Dear Editor,
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly we in Antigua and Barbuda can turn something serious into a circus of hate and personal attacks. Every time a controversy arises, no matter the facts, we rush to drag names through the mud, twist stories, and tear down our own people before the truth even has a chance to breathe.
The ongoing vehicle scandal has been a perfect example. Yes, the issue deserves investigation and accountability. Yes, the people have a right to know how public funds are spent. But what I find deeply troubling is how quickly the conversation shifted from facts to ugliness, with a campaign of character assassination aimed squarely at Minister Maria Bird Browne.
When did we become a society that celebrates the downfall of others rather than demanding the truth with decency? Why is it that, instead of waiting for evidence, so many seem to find joy in tearing someone down simply because of their last name or their connection to power?
Maria Browne, like any public official, should be held accountable if she has done wrong — but where is the proof? All we’ve seen so far is speculation and social media gossip being recycled as “breaking news.”
People speak with such venom, not because they know the facts, but because they enjoy the scandal. It’s as if outrage has become entertainment.
Let’s be real, Antigua has a bad habit of “loving ugly.” We thrive on the drama, the shade, and the rumor mill. We feed on it, share it, forward it, and then act as though we are shocked when reputations are ruined, families are hurt, and public trust gets weaker with every story we distort.
We say we want better leadership, but how can we expect good people to step forward when they know the first sign of controversy will bring a wave of hatred and mockery?
Instead of celebrating ugly, maybe it’s time we demand integrity with fairness. Let the investigators do their work. Let the facts lead, not malice. If wrongdoing is proven, let justice take its course. But if it turns out that some of the attacks are built on lies, will the same people who spread them be humble enough to apologize?
Antigua and Barbuda deserves better, not just from its politicians, but from its people.
Maybe the real question isn’t whether Maria Browne is guilty or innocent.
Maybe the real question is: Why do we love to destroy before we understand? Why does Antigua love ugly?
Concerned Citizen
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They love ugly and a lot of it ,cause they are crabs in a barrel
Well if Antiguans wasn’t constantly given ULGY to love we won’t be rallying in it,one of the reasons why is because we are not treated fairly in this place so when something like this happens we talk.If you don’t like it take it to the lord in prayer.
I love that letter. It speaks to us as a people to understand the damage we’re doing when we forward first without researching. Ar times we forward because we want ro be first to break a story unaware of it’s credibility . Truthfully said do we apologise if story is wrong or damaging. It’s something worth thinking about. Kudos to the author.
If the $15 million scandal had happened under the UPP administration, Gaston Browne would have had a field day on social media and his radio station. The PM too loves ugly like everyone.
Concerned Citizen,
I admire your defence of the current Minister Maria Browne. But to say that Antiguans “love ugly” is a gross misrepresentation of the country’s real concerns on the high costs of living, low wages and broken manifesto promises by the ABLP.
I notes from your one-sided and unwarranted comments about Antiguans, that there’s no mention of how Maria Browne attained such high office (I know a dozen or so other females – living right here -who would do a much better job in cabinet than her).
Also you do not mention her 10-years of delays in hitting our housing development targets, the road building programme that is suddenly taking place despite her previous 2 term promises.
The criticisms of her – and other Cabinet Members – by the citizens of Antigua is because of the slow slow lack of actions. It’s only the commencement this year that these criticisms has forced the ABLP into immediate action. Fact!
Again, saying that Antiguans “love ugly” is totally missing the point. Are we supposed to put up and shut up about the current state of our country?
Nice deflection though 👍🏾
Are you suggesting that we cannot criticise those that have been selected to high office.
And another thing that shows your bias towards the ABLP’S Maria Browne is that she doesn’t get anywhere near the same vilification as the UPP’s Gisele Isaacs. The nasty and vindictive vitriol she receives is more than “ugly” as you put it.
So in future, if you are going to rightly support Maria Browne, then surely you must also support other women being vilified as well?
Remember, you can always trust Brixtonian to put the other side of ANY debate … 👍🏾
Maybe Antiguans are just tired of all the corruption being swept under the rug. What accountability? No one in high places ever truly pays for their crimes in Antigua, there are to many to mention. It just disappears. People vent because that’s all they can do. If it feels ugly, because it is.
@Donna.
I have been asking around and around and nobody answering me.
Where did the $15 million figure come from? With all the info going around it just seem to have popped up out of a hat.
Facts not just ANTIGUA that is all over the world everyone cast stone Marie and her so call husband Alfonso are nothing but crooks, liars and thieves they time will come in due time he is the wort minister Antigua ever had he is very Rude, unprofessional and he need to conduct his self in a professional manner at all time look how he behaved on national radio with the whole world to see and listen that said it all for me a true ANTiGUAN to the flesh bone and body
My question is..why are you so biased and one sided? Is Maria Browne the only name called in this fiasco. 🤔 No! many names were called including the Honourable Jamale Pringle, The PM etc. So why are you so one sided. 🤔 and before you answer just know I voted for The ABLP. I am not a party person. I will vote against them if the need be. Just like a did UPP.
Where is the proof that anyone has done wrong so far?
Maria sits at the top of the Works Ministry.
The buck stops with her .
She is the eyes and ears of the ministry.
When wrong happens in the ministry in which she heads she has to be held fully accountable.
You are rejoicing that some have been dealt with, without any concrete proof yet you do not want Maria to be touched.
How can the matter be properly investaged with Maria sitting at the top of the very same ministry.
Don’t you see her being an obstacle to fair and transparent investigations?
Yes she will be.
The proper and prudent thing to do is to remove everyone implicated as far as possible from any investigation pending its conclusion.
To have the minister remain at the top of her ministry while it is being investigated for wrong doings under her watch is defeating the purpose.
Asot was fired while overseas.
Why the difference in standards?
Is it becaise she is the prime minister’s wife?
Dean Jonas was fired in front of a camera.
Isn’t he someone’s child?
Doesn’t he deserve respect and dignity?
Further Dean Jonas wasn’t destroyed for anything half as serious as this scandal.
So, it is ok to support your party.
However it is insulting, ridiculous, ignorance and idiotic to make yourself a political fool.
Are you looking relevance in the eyes of the prime minister and his wife?
Wrong way!!!
Prove yourself first as a professional.
Not as an ass kisser.
Well Mr or Ms Concerned Citizen I hope people read the letter for what it’s worth and recognize that it’s the truth.
Take Maria out of the equation and the letter will still be relevant. It shows the hearts, minds, and SOULS of us here in Antigua. In the age of social media when we get flooded with forwards, it is so easy for us to just keep it going and forward some more without even knowing if what we are forwarding is true or not.
If this or anything ever goes to court, how on earth are we going to find an impartial jury?
But the real truth is that we love ugly until it is us on the receiving end of it…….
What is good for the goose is good for the gander. ALP later to become ABLP designed and implemented the UGLY, of which you speak.
Does the ACLM, Asot Michael, George Walters, Giselle Isaac, come to mind?
Let Maria face the music, jam and whine to it. It’s bacchanal time baby. This is politics 101.
Without passing judgement on who is guilty or innocent, we need to get the facts. The facts can only be determined after a detailed investigation. The problem is that the key players are still in a place where they can make records disappear, or create fake documents to help to cover up what really transpired.
In the Westminster Parliamentary system that we practice, the norm is for the key players to step aside from their roles pending conclusion of the investigation. If this practice was put in place in this instance, there would be no “ugly” to deal with, as citizens would have confidence in the system. Gaston and Maria should do the right thing – STEP ASIDE pending completion of the investigation. Then let the chips fall where they may.
Isn’t Gaston still tearing down even though he’s he’s suspected of being one of the players? How long do we have to wait for the evidence; can we expect to obtain credible evidence from a suspect? We don’t need to hear from him, who might be culpable and who is innocent because he/she infiltrated the Gang. Allow the relevant authority to do it’s work and stop singing like a ridiculous nightingale. Finally, he is the only person who’s presenting Maria as the subject of a talk show.
One word = Schadenfreude
I also choose to comment anonymously as a
business owner of the soil .
I fear for political retribution.
This scandal reflects bad on the government and its mishandling of taxpayers resources.
As much as I hate to see ugly. I do agree with the majority … The Hon Minister should step away from the ministry while the investigations are on going .
The Hon Prime Minister must acknowledge that this is the correct protocol under such circumstances .