Subject: The Conflict of Interest Surrounding an Independent Senator’s Political Candidacy
Dear Editor,
I have observed with keen interest the recent announcement of candidates contesting the St. Phillip’s South constituency, which lists four contenders. The anomaly, however, does not lie in the number of candidates but rather in the peculiar inclusion of one who presently serves as an Independent Senator, appointed by His Excellency, the Governor-General.
This development raises serious concerns regarding constitutional propriety, ethical consistency, and the principle of impartiality expected of members of the Upper House. An Independent Senator, by definition, is appointed to serve the national interest – free from partisan allegiance. Their primary function is to deliberate on legislation objectively, offering balance and wisdom uncolored by political ambition or party loyalty.
When such a senator publicly declares candidacy on behalf of a political party, a profound conflict of interest emerges. It undermines both the spirit and purpose of their independent appointment. Continuing to occupy the senatorial seat while simultaneously campaigning under a party banner erodes public confidence in the independence of the Senate and raises legitimate questions about the senator’s ability to perform legislative duties without bias.
The Constitution entrusts the Governor-General with the appointment of Independent Senators precisely because they are meant to remain above the fray of partisan politics. By seeking to contest elections under a party ticket, the senator has, in essence, relinquished that neutrality. To maintain the dignity of the Upper House and uphold public trust in our democratic institutions, it would be both prudent and principled for the senator to resign the independent appointment forthwith.
This is not a matter of personal judgment but one of constitutional ethics and institutional integrity. Our parliamentary system depends on clear boundaries between roles that are political and those that are meant to remain nonpartisan. Blurring that line risks setting a dangerous precedent that could compromise the credibility of the Senate as a nonpartisan reviewing chamber.
I pray that principled action prevails!
Regards
Watchful and Non-Aligned (Independent) Constituent
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You hit the nail on the head but the red conspirators will see it differently.
@ Watchful and Non-Aligned (Independent) Constituent,
I appreciate your Letter to the editor. It clearly illustrates the conflict.
Hopefully but unlikely the Governor General will do something about this.
The clarity of your letter and the points you made, causes me to think that you should weight in more often.
It’s people such as yourself that will bring about the changes this country desperately needs.
I have continually questioned the motives of the current Governor General Rodney Williams.
I thought he was an impartial observet on political interventions, until he had a real good opportunity to hold Prime Minister Gaston to account on a serious matter, but shirked his responsibility to the citizens of Antigua and referred the matter to UK’s Privy Counsel.
Cronyism, nepotism, favouritism and who you know has had a detrimental effect and hindered real growth tn the country. It still continues this unwise interference.
I had no idea that the Governor General had such political influence. I thought he was just the UK’s Royal go to person and lackey who enjoyed wearing a colonial suit.
Wow, i learn something new everyday …
I am not a supporter of any political party. However, under our political system there is no such thing as an independent appointed senator. She was appointed by the governor general who was appointed and serves at the pleasure of the Prime Minister. Just check the record and you will see that she and all her predecessors voted for the ruling party both under ABLP and UPP.
Now it is her democratic right having tested the parliament to decide to run for elected office. Her timing is excellent since under the ABLP constitution she cannotchallenge an incumbent. I personally think she is very capable and equipped to handle the job. Note I am not talking about her decision to run for which political party. I guess if she had decided to run for the UPP the Governor General would have revoked her appointment, since we all are aware he is an ABLP operative. He and his father before him served as ABLP ministers.
About the legality- Until an election is called and parliament is dissolved she can continue as an independent candidate. Independent in this case means that she is not appointed by the Prime Minister but independently appointed by the Governor General. All other appointments are done by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
If this is a problem, all they can do is appoint her as a government senator and appoint Shoul as an Independent Governor appointed senator.
The case with Anthony Smith is different. Legally he can resign from his party and become an independent member of parliament. He cannot become a ABLP parliamentarian. So he must remain independent until election is called. However, nothing in the law can stop him as an independent parliamentarian from voting alone with the ABLP.
Morally what he did to me was wrong. However, there is a loophole or gray areas in our constitution that needs addressing. In fact that and a recall for none productive, none performance – all the registered constituents should be able to remove. Sir Robin is a good example of someone that the constituents should have the voting rights to recall.
Another personal note – Kiz is a brilliant young lady. Educated and well rounded and prepared. Amidst the allegations of corruption, the ABLP continues to draw top quality candidates.
The UPP needs to find equally qualified candidates. Whenever I speak about this, my mind goes on the young lady surname-Edwards I think- that tried to run against Darrel Mathews. She was a prime time candidate. Even Barbra Coates that was the UPP care taker for All Saints West- she was handled badly. Lovell if he cared so much could have assisted her in building up her profile. She was left alone to struggle. Then some loud mouth took it upon themselves and pressured her into withdrawing. If they had thrown their support behind this educated , well organized and articulate woman, she would have been a force to reckon with in the next election and the future. It’s also time to wet young Wenner feet. This is a political leader in waiting!