FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Moves Swiftly to Address Agriculture Workers’ Concerns
St. John’s, Antigua — 28th November 2025 — The Ministry of Agriculture wishes to clarify the events of Thursday, November 27, and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the wellbeing, safety, and fair treatment of all agricultural workers.
From his first day in office, Minister Smith has been working to address and modernize longstanding infrastructure, operational, and staffing challenges. Consistent with this mission, in the wake of the workers’ recent actions Minister Smith took immediate action to address staff concerns.
Contrary to claims publicly circulating, Minister Smith did not pass workers on the picket line or ignore their concerns. Upon being informed of the day’s developments, the Minister immediately contacted the unions and senior officials and convened a series of urgent meetings to review the issues raised and to fast-track solutions that have been under discussion.
Earlier in the day, Minister Smith visited several agricultural stations, including the abattoir, the tractor division, and Greencastle, conducting on-site assessments of the working environment. These inspections confirmed that while certain matters, such as compensation, require long-term budgetary planning, many of the health, safety, and operational issues can and will be addressed without delay.
The Ministry has already drafted plans involving improved transportation and infrastructural upgrades to strengthen conditions across all stations. Minister Smith emphasized that these improvements are urgent and essential.
“Our staff want and deserve safe, functional, and respectful working conditions, and the government is committed to ensuring these are delivered,” Minister Smith stated. “I take every worker’s concerns seriously, especially issues related to health and safety. Today’s actions demonstrate our commitment to moving quickly, engage openly, and ensure that staff concerns are treated as a top priority.”
The Ministry will continue ongoing engagement with staff and union representatives to ensure open communication, timely responses, and a shared path forward. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled shortly to provide workers with clear updates on implementation timelines.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy thanks all employees for their continued dedicated service and assures them that meaningful steps are already underway to resolve longstanding concerns.
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Is this Judas representing as an obstinate independent, or a Gaston Browne lackey?
Either way, Anthony Smith’s window dressing nah fool nobody. BTW, I know somebody in All Saints West (who voted for him under the UPP banner), and left messages for urgent issue. Dem still ah wait he response up till now!
Smith says one thing in public, and ignores those that voted for him privately. Greaseball!
It was just a few days ago the minister had a photo up with the PM , The Minister of Works and I think The Minister of Health. The statement threatened farmers that are occupying government agriculture lands and are not utilizing them , they will be given 30 day notice- then evicted.
I responded to the government that although I am not against eviction, the ministry must first put it own house in order. I told them that they need to look about the infrastructure first- Roads, water most importantly and then they can and should issue notices. The tenants have rights and in this case access and water to rented lands. I went on the point out the very issue that has brought about this strike action- the deplorable state of the Ministry head office, the same out stations (Bed bugs were recently seen in the rotten office furniture at Green Castle), the state of Plant production and research officers are operating under ( working half day for years because of poor working conditions). I spent time on ADC and what should be the Ministry flag ship Dimond Estate, Christian valley, the Cades bay pineapple farm. I did not mention the Livestock Departments- which are as deplorable. I drew a parallel whereby the government recently spoke of giving people notice in St.John’s about properties left abandoned. Again I pointed out to the government the need to lead my example- The old Parliament building, The same ministry of agriculture built, the social security building and the old wooden building that was once the Ministry of Finance, the post office- Even Multiple Purpose building and it’s environs are in a deplorable state , the All Saints Clinic, the Willikies police station just to name a few. Hay I am not against cleaning up St. John’s , however the way the government is approaching it is wrong. Turner seems not to have any good leadership qualities, no charisma and does not come across well. In fact Saaid Greene before made a very compelling argument on the radio and the public I believe was well pleased, I did. Said to my self at least for once the government is putting Antiguans first. Greene’s remarkable plans were short lived.
I also drew a contrast between the farm owned by farmer brown and that of Antigua best farmers. That the infrastructure to his farm is a utopian to the any other farm. That the same influence he used to develop roads , lights and the infrastructure to his farm should be equally delivered to the farmers of Antigua., much less the government agriculture facilities.
I told the Hon Minister that he needs proper advisors and he has the opportunity to make a big difference. So again before the Government, the minister and the Hon.PM go about attacking private citizens put your house in order.
We can’t vote for you.
And we can’t vote against your Party. But we can point out your impartiality.
You are turning your back against Barbuda consistently with tge ALBP
Nicely put . Regards
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