Tourism operator Eli Fuller says repeated efforts by local excursion operators to engage the former United Progressive Party administration were unsuccessful, alleging that a formal request for talks was declined when Harold Lovell held the tourism portfolio.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne show, Fuller said he and more than 40 locally owned excursion businesses formed the Antigua and Barbuda Excursions Alliance during the UPP administration in an effort to address challenges facing indigenous operators. He said the group wrote to Lovell seeking a meeting to discuss five issues they believed were critical to improving fairness and access within the tourism sector.
According to Fuller, Lovell responded that excursion matters did not fall under the direct remit of the tourism minister and instead referred the group to the junior minister of tourism at the time. Fuller said the alliance subsequently held multiple meetings with the junior minister but saw no tangible outcomes.
He described the process as frustrating and unproductive, saying members became increasingly disillusioned after what he characterized as repeated discussions without action. Fuller said some operators eventually sought assistance elsewhere, while others disengaged altogether, leading to the alliance effectively dissolving.
Fuller said he was not raising the issue to embarrass Lovell or anyone else but to illustrate longstanding concerns among local operators about access to decision-makers and meaningful engagement in tourism policy. He argued that the experience left many indigenous businesses feeling excluded from a sector that plays a central role in the national economy.
The comments were made during a broader discussion on tourism development, equity and local participation, as panelists examined how policy decisions affect small and medium-sized operators within the industry.
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I see a politician and Gaston sees it under the darkers
Yet another negative opinion piece to try and discredit the Honourable Harold Lovell. I’ve lost count since his return. I’m half expecting Maria Bird-Browne to throw in her two cents to denigrate the former UPP leader.
Roll up, roll up … who’s next?
ABLP, the most predictable and uncouth political party on this planet.
They bore me to tears…