generate revenue;
* Building new NSA workshop/offices and sail loft;
* Proper parking facility;
* Community areas;
* Leasing those spaces to create consistent income for the NSA;
* Expanding classroom capacity to support more students;
* Increasing accommodation (i.e. guest studios, thereby creating direct income for the NSA);
* Existing operations remain under the ownership and management of the NSA;
* Provide watersports and other activities for the people of St. Paul’s and the wider community, while contributing meaningfully to our tourism product.
Let it be stated clearly: ownership remains Antiguan and would never change.
All required plans and submissions were completed and provided in accordance with regulatory expectations.
Despite repeated engagement and follow-up over an extended period, the project did not progress.
The impact of that outcome is now clear—and this is the current reality: an 80-plus-year-old was brought back and, since then, six staffers of the NSA have resigned or lost their jobs within the last two weeks. A programme that once supported 13 schools and over 200 students will now deny more than 50% of those children the opportunity to learn to swim and sail.
Let us pause and ask a simple question:
How can anyone be against a project designed to sustain itself, expand access, create jobs, and strengthen opportunities for young Antiguans?
Because that is exactly what this proposal represents.
It is not just about sailing.
It is about economic participation, skills development, youth empowerment, and national growth.
It creates employment.
It supports entrepreneurship.
It strengthens our tourism offering.
It keeps revenue circulating within the community.
These are not abstract ideas- these are real, measurable economic linkages that benefit St. Paul’s and Antigua and Barbuda at large, whilst offering a safe social space for OUR people.
The positive externalities are undeniable:
* Increased youth engagement and reduced social vulnerability;
* Expanded access to marine and tourism-related careers;
* Community development through shared spaces and opportunity;
* Strengthening of Antigua’s global brand as a premier maritime and tourism destination.
So again, the question must be asked:
On what basis can anyone oppose this?
I challenge anyone—including the Minister—to oppose the merits of this project on fact, particularly when measured against its economic value, its contribution to youth development, and its role in enhancing the national tourism product.
Without sustainable funding, the NSA’s reach has been significantly reduced. Where the programme once supported a wide cross-section of schools and students, access is now limited to a fraction of that number.
The denial of access to underprivileged children is not just unfortunate—it is diabolically cruel and a disgrace.
That is the real issue.
Not personalities. Not distraction. Not race and certainly not “if a yah me born”-but whether opportunities for young people are expanded or allowed to decline.
More concerning, however, is the tone of the original letter. References to race, nationality, and insinuations about who is or is not entitled to contribute to public life do nothing to advance constructive dialogue. Antigua and Barbuda has always benefited from lawful collaboration, investment, and openness; not prejudice and division.
Finally, invoking the legacy of respected individuals to question motives does a disservice to both the past and the present. Leadership is not inherited; it is demonstrated through action, accountability, and commitment to the people. Alan “Spotlight” Weston has shown his commitment throughout the years, near and far, to St. Paul’s and the wider community-he has earned his right to represent his people.
St. Paul’s is capable of assessing facts for themselves. They deserve discourse that informs, not distracts.
Respectfully,
Truthseeker
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