Dear Editor,
Harold Lovell’s announcement of his return to elected politics may have stirred nostalgia in some quarters, but it should also trigger a deeper, more uncomfortable question for Antigua and Barbuda: How long will the old guard hold the reins, and at what cost to our nation’s future?
Our political landscape has been dominated for decades by the same familiar faces and the same tired playbook. Sir Molwyn Joseph, Sir Cutie Benjamin, Sir Robin Yearwood — names that have been etched into our parliamentary benches since the 1980s and 1990s — still stand at the forefront, steering the country with the same ideas, strategies, and mindsets they honed decades ago.
While their contributions to nation-building in earlier years are undeniable, there comes a point when experience morphs into entrenchment, and legacy becomes a stumbling block to progress.
The truth is, Antigua and Barbuda can no longer afford to be governed by a political philosophy frozen in the last century. We live in a different world — one shaped by rapid technological change, shifting global economies, the climate crisis, and a population hungry for transparent, forward-thinking governance. Today’s challenges require agility, innovation, and a willingness to disrupt outdated systems. Unfortunately, the political giants of the past seem more inclined to preserve their era’s way of doing things than to embrace the bold reforms the future demands.
It is not a matter of disrespect. It is a matter of evolution. Leaders who guided us through the 1980s and 1990s did so in their time; now, that time has passed. A generation of talented, educated, and globally aware Antiguans and Barbudans stands ready to take the baton — but they are too often sidelined, their energy muted by the towering shadows of those unwilling to step down.
Politics should not be a lifetime occupation. It should be service, followed by the grace to step aside and let others serve. When leaders cling to power for decades, they do not just block individuals — they block ideas, new solutions, and the very possibility of transformation.
If Antigua and Barbuda is to truly thrive in the decades ahead, we must usher in a new era of leadership. That means Harold Lovell must rethink his return, and stalwarts like Sir Molwyn Joseph, Sir Cutie Benjamin, and Sir Robin Yearwood must accept that their finest contribution now may be to mentor and pass the torch, not to grip it tighter.
The past built our foundation, but it is the future that will define our destiny. And the future belongs to the next generation — if only the old guard will let it.
Carl Davidson
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3 Looonnnngggg days ago, and AAAALLLL UPP supporters and kool-aids drinkers would agree with this article ya 🤣🤣
Now Lovell return, them go quiet quiet now
Time enough for people like cutie and the rest to step down. Been there for so long, let the new generation take over
Carl hit the nail on the head. We can respect what the old guard has done and still recognize that it’s time for fresh leadership. Antigua and Barbuda can’t keep recycling the same political formula from 30 years ago.
Bravo couldn’t have said it better my dear.
Not just OLD but OLD + LOSER!!!!
Where was this article before Lovell opted to return?? The cuties ; the Molwyns; Robins etc were always there yet the writer never felt the need to pen this article. Lovell is needed right now in UPP and local politics to strengthen the politics of this country that has been bastardized by Gaston .
Tell cutie, molwyn, and half dead Robin to vacate the premises immediately!!
We not even sure if robin breathing.🤔
Time to go!!!
They don’t want to leave.
Give me a proverbial break..
Time to give way for young people!
I guess power and money too sweet 😋
People lets be real, you can bring back Harold or whomever from the past, but if anyone in their real mind truly believe that in this present Wadadli political climate the UPP is ready to stamp out the ABLP and capable and progressively run this country again have to be living on Redonda.
@ carvaa
Guess u were living in Redonda when Gaston admitted to transferring voters to steal the election and deny the UPP for winning what was justly theirs. Wid all the suffering in this country with hunger and starvation and the sky rocketing prices, only hangers on like you who sing for your supper will tink that the ABLP cannot be removed, but they will be and there will be weeping and knashing of teeth.
Strange this letter writer did not even give even one example of some of the future leaders he says are out there because you couldn’t
@Zackie
Where do you live. Harold Lovell is the BIGGEST liar, loser, fake politician I have EVER know. You all don’t know this man. Had he have his way, when they were in power we would all be living in poverty right now. This is a travesty to the UPP. PM Pringle, political leader of UPP do not let this happen to your party…… their only reason for wanting him back is to remove you. And you are the only good and honest thing about that party right now.
Another laboRAT!!!!
You have the ears of Cutie have you openly told him to step aside?
Dr Benjamin will be the labour party’s candidate for St Marys North.
Have you told Gaston that he is too old to add him to the slate?
Lovell is not too far away from Melford. Are you telling Gaston that Melford is too old?
I have not heard tou say that.
However the return of Lovell stirred up so much up easiness in you laboRATS that you find every excuse in the book why he should run.
Well, laboRAT, I have news for you.
He is coming and he is going to do damage to Anthony “Babyface Judas ” Smith.
He will teach the young judas why he should never betrayed the confidence of the people.
How old is Max Fernandez?
Shut the hell up.
Your criticisms are too transparent.
If you fear Lovell that much join him so tou keep a close eye on him.
We welcome ypu into the UPP.
You know all what is goid for the UPP however you do not know about the infighting in the labour camp.
Go way!!!!!!
@Saap.
Hunger and starvation?
Didn’t look that way to me with all the people out there enjoying carnival….unless they were starving to afford their carnival costumes.
Sky rocketing prices? Point out anywhere in the world that does not have sky rocketing prices……