by MP Anthony Smith, Jr.
The state of filth in our beloved Nation is not only reprehensible, but a danger to drivers and a health hazard to citizens, residents and visitors.
It is impossible to miss the blocked and unsightly drains; the unsanitary heaps of uncollected garbage; the unswept gutters; and the overgrown vegetation and bushes.
This is the perfect stage for a breakout of diseases, and it is unfair to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
It pains my heart to see what we have grown to accept as a people because of partisan politics. It is my opinion that our love for country should supersede our emotional or family-oriented vote support for any political party.
This unhealthy situation plaguing our Nation affects us all, regardless of age, economic status, health or political affiliation, and it affects our development and our economy.
Those who control the national purse and those responsible for the health, wealth, safety, aesthetics, and fundamental cleaning of the country should be ashamed of themselves.
We have retrogressed to a profound low under Gaston Browne and the Antigua Labour Party.
As Antiguans and Barbudans, we should not be comfortable with the state of our country; this should never be our new normal.
This is not the Antigua and Barbuda we want to see, and we all must hold our government accountable.
We must build a better Nation for our children and the children to come: This is an obligation. All Antiguans and Barbudans are required to be civic minded, and so we must call on the ministries and their officials to get up and work for our tax dollars.
The government is the collector and spender of our taxes, levies and tariffs.
It should be called on to adequately appropriate and manage these revenues to develop and sustain the operations of the country for every citizen.
While we boast of being a tourist destination, our City has become a shantytown, and I am ashamed when friends and family visit from other countries and nearby islands.
The high prices, coupled with the smell and the look, are embarrassing to explain.
The treatment of our constituencies and constituents is a disgrace.
We are doing everything we can to ensure that All Saints West (ASW) becomes a model constituency in Antigua and Barbuda.
To do so we will continue to solicit from the business community; beseech the NGOs, friends and family; and use our own resources to represent ASW and our Nation.
I must admit, though, that with a stipend of only $2,000 per month, it is difficult to fix roads, collect garbage, and clear overgrown bushes while those with access to the government purse do nothing.
Therefore, I am using this medium to highlight the untenable position in which our country finds itself and to call on the ministries and ministers concerned to get to work and let us move this country forward.
We call on our leaders to wake up. We call on our leaders to allocate sufficient resources to make Antigua and Barbuda better and turn the Nation into that unique gem, the envy of the region.
Let us work towards rebuilding our country before it is too late.
Frankly speaking, it is time for this Administration to go. Its mindset of self- enrichment will never translate to a people-centered government with progressive policies to benefit its citizens.
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Hey, bassman, me like yuh, but yuh need to cool out little bit. All dis talk about yuh wah be leader, tek it easy. Yuh just come.
How much yuh know bout UPP? Yuh know bout the branches and who run dem? Yuh know the rules and regulations in the party? Yuh know enough about dealing with the government and how tings run?
Yuh win yuh seat and yuh believe yuh is all dat. Well, yuh not. Just relax and learn on the job. Plenty time left.
People mek a mistake putting the best player on the team fuh be captain. Dat is wat does mash up the team. Yuh not even the best player. Me like yuh, but yuh nuh ready yet.
So tek it easy and wait yuh turn.
@ Tek it easy and wait yuh turn
Anthony don’t let that ignoramus ‘Tek it easy…’ try and derail you from telling the truth. Typical of the paid minions.
Everything you have said is the gospel truth.
You can start by speaking to one of your colleagues, the recently knighted Attorney General Steadroy ‘The
Heavyweight Champion’ Benjamin, as most of the stink and mess is in part of his constituency In St John’s.
Benjamin should set a good example, and I’m sure that if he did so, other elected officials around the country would follow suit.
Remember Mr Anthony Smith, good governance begins the top!
Everything the writer said is valid and I agree. I am only sad that in the year of 2023 a country like Antigua have to be encouraging cleanups, that should be a normal and very accustomed to service in a nation.
We should be so focuses on advance benefits. If you think you can do the job, go for it. Do not listen to idiots.
Stay on course Anthony
I too am embarrassed how antigua look and smell..
This government have no shame!!
But remember we are supposed to be an economic powerhouse..🤫
He is steady trying to fool the people!!
All talk, and no action!!
All of us must join in to help keep our communities in tip top shape. Yes there are issues including the fact that MP Smith is my representative in Parliament and I have never seen in my area before the general election or after he won the election. We all have issues that we have to deal with daily. I would think that effective representation is meeting with all constituents so that we know who you are and you know who we are. That’s a sure way of getting re-elected one more time. It doesn’t help to just say what’s wrong. It’s great when we are part of the solution too.
I agree with Mr. Smith 100%….BUT!! IF Mr. Smith’s party is to ever become the government again I know alot will be done to try and make a change…BUT!!! As per usual there will be no consistency and Mr. Smith will follow the path of politicians before him and full his pockets…He will make excuses as to why this and that is not done as yet…..I am sorry dude I know u mean well and yes everything u mentioned is on point…BUT!!! I believe ur just another one of those if I could I would but when I can I won’t politricktion….
@Tek it easy and wait yuh turn
Your writing is like an illiterate Gaston Brown minni me. Grow up and stop looking for attention.
Here is a backbencher MP articulating some of the things that needs to be addressed to make Antigua and Barbuda a better place. He states it without any political rancor; and your reaction is to be a baffon; looking for attention while hiding behind a alley cat internet name.
Spineless idiots should not be telling others take it easy
@Tek it easy and wait yuh turn
You are suggesting as an Opposition MP should take it easy, and not do his job of criticizing the Government of the Day.
If you has criticized the substance of what is stated by the MP; I’d neither fell or hold any rancor. Are there others who should be writing or saying what he has written rather than himself.
He should not articulate the changes he thinks will make us a better nation; but for him to take it easy so the country can be to continue to produce and be populated by individuals with the mental state such as yourself.
Even though he is despised, Gaston Browne remains the Prime Minister. Among the reasons, no one has emerged to capture the imagination of our people; by articulating with charisma our hopes and dreams; supported by sound policy proposals.
The work begins the day you loose or win. Not at election time with a manifesto.
@Sharon Lycorish
Take some of your time on this forum and put together a list of suggestions to improve your neighborhood that the MP can champion.
Rather than waiting for your MP walking around the Constituency. Send him information on Government failures affecting your community that are significant, but not readily discernable.
Among Antigua’s political issues is the practice of seeing the MP.
If government is functioning well in delivering services why do you want to see the MP.
If Government is failing its citizens and an opposition MP is pointing out those failures with limited ability to take direct action.
What is the value of seeing the MP if he is publicly fighting for you?
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