LETTER: Women in Politics Deserve More Than Tokenism, UPP Must Face the Truth

Dear Editor,

I am deeply disappointed with the current focus and direction of the opposition, the United Progressive Party. At this stage, it is difficult to determine what their true purpose is beyond empty talk, political theater, and misplaced energy.

Let me begin by saying that women in politics is not simply about representation for its own sake. It is not about filling seats to claim gender balance.

It is about placing capable, confident, and competent women in positions where their talent and leadership can genuinely make a difference for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

What I have observed is that while the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party administration continues to create meaningful opportunities for women, the United Progressive Party has reduced their involvement to symbolism.

Too often, women within their ranks are used as placeholders, occupying positions to give the appearance of inclusion. That is not empowerment.

That is political tokenism disguised as progress.

For far too long, intelligent and qualified women have stayed out of politics, not because they fear the political landscape, but because they have been repeatedly rejected by the very party that should have supported them. Many of these women, once ignored or sidelined by the United Progressive Party, have been welcomed and recognized by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party for their expertise, vision, and ability to lead.

Some may not have entered frontline politics, but they now hold key administrative positions based solely on merit. That is how true empowerment begins.

So let us ask a simple and honest question. How many women has Harold Lovell, Hon.Dr.Baldwin Spencer,or Jamale Pringle or the United Progressive Party as a whole, truly empowered? The silence on that question speaks volumes.

At the moment, it seems that all attention is centered around Barbara Coates, the sole work horse trying to revive the career of a spoilt brat..The same old pattern continues, using individuals for convenience and discarding them when it suits the moment.

But that is not the purpose of this letter. I am writing to address the unfair and hypocritical attacks directed toward the Hon. Maria Browne.

Maria Browne made an error, acknowledged it, and took responsibility. That is what leadership looks like. That is what accountability should be. Mistakes happen in every democracy around the world. What defines a true leader is the willingness to face them, learn from them, and move forward with integrity. Instead of commending that strength, the opposition has chosen to exploit it, turning it into a spectacle for political mileage.

The hypocrisy could not be clearer. Men within the opposition, burdened by controversies of their own, are now calling for investigations and resignations. Has anyone looked into the conflicts of interest surrounding Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and his business dealings? Has anyone called for answers about the East Bus Station project, a white elephant that continues to haunt the public purse? These men create mess after mess, then try to cover them as though the people cannot still see and smell the truth beneath the surface.

Maria Browne faced her situation head-on. She will rise stronger, wiser, and even more determined to serve. What I see from the opposition, however, is not leadership but desperation. This is an attempt to score points, to claim a false victory where none exists. The United Progressive Party lacks vision, coherence, and competence. They present themselves as ready to lead a nation when they have failed to lead themselves. It is both disappointing and absurd.

Maria Browne will continue to grow as a representative of the people. She will emerge as one of the strong, capable women who shape the political future of Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party understands that the nation thrives when women are given real responsibility, not symbolic roles. That is progress, and it is commendable.

Meanwhile, the United Progressive Party remains adrift. Their internal dialogue should focus on rebuilding leadership, developing credible candidates, and addressing national issues with maturity. Instead, they waste their energy on shallow theatrics and personal attacks. Their senator brings no vision, no record, and no real connection to the people. She moves from one constituency to another without understanding the political landscape or the needs of those she claims to represent. This is not leadership. It is performance without purpose.

If the United Progressive Party wants to be seen as a serious political alternative, it must first learn the fundamentals of leadership. At present, they have a young figure who shows little interest in learning or leading, and a senior figure who is on his way out. On the other hand, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, is managing succession with foresight and stability.

To the Honourable Maria Browne, I say stand tall and remain steadfast in your conviction. Continue to serve your constituents with dignity, humility, and courage. You will shine even brighter through this experience. To Prime Minister Gaston Browne, I say continue to empower women of substance and ability, wherever they may come from. Leadership should never be about colour or party. It should be about competence and the best interest of the people.

To the United Progressive Party, it is time to face reality. You are not ready. You are not a viable opposition. You bring no new ideas, no real solutions, and no leadership that inspires confidence. Ignorance may be bliss, but it becomes unbearable when it tries to masquerade as wisdom.

Sincerely,

Cathy McCoy

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]