Dear Editor,
Having named all their candidates, I think this is a good time to begin discussing the viability of the United Progressive Party in the next general election. Note that only one candidate is yet to be announced for the ABLP in St. Mary’s North.
Here’s my take: the UPP will lose at least three seats it currently holds. Bowen is gone thanks to Kiz Johnson, Richard Lewis is gone thanks to Michael Joseph, and Dalso/Watts are gone thanks to Michael Freeland. Simon will hold on to St. Mary’s South, and Pringle will retain All Saints East and St. Luke. Trevor Walker will retain Barbuda.
I cannot say who will win All Saints West, with Harold now in the race against incumbent Anthony Smith. I see the ABLP retaining most, if not all, of its seats, although Jonathan Joseph will give Sir Molwyn’s replacement a run for his or her money.
None of the UPP newcomers or repeat candidates will be successful. I expect the ABLP to retain St. Paul, where they faced a strong challenge from Cleon in the last election, and if Lovell couldn’t win City East, neither can Pearl.
My analysis is far from professional, but that’s how I see it, and I wonder who else sees it that way. There are two factors that may throw off my list: first, whether Gaston can fix the water problem sufficiently and on time, and second, whether the UPP will have a new—and dare I say better—leader by the next general election.
Let’s not forget the UPP came very, very close to victory in the last election, but a lot has changed since then. A lot.
Kitchen Cabinet
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As @Kitchen cabinet bemoans:
“Let’s not forget the UPP came very, very close to victory in the last election, but a lot has changed since then. A lot”
It sure has Kitch. Let’s look at the disastrous ABLP shall we?:
1)The Nigerian airline; 2) a distinct lack of transparency in financial matters; 3) the vehicle acquisitions procurement scandal; 4) the ongoing promises to repair the arterial road in All Saints; 5) the lack of follow-up information on the homicides of a young lady and a child (that’s still to be resolved); 6) the delayed court case of the murder of a prominent politician; 7) ignoring Richard Lewis’s FOI rewuest; 8) the ongoing price gouging that hasn’t been addressed; 9) the Africans that came to Antigua and have mysteriously disappeared into thin air; 10) power cuts and water shortages still ongoing to this day.
Wow Kitch, that’s a lot for the ABLP to contend with don’t you think?
And yet you concerning yourself with the said Honourable gentlemen of the UPP? Huh!!!
I’d better stop there, because I don’t want to steal your thunder and destroy your “out of touch” narrative on the opposition who hasn’t been in charge for well over a decade now.
You guys really hate the democratic process.
Kitchen Cabinet, you have the right to your opinion. The last election Gaston himself admitted they transferred voters from strong constituencies into weaker ones to sure them up which helped them to win by a few votes. Just remember the election was free but fair at all, have you considered that. Gaston will never have a fair election. Also the scampish business people will support a scamp
It is my opinion Dalso will lose, he is uninspiring, big, big error
@ Kitchen Cabinet and Born & Bred Antiguan
The UPP will certainly lose the three seats, just as the ABLP was suppose to win all 17 seats in the last election and the UPP would have gotten 0, it turned out that the UPP did win the election BUT ABLP and Gaston stole it by transferring voters in various constiuencies to assist his colleagues…..CAME RIGHT OUT OF HIS MOUTH ON POINT FM, so yes UPP will lose all the seats in the next election same way ABLP will win all 17, bunch of PSYCHO’s
y
@Brixtonian, As Antiguans, we need to be careful not to confuse legitimate frustration with misplaced blame, because governance is not a single switch that controls every institution or outcome in the country.
First, on the courts and criminal matters: it must be stated clearly and without political spin, the Executive has no control over the judiciary. Investigations, prosecutions, timelines, and court delays fall under the independent court system, the DPP, and law enforcement, not Cabinet. To suggest that any government can simply “speed up” murder trials or dictate outcomes would be to argue against judicial independence, something no democracy should support. Delays in court cases are a longstanding systemic issue across the Caribbean, regardless of which party is in power.
On financial transparency and procurement, Antigua and Barbuda operates under existing procurement laws, audit mechanisms, and parliamentary oversight. Vehicle acquisitions and major expenditures are subject to audit and review, and where questions arise, the proper forums are Parliament, the Auditor General, and the courts, not social media verdicts. Transparency is a process, not a slogan, and improvements continue through legislative reform and reporting.
Regarding the Air Peace matter, aviation agreements are commercial and regulatory processes, involving international aviation authorities, safety compliance, and private operators. Not every proposed venture materializes, that is the nature of international business and a failed or delayed initiative is not evidence of scandal by default.
On infrastructure issues like the All Saints Road, water shortages, and power interruptions: these are legacy infrastructural challenges, many of which predate the current administration by decades. Road rehabilitation, APUA upgrades, desalination expansion, and grid modernization are capital-intensive, phased projects, not overnight fixes. Progress may feel slow, but work is ongoing, funded largely through borrowing, grants, and long-term planning, the same reality faced by small island states worldwide.
Concerning price gouging, it must be understood that Antigua and Barbuda is a net-importing economy. Inflation, shipping costs, and global supply chain pressures are largely external. Government intervention has limits in a free-market system, and heavy-handed price controls can sometimes worsen shortages rather than solve them.
As for FOI requests, the Freedom of Information Act provides a legal framework with timelines and exemptions. A delayed response is not the same as refusal, and remedies exist within the law if procedures are breached.
The matter of foreign nationals allegedly “disappearing” is often discussed without verified evidence. Immigration matters involve multiple agencies, privacy protections, and international coordination. Speculation without confirmed facts only fuels misinformation and unnecessary fear.
Finally, democracy demands balance. The opposition has an essential role, but so does fair criticism grounded in constitutional reality. Holding government accountable should never mean pretending it controls courts, global markets, private companies, or independent institutions. That line of thinking weakens democracy rather than strengthens it.
Antiguans deserve facts, context, and solutions , not selective outrage. Mature political discourse means acknowledging challenges while also understanding the limits and responsibilities of government in a constitutional democracy.
Pure nonsense.
From my view and many others, Antigua has gotten progressively worst with this current administration since the last election, so how do you even come up with this nonsense?
So are you saying that it pays to be corrupt in Antigua?
Are you saying that the murder rate and criminals that seems to control the naritive for a good part of the last 4 years is a good thing for the ABLP?
Are you saying that a murder of a sitting MP is a good thing for this ABLP administration? ( one of their own by the way)
Are you saying that losing a solid relationship with the US, and in effect getting massive visa restrictions against innocent Antiguan’s is a good thing for this ABLP government?
Are you saying that our very pourous CIP and immigration system is a good thing for the ABLP?
Are you saying that raising the ABST and taxing the voters another $100 million to fix roads is a good thing for the ABLP? (Monies that should have been already accounted for in the budget by the way).
Our most important partner in the western hemisphere don’t even want to see our faces right now (regardless of how many feel about the trump) and that supposed to be a good thing for anyone in Antigua?
And where is the IS embassy that GB so vehemently promised will come back to Antigua 2 years ago, oh, is that just talk?
And again, don’t talk about the blatant corruption and thief of the peoples purse with the Vehicle procurement mess, where none of these so-called great caretakers/minister you mentioned didn’t say one damn thing.
No investigation anywhere for all this foolishness going on..not into the 1000 Africans that were assimilated into our island with no clue as to who they are, or what happened to them, and all these blunders suppose to help these crooks?
Right now Antigua good name is shattered around the world..other islands have laughed at us and are laughing at us, because every damn minute we are in the news for something terrible and corrupt, from the selling of the Alpha Nero to the give away of liar air to a corrupt Nigerian billionaire.
All this should be good for the poor people in Antigua who are struggling with high cost of living,right?
All these MOU’s and deals signing everywhere (according to GB) and yet still cost of living is atrociously high.
Why can’t Antiguan’s see the savings at the pump from the great deal GB made with Maduro and Venezuela oil?
Where are those saving and profit in WIOC shares?
This Bamboozling administration has to go..they have not been good for Antigua, and have only gotten richer and richer with their cover-ups and nepotism everywhere.
Call the electrician right now and let me really see if we are this gullible, according to this fool who is running his mouth!
Smdh.
Kitchen Cabinet, lets hope you are wrong. We desparately need new leadership. Another term for this corrupt and incompetent ABLP administration would be an unmitigated disaster. Lets face the facts. When we look at the real data the economy has barely recovered from pre-covid levels. Economically, we are going nowhere. The water problems remain. The high cost of electricity..the poor infrastructure..the run down state of St. Johns..the social problems..crime..poor health care..lack of planning and stupid decisions by ignorant politicians..not to mention all the corruption and enrichment of family and friends..do we want another 5 years of this????
@Brixtonian, do you want the UPP to win or lose? As those are not the factors that can convince voters to vote for UPP or to not vote for ABLP.
The strategy for UPP to win is focusing on unity and showing competence of practically all candidates (that has not been achieved in my professional opinion).
You will also need to focus on ABLP and the ABLP PM Gaston Browne contribution to the US suspending greencard issuance to Antiguans and Barbudans, and the ABLP inability to timely reverse this.
You will also mention the ABLP support for dictatorship and authoritarian government over democratic countries.
You will also need to mention the $15 or whatever million loss/discrepancy/theft with the vehicle matter
You are also must highlight the ABLP PM Gaston Browne boldness to tell citizens he would not help them but constantly help himself and his son seize opportunities and other things from insider knowledge and conflict of interest, making himself wealthier
You also need to express the importance of having new, better educated, and moral people in office so that innovation can occur.
I think these are the top issues, that could convince a population to retire this ABLP and give either UPP or a new party a chance.
It is now 3 years since ABLP said they will use my idea to allow citizens to get shares in companies and government projects, it never happened.
Instead they are risking Social security funds in a manner that is highly illogical.
These are what you need to focus on at the top of the focus list. They affect people directly and causes passion, the heat of it.
Anthony Smith will surely lose his seat for wat he did to voters since the last elections . The voters have not forget.
@Kitchen Cabinet
The ABLP DID NOT WIN THE LAST ELECTION.
Gaston Brown said it out of his own mouth that he TRANSFERRED VOTERS IN VARIOUS CONSTITUENCIES TO ENABLE HIS COLLEAGUES TO WIN. HE STOLE THE ELECTION IN OTHER WORDS.
THE ABLP IS AN ILLEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT.
THEY WON’T GET AWAY WITH IT THIS TIME THOUGH.
Still waiting for Pringle to take one for the team so Antigua can actually have an opposition party and at least Lovell can win his seat. UPP’s only sure seat needs to be given to someone that can actually revive and lead the party. Don’t agree with this analysis. Bowen and Lewis are strong enough to win back their seats. So I see the next parliament as UPP possibly getting 4 – Lovell (if Pringle gives him his constituency), Lewis, Bowen and Simon. Walker is a sure win. Opposition 5 and ABLP 12.
Can I ask a question? Which of you on his resume has the qualification of God? Nobody? Ok!
@ Take a dose of Hush
I wonder which country you live in. What you have posited is when you live in a normal country. This is Antigua where corruption reigns Supreme. Wake up from your dream
Gaston said he transferred voters from strong constituencies to weak ones to sure them up in order for them to win the last election. Doesn’t that say anything to sensible people. My Lord, it actually means them damn well tief de last election and people rejoice over that how sick can you be
@Hush, a nice try at obfuscation I must say. 👏🏾
But however you try to disguise the FACTS as they appear, and my “democratic” right of freedom of speech. It remains that the ABLP under the misguided tutelage of Gaston Browne has been left wanting.
BTW, I stand, by everything I say. Because this administration can do so much better, and you know it!
You’d do well to stop defending the indefensible – but, like me you are entitled to your one-sided opinion.
Your moniker is so so apt, don’t you think?
…BTW, I might just add, isn’t nice to know that an ABLP politician has ACTUALLY responded to Brixtonian. Nice! 👍🏾
The power of penmanship is definitely mighty when politicians are being held to account by the citizens who care where our country is heading.
Beautiful, just beautiful…
Dear Mr Editor,
Through you Sir, to “Kitchen Cabinet”
….. It is Very SAD when a Person Lacks Self Confidence to the Extent that This Person is Ashamed, Scared or Embarrassed to Use His/Her Name when Presenting their views on Party Political Issues.
…… In such Situations, it is my opinion that Such a Person is Not Worthy of My Response to Statements made, with little or No Reasoning attached to the opinions Expressed …….
…… Maybe His/Her intention was to stimulate discussion; however, little or no reasoning connected to the Statements made …. … (about Seats that May be Retained or Lost) …. THE RESPONSES he/she received are quite a BONUS for him/ her ……. He/She has achieved his/her Purpose in placing Such An Article in Your Newspaper ……
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