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Anthony Smith Jr: A Stand for Integrity and Putting Country First
In today’s political landscape, where personal interests often overshadow national concerns, Anthony Smith Jr.’s decision to break away from the United Progressive Party (UPP) and operate as an independent candidate is a courageous move that should be lauded. Smith’s departure is not just a personal decision—it is a statement about putting the country first, an ethos that transcends party loyalty. The constitution allows for this move so that political party policies do not dominate the constituency’s priorities. His stance, however, is validated by the very leaders who once stood with him and spoke against similar practices. It’s time for us to recognize that Smith is not only standing up for his own beliefs but also for the betterment of the nation.
WeStillLegitWithSmith. This powerful hashtag echoes the sentiments of those who have supported Smith’s decision to separate himself from the toxic environment that has plagued the UPP under the leadership of Gisele Isaac and Jamal Pringle. It was more than just a protest—it’s a call for a return to political integrity and respect, principles that have long been eroded by internal party dynamics. While some UPP die-hard supporters will never support Smith’s move, right-minded constituents of All Saints West are fully behind his decision. Moreover, Smith continues to fix roads, clear areas in his constituency, and meet with constituents on a weekly basis.
A Unified Voice from Party Members
Anthony Smith Jr.’s decision to leave the UPP is not one made in isolation. Algernon “Serpent” Watts, Kelvin “Shuggy” Simon, and Richard Lewis—all of whom have held significant roles within the party—have, at various points, echoed sentiments that align with Smith’s concerns. The truth has come full circle, with these respected figures now acknowledging that Smith’s warning signs about the party’s internal toxicity were justified.
Serpent, Shuggy, and Richard Lewis—three key voices in the UPP—had previously expressed skepticism about the direction the party was taking under Isaac’s and Pringle’s leadership. Their remarks now reflect exactly what Smith had been saying all along. For instance, Richard Lewis, in an interview, stated that had Gisele Isaac handled the retreat better, Smith might have never left the party. This statement underlines the discontent among party members, who were increasingly frustrated with the lack of respect and proper leadership within the UPP. A retreat meant to foster unity and love, bringing the party leaders together, ended in chaos orchestrated by party chairman Gisele Isaac, and the details of the retreat are still kept under wraps.
Gross disrespect was also meted out by Jamal Pringle and Gisele Isaac to former party leaders Harold Lovell and Baldwin Spencer.
The Threats of Expulsion and Disrespectful Practices
Smith’s decision to leave the UPP was not simply a matter of differing political views. There were real threats to expel him from the party, shame him, and weaken his political chances—a move spearheaded by a “UPP lawyer and a costume builder.” These threats were confirmed today by all three MPs—Serpent, Shuggy, and Richard Lewis. They were not mere internal squabbles but part of a larger pattern of disrespectful and undemocratic practices that have become synonymous with UPP leadership. The casualties of this practice are evident; Joan Messiah and Kenneth “Nat Moses” Francis are elected members who were unceremoniously dismissed by the UPP’s leadership.
From the outset, the environment within the UPP was toxic. Under the leadership of Chairman Gisele Isaac and Jamal Pringle, Smith and other party members were subjected to manipulation, exclusion, and intimidation. The party’s decision-making process was undermined by a leadership style that valued loyalty over integrity and personal gain over national progress. The toxic environment created by Isaac and Pringle’s leadership stifled constructive debate and alienated members who sought to bring about real change. Hatred permeates the atmosphere of regular meetings.
Smith’s decision to leave was a result of this toxic environment—a direct consequence of leadership that failed to uphold the values of transparency, respect, and accountability. It became clear to Smith that staying within the UPP would mean compromising his values and betraying the trust of those who believed in him as a leader who would put country above party.
Smith has won voters from across all party lines, including UPP, Antigua Labour Party, and independents.
WeStillLegitWithSmith.
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Anthony. Keep up the good work. You have made our community better and better. Behind you all the way.
well said. The UPP tried to finish him, but GAD NAR SLEEP!!! He is really thriving and flourishing since leaving the Man Cow-Chaos Demon-Lipstick Hag party.
Still LEGIT WITH SMITH!!!!
A courageous man is not one who runs and avoids the first obstacles that shows up in his way. That’s what Anthony Smith did.
If you are looking courageous men you gather Serpent, Shuggy and Richard Lewis. They are standing against the tyranny of the leader and the Chairwoman of the UPP. They are challenging the present government. They are exposing the dark secrets of this gang called government. They realise change is needed and they are staying and fighting for the change. They are ensuring that the opposition is not a mirror image of the corrupt
ALP. One who betrays his followers and supporters is not displaying courage. As in the case of Anthony Smith he didn’t just betray the people. He did it for a few dollars more. He betrayed the people for personal greed. He sold his soul. He reminds me of one Ambrose George of Dominica who as a government minister was saved by diplomatic immunity as he went to America to collect dirty money.
Ssrpent, Shuggy and Richard are showing us what it is to stand up for country, integrity and good governance. They are challenging the government on its immorality and corruption.
Have you forgotten a letter written by Anthony Smith when he characterized the ALP and Gaston as the devil? Then he turned around and joined them. What does that make him? It makes him the devil and Satan. It makes him corrupt. It makes him no different from the ones he criticized.
A person with any semblance of morality, integrity and patriotism cannot and should not glorify the actions of Anthony Smith. When he should have stood up and be counted he fled and became a member of the corrupt regime.
We are in a poor state when corruption is being glorified.
What needs to be glorified is the courage of Serpent, Shuggy and Richard who continue to stand for principle, justice and integrity.
The ALP government is only doing things in All Saints West to make Smith look good because he will be running on their ticket next election otherwise not one thing would have been done so the credit is not for Anthony Smith and the people of the constituency are smart enough to know that. I can bet my last dollar the same thing will happen in Bolans so that the over inflated windbag Dwayne George will also get the credit all they do in Bolans is keep cutting grass, watch the difference when it gets closer to election and then they will glorify that judas
Boy mind you chófer on the Word, “integrity”; you don’t understand it’s meaning?
Boy mind you choke on the Word, “integrity”; you don’t understand it’s meaning?