ALP Leaves Social Security in Shambles While Misleading the Public 
The facts speak for themselves: of the $550 million owed by the Government to Social Security as of 2010, over $464 million was incurred under ALP administrations. Yet, ALP propagandists have the audacity to blame the UPP for alleged shortfalls, despite the fact that the UPP never borrowed a single cent from Social Security during its 2004–2014 tenure.
Yes, the UPP had minor contribution delays, but these occurred while temporary and necessary fiscal adjustments—like the Personal Income Tax (PIT) and Antigua & Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST)—were being implemented to stabilize government finances. Unlike the ALP, which racked up debts through loans, development bonds, advances, and partial cash payments, the UPP paid its contributions entirely in cash, totaling $122.8 million in ten years—ten times what the ALP managed in 28 years.
Claims that the UPP caused a collapse in Social Security contributions are misleading. Contributors peaked at 40,818 in 2008 and only fell to 36,762 by 2012—a mere 10% drop. Government employment remained largely unchanged, proving there was no artificial job creation to offset private sector losses, contrary to ALP spin.
The irony is stark: while criticizing the UPP’s first term, the article features Harold Lovell, Finance Minister during the UPP’s second term—an obvious attempt to mislead.
Meanwhile, the current ALP administration continues to mishandle Social Security debt. By applying asset transfers to reduce the bond rather than the $220 million facility, they sacrificed interest income and left a large unsecured debt.
The message is clear: the ALP left a financial mess, mismanaged Social Security, and continues to rewrite history to mask their failures. The public deserves honesty, accountability, and leadership that prioritizes the nation over politics.
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I mean, I see what the former Minister of Finance is trying to do or showcase but it just does not add up.
As a wise man once said, People Lie, Numbers Don’t.
The fact remains that while the UPP administration did not start the boulder rolling down the hill, they certainly did not stop it or were perhaps powerless to do so. The measures the venerable Sir is pointing out were necessary but were eventually butchered and did not do enough to address all issues. Late salary payments to government workers were a common thing back then and they (UPP administration) also were, in part, contributors to the current water crisis that they indicated they would fix.
Overall, the issue at hand has nothing to do with who did what or who started it but really that it was never managed appropriately to begin with until now (being addressed by the current administration).
The sad thing is that the data came directly from the source rather than a political party, yet we refer to them as fake or misdirected.
If we are to truly solve our problems in this country, we must first be willing to accept responsibility and missteps then proceed to correct them. Collective action is the only thing that will see our country moving forward, not partisanship.
As it relates to the actions being taken now, even though late, they are certainly welcomed.
I would advise the former Minister to find another battle to fight as this looks intellectually disingenuous to say the least.
Harold was the worst Minister of finance ever, we suffered under him big time. His policies caused many small businesses to go under with all kinds of paper work which benefited his rich friends. Never want to see him again in power! Please please no!