Dear Editor,
I listened to the recent comments by Eli Fuller, and while I respect his right to share his views, I think his argument about the snap election being “unfair” because the United Progressive Party is weak misses the mark entirely.
That is simply not how politics works.
Elections are not scheduled to suit the readiness of any one party. They are a constitutional process. If a party is unprepared, that is not an injustice — that is a failure of that party to organize itself. You cannot pause democracy because one side is struggling.
The idea that it is somehow wrong to call an election when the opposition is weak also raises a bigger question: when exactly would be a “fair” time? Politics is competitive by nature. Every government, anywhere in the world, will choose timing that works in its favor. That is not unique to Antigua and Barbuda — that is politics.
More importantly, voters are not as helpless as Mr. Fuller suggests. We are not waiting on a “strong opposition” to tell us what to think. People assess the government based on performance — roads, jobs, cost of living, development — and then make their decision at the ballot box. That is where the real power lies.
If the opposition is not being taken seriously, as he himself admits, then the responsibility lies squarely with them. It is not the government’s job to strengthen its opponent. It is the opposition’s job to earn the public’s confidence. If they have failed to do that, delaying an election will not magically fix it.
I also take issue with the notion that holding an election now is somehow a “disservice” to the people. Elections are how people get to choose. That is the very definition of service to the people. Suggesting otherwise almost sounds like saying voters should wait until politicians get themselves together — and that does not sit right with me.
As for the claim that this is like “kicking someone when they’re down,” politics is not a sympathy exercise. It is about leadership, readiness, and the ability to govern. If a party wants to lead a country, it must always be ready — not just when conditions are convenient.
In the end, I believe most voters understand this. We are not looking for excuses from political parties. We are looking for competence, ideas, and leadership.
If the opposition is not ready, that is their problem — not a reason to delay the democratic process for the entire country.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Voter
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Election certainly doesn’t wait for a weak Opposition but election should come every 2 years, granted the Opposition might have internal problems doesn’t mean you call election willy nilly, to me that says you do not have confidence in your stewardship
Election certainly doesn’t wait for a weak Opposition but election shouldn’t come every 2 years, granted the Opposition might have internal problems doesn’t mean you call election willy nilly, to me that says you do not have confidence in your stewardship
Darling, I think you missed the point and inserted something else as the focus of my Facebook post. The main points which you clearly missed was that this election does not serve the people and Barbuda but rather serves a party that needs no help in 2026. It’s a waste of resources and waste of time at this moment. Of course it’s unfair for the ubp but that’s not the point as it’s their fault completely to be so ridiculously unprepared.
The point is that there is no benefit to the people of Antigua and Barbuda to have an election now.
I agree with you 💯
Writer. You are absolutely correct. Dem fu stay ready. Politics is not dolly house. If Eli is in a game or anything that involves winning, isn’t he going to prepare? I’m sure he will as he would want to win.
Dear Fellow Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda,
I write to you today not as a politician, but as a concerned member of our community. As we approach the upcoming election, it is crucial that we see the situation for what it is. The conditions around us are deteriorating, and we cannot afford to be complacent.
First, the bus stops, which were built at great cost, are now hazards—glass shattered across the floors, with no maintenance in sight and no trash disposal provided. Second, the roads—our roads—are in a state of utter neglect. Despite promises and higher taxes, the roads we rely on are worse than ever. And we see, too, how corruption festers—we cannot even travel to the United States without exorbitant costs for permits.
At the end of the day, we are the ones making the decision—we choose who will lead us. This is not just about the opposition; it is about us, the people. We were given a chance two years ago to complete a four-year term, but instead, a snap election was called—an effort just to catch us in a moment of desperation. After this election, if things return to “normal,” we won’t see answers again—calls will go unanswered. But now, the time is in our hands. Let us decide with clarity, with courage, and with the knowledge that this future is ours to shape.
Total agree with the writer 👍💯
Hear, hear!
Set a date and let’s get it over ASAP.
I am in agreement to a certain extent. That the incumbent party is not obliged to call an election when the opposition is weak. So in calling an election at any point during the five year term is not constitutionally wrong. A 70 years old man having sex with someone at 16 if that is thd age of consent is not legally wrong. Is it right.
So my view on thd snap election is this. That the electorate gave the Gaston Browne administration a five year mandate to run this country. They have hardly used up the mandate of 5 years. They have a number of projects, promises to fulfill- to include solving the water problem. Fixing the roads- look at the state All Saints road is in for example. The crime situation- missing people and unsolved murders and crimes. Bolands and Villa playfield. Improvement on the education system. Improving the agriculture sector and food security. Completion of the dredging in deep water harbor to accommodate the mega cruise ships and Paraham harbor as well. Address and arrest the abuse of marijuana by our children- it’s now right down to primary age. Continue the housing project- very successful. Give the nation the report on the findings of the Vechicle gate scandal. Improve on the medical services and long promised reopening of the cancer center. Don’t only rush to pay back pay , fix community roads as an election ploy- make it a steady and consistent process. Use the time to repair and reopen the All Saints and Browns Avenues Clinics.
Honestly I don’t care about no opposition. The lone opposition in Antigua has imploded and is not a viable party. It will take a miracle for that party to recover 10 years. I don’t see them having a viable leader- Harold Lovell I respect as a person and a politician but his time has passed. Pringle is not up to the task and have not used the opportunity to read , to improve his skills and education. I don’t see no leader in the opposition in sight. The only person they have with enough maturity, integrity, education and can speak on any topic is D.Gisele Isaac. Yet they find it necessary to attack her left, right and center. APLP has done a great job in pushing her over the cliff by their support. Serpent, night and Night and the entire cabal have destroyed the UPP party on their radio station. Derrick must be turning in his grave. Malaka Parker should be ashamed to go on Nights show. In fact any of the UPP candidates, executive members that go on that show is telling us that they don’t care about their organization.
Gaston catching UPP with their pants down may be true. I personally believe that you have the skills as well to deliver all your promises and more. Then anytime in your 5 year. 41/2 there about you can call the election. Don’t see their pants being up by that time at all.
So in conclusion there is nothing legally or constitutionally wrong to call the election. However I believe that it is a moral obligation. Finally the nation is plunged into a state of chaos- this includes both electorate and the electoral commission.
Absolutely! Here’s a full draft of the article:
⸻
In recent weeks, a series of troubling events have unfolded in Antigua and Barbuda, raising serious questions about the direction we’re heading. First, I want to draw attention to a doctor’s wife who recently traveled abroad for a minor surgery—despite her husband being a doctor at our local hospital. This is a powerful symbol of the lack of confidence in our healthcare system. If those with access and means can’t trust it, what does that say for the rest of us?
Furthermore, we’ve witnessed a scandal involving over a hundred cars, valued at more than two million dollars, stolen from dealerships and government departments, with private individuals even driving them. And still, people claim the opposition is “not ready”—but this isn’t about the opposition. This is about us, the people of Antigua and Barbuda, living in this time. It is about the needs that remain unmet—needs that can’t be resolved by a single payout or a short-term job. Whether it’s a promise of $100 or $200, we must remember: it’s not just about us as individuals. It’s about all Antiguans. If we fall ill, there is no hospital to save us. The money we chased will evaporate, and when a friend or family member falls ill, it is the same. We must stand together, as Antiguans, and live by the spirit of our anthem—each and every one. Now is the time to prioritize the entire nation, not just ourselves. Let us move forward together, for the future of Antigua and Barbuda.
Dear [Publisher’s Name or Editorial Team],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to reach out regarding the piece I submitted, as it still has not been posted online. I want to be clear that I do not believe there is any malicious intent; however, I am deeply concerned about the transparency and fairness in this process. As someone who speaks out about governance issues, I feel it is crucial that my voice—and others in similar positions—gets a fair chance to be heard. I trust that ultimately, God is in control, and I have faith that those who act unethically will be held accountable in due time.
Thank you for your attention to this matter…
@Not Ethical. And why do you think you should have your letter posted on this or any website? If you feel that it is crucial that your voice be heard, then call a radio station and try or go into town with a megaphone or create your own website, it’s not that difficult.
Some of you people are really strange. Complaining to a website about transparency and fairness is typical of the complaining mindset that so many people have these days. Do you think the New York Times or the Toronto Star publishes every single letter that they receive? Of course they don’t so cut the crying routine, it makes you sound like a child who has thrown his toys out of the pram.
i hope the ANR editor gives NO attention to this matter.
Dear People of Antigua and Barbuda,
As we stand on the cusp of another election, we must pause and reflect on the direction our nation is headed. For nearly eight years, the Antigua Labour Party has held power, and now, after just two short years since the last election, a snap election is upon us. The timing raises questions, and the stakes have never been higher.
We must look beyond party affiliations and see the stark reality of our daily lives. Yes, the current government wields power, and yes, they have the resources—money, influence, and access—that often sway voters. But we cannot be blinded by short-term gains. We see it on our roads—they crumble beneath us. We feel it in our pockets—a 40% hike in SUV licensing fees, unfairly targeting those with older cars. We suffer in our hospitals—our MRI machine lies broken, and the trust we place in our healthcare is shattered. And we feel the isolation—the inability to travel because of a tainted citizenship program.
I ask you, fellow Antiguans and Barbudans: is this the future we want? If we vote simply out of familiarity or fear of change, we doom ourselves to another cycle of neglect. Our anthem calls us to stand together: “Fair Antigua and Barbuda.” But fairness means ensuring every citizen thrives, not just those who cling to power. It means demanding roads, healthcare, and opportunity for all, not just a select few.
We must wake up—no longer be placated by handouts or fleeting promises. Let us vote for the Antiguan and Barbudan future we deserve: one of justice, health, and prosperity. Enough is enough. The time for change is now.
Who does Frankly Speaking think is responsible for all the issues that he has identified? Whatever they inherited when they took office, they only multiplied it. They fabricated corruption, including thievery, on their own. After some 11 years and hundreds of millions of dollars in borrowing and spending without accountability, what makes anyone think that they can finally complete the task of ensuring that there is reliable and consistent water and electricity throughout the islands? Their corruption level is off the charts. Grand theft in government is made legal when a one-man panel gives his blessings to what we know to be criminal offenses. Voting for the Antigua Labour Party is simply saying, “To Hell With The Constitution”.
Ok Gaston is using the white media style of assassinate black skin color by using the camera to let Pringle dark and unlikable?
@❤️❤️❤️🔥 If Pringle was purple, orange or green, he would STILL be unlikable but blame “the white media” you excuse making whore.
It makes no difference who you blame you fucking idiot, the end result will be the same.
the writer of this letter is on point. Be ready!
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is politically savvy in calling snap elections. Pity then that he’s so inept at running the country……..12 years he’s been at the helm, the fact that he has to be tactical in calling a snap elections is a sign that he has failed to deliver on his promises, the fact that he can’t run on his own record as Prime Minister is another indicator that he has failed……the main roads have improved, but everything else is wosser and wosser.
He’s successful at creatively enriching himself, but as one MP said in the parliament, we will find out where his money comes from, then, no matter how tactical or strategic he is, he will be gone. For ever.
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