Source Real News- The Development Control Authority (DCA) continues to show that it is politically influenced, and the United Progressive Party (UPP) is planning to
sue its officials for the destruction of a caretaker’s billboard.
On the morning of Holy Thursday, March 28, DCA officials demolished and removed a billboard that had stood on the Whenner Road premises of the
Party’s St. Mary’s North constituency branch.
The billboard was the property of UPP Senator Johnathan Joseph.
Accordingly, attorney Leon “Chaku” Symister, the Party’s spokesperson on legal matters, says the action taken by the DCA will be challenged in the High Court of Justice.
Calling the action illegal and politically motivated, Symister confirmed to REAL News that UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle has directed that this matter be taken before the court right away.
The January 18, 2023 General Election came and went and the October
2023 by-election in St. Mary’s South, as well.
But, apparently, it has only just come to the attention of DCA head
Frederick Southwell, the town and country planner, that political billboards
are still in place.
In a letter dated March 25, 2024, and addressed to Senator Shawn
Nicholas, the general secretary of the UPP, Southwell writes that
permission was granted to the Party on December 15, 2022, for the
temporary erection of political billboards for the 2023 General Election.
According to him, the UPP entered into an agreement in which it was
“explicitly” stated that all political material should be removed within 14
days following the election.
Southwell says it has come to the DCA’s attention that political materials for
the Party remain displayed well beyond the stipulated time frame granted –
which is an oversight on the Authority’s part –and this contravenes the
condition of the agreement.
He adds that this failure also impacts regulatory compliance, as stipulated
in Section 51 of the Physical Planning Act, 2003.
The town and country planner therefore instructed the Party to take
immediate action to remove all political paraphernalia “without further
delay.”
Failure to do so “will leave the DCA with no other option but to proceed with the demolition” of the associated political materials, the letter says; so the
UPP should act promptly to avoid any unnecessary actions.
That letter was received yesterday, March 27, one day before the
demolition of the St. Mary’s North caretaker’s billboard.
Tellingly, Southwell appears to be focused only on billboards belonging to
UPP politicians, since those of the Antigua Labour Party’s candidates
remain in place, undisturbed.
On Whenner Road, mere yards from Senator Joseph’s branch office, a
billboard displaying Sir Molwyn Joseph and Prime Minister Gaston Browne
remained upright after the demolition of the UPP property.
In the prime minister’s constituency of St. John’s City West – 14 months
after the General Election – a canvas of his image still stands on a plot of
land reportedly owned by his relatives, while “political” billboards are said to
remain on display in St. Paul, as well.
This arbitrary removal of Senator Joseph’s billboard appears to have been
sparked by a canvas that was displayed there two Fridays ago.
That canvas showed a photo of Brian Stuart-Young, Global Bank of
Commerce’s chief executive officer; quoted a statement from Prime
Minister Browne; and referred to the millions of United States dollars the
offshore bank owes businessman Jack Stroll.
With zero notice for removal or appeal, the DCA destroyed and removed
the poster, leaving the original display – an image of Senator Joseph –
intact and the billboard upright.
Then, last Friday, another canvas bearing Stuart-Young’s image and a call
for the bank to pay Stroll was summarily removed from a billboard owned
by UPP parliamentarian Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, in Bolans.
Simon has since said he intends to sue the DCA for trespassing on private
property.
Residents have been critical of the DCA’s actions and accused the agency
– which falls within the portfolios of the prime minister’s wife, Maria Browne
– of being politically directed.
They contend that these actions are in breach of the constitutional right to
freedom of expression and that the DCA has no legal authority to regulate
the content, or message, of billboards.
Others have alleged that the destruction of the messages are Prime
Minister Browne’s heavy-handed attempts to shield Stuart-Young from
public criticism.
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WASTE of time. Use the cash and EDUCATE yourself. Jamale check your back to see if the knives your Colleagues planted are still there. UPP using You. CHAKU does not win cases. WAKE UP.
@ JUMBO
Obviously you are in the minority……..Pringle is an honest and HUMBLE man, unlike the ARROGANT PIGGISG PRIME MINISTER OF ANTIGUA.
@ Jumbo, I suggest before u advise others to edutlcate themselves, u need to be first in line.
@Jumbo: ONE OF THINGS YOU COULD NOT,AND CANNOT CALL PRINGLE IS A THIEF. COULD YOU SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT YOUR PERSON IN GOVERNANCE.
CHUPTZ. CHUPTZ. CHUPTZ. STUPID.
Satan finds work for idle hands. Tell DCA to go around and inspect the poor quality of work being done on the big construction sites in Antigua. All they do is have it in for the poor.
A Billboard … an F’ing Billboard.
There are so much wrong with this country and the Opposition Leader is suing over a billboard.
There is no doubt that the removal of the billboards is a demonstration of political bias and might be illegal. Is this what is being used to illustrate a better alternative to the oppressive conditions in which we live?
Where is the “THOUGHT LEADERSHIP? IS THERE ANY?
DCA approves multiple projects regularly that violates the environmental laws resulting in permanent harm to the environment. Two Barbudans sues and eventually won at the Privy Council. They did not take cheap political shots. They articulated the wrongs in public, stayed the course and did not wait for politicians to get a cheap political play.
It’s time for The UPP to display some: “THOUGHT LEADERSHIP”; which then leads to TALENT ACQISITION.
This billboard issue is a single issue that does not move the political needle. It’s the time for THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
@CountryMan Abroad…
#Kaiso_4_So!
And still; yet still, even though!
You may reside Abroad!
I can tell, that you’re not a fraud!
‘Nor, even afraid; to say how it go!
‘Cause, just like #King_Bold_Face
You’ll put it, in our Face!
From West, East, South or North!
Of, how many things ought
But, “when dem no kno!”
#King_Bold_Face say!
On a day, like today!
What they call #All_Fools_Day!
Since, this too; ‘tis a lie!
And, no chickens falling from Mr. Skye!
He too, say! “Wen dem no know!
Dem just, no know.”
There’s not a need to wonder why?
Oh why? Why?! Why?
They call April 1st; all_fools_day!
After rabbits, done laid their egg!
But, ONLY on a Sunday.
However, the real question(s) still beg!
Why by these #fools, we’re still led
I’m referring to these politicians
All, cut from the same cloth and Ruling Our Nation.
You’d think, there’d be an Ascension
As was, the Wholly_Ghosts intention
But, as we can see!
From Sea to Shining Sea.
These poliTRICKtans are acting like Hollywood Celebrities.
And, channelling the likes of Puff Daddy!
So, to you my CountryMan Abroad
Whether, it’s DNA, Go Green, ABLP or UPP
According to someone like Vere C. Bird, the Third!
The one, some refer to as a #turd!
Who’s dying to be heard!
They’re peeing on the whole Country!
Saying, “we are solving the water problem!”
Yet, still And still; even though we the People,
Know how to rise! Rise! Rise! Rise!
These Charlatans in their disguise 🥸
Is still leading the #SHEEPLE;
As a whole! Whole! Whole!
Down, the ALL FOOLS RABBIT HOLE.
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
Back to you the wordsmith of our times. The true history of the Garrat is yet to be told.
Gaston wins again with his deflection. It’s not just about having DCA removal of the billboards, but with getting Brian Stuart-Young his former co-worker, now his ambassador and off the lips and sight of Antiguans.
The billboards financing: the placement of images of Gaston and Brian Stuart-Young, may serve a larger financial objective, as well as legal political purposes; but they are beyond the political understanding of most of the voting public.
No longer is Brian Stuart-Young in the headlines. That was Gaston’s objective and his fight. Gaston and his Cabinet as well as his Senators objective are to have Antiguans arguing and insulting each other; while they get on with the business of “Creative Enrichment.”
Rather than billboards, Parliamentary questions should have included the presumed failures of the Financial Service Regulatory Commission (FSRC) in monitoring Global Bank of Commerce of which Brian Stuart-Young is CEO.
That would have been a back door to Brian Stuart-Young rather than controversies of the billboard removal.
UPP cannot compete with Gaston Browe and the ABLP in the gutter.
It’s time to get beyond the lowlife chatter; and articulate issues and policies that are transformative.
@CountryMan Abroad…
Ah wah ah guarne?!
It’s going to take a dynamic Paradigm Shift, especially, when it comes to the overall thought process(es), of the People.
There are disadvantages in attempting, to achieve such a shift, due to the fluid and ever changing culture and population. On the other hand, the fluid and ever changing nature, of the population is serving those at the apex very well.
It’s not impossible and improbable, to achieve such a Paradigm Shift. While, you mention the fact, that the Ecumenical Order(s), must play a significant role in achieving this, the said Ecumenical Order(s) are in part responsible for the root cause, of this docility of the People’s way of thinking.
As we all know, ain’t no god Coming Soon out of no sky, nor from under the sea, to save the Nation; and, this is the main albatross which is hanging around the People’s neck.
You have to get up, off those bended knees, put your shoulders to the wheel to get out of the quagmire.
I have no idea, if your familiar with the Yahoo Group – Ah Antigua Me Cum From or the CARIBARENA online news portal; however, several mentions were made to form such things, as Independent Think Tanks, to draft and debate policies which would benefit Our Nation positively.
Such ideas never materialised.
Individuals such as myself are not tired of ‘beating the drums’ for such Paradymn Shifts. The GOAT skin has worn thin but, they’ve been replaced and the rhythms are still in the blood to be sounded out.
We have a lot of work to do; but, our tenacious nature will still rise us up!
And still we rise, for life is still, A Dream Within A Dream!
…A serious EARTHQUAKE is coming!
…the eclipse has dawned!
…a new generation will be spawned!
…on, the dawning of a New_Day!
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
I think people are missing the point. The DCA is wrong and if UPP were in power we wouldn’t hear the end of it. No labourite with a conscience should be upholding what is going on right now.
There is no such thing as “labourite with a conscience” If you think Laborites has a conscience exists; then I have a church to sell you which will guarantee your entrance into the pearly gates.
It’s time for people to realize that trying to convince a laborite that their party is wrong in some situations, is like speaking to a donkey. You are better off having conversations with independent minds! These people are not for country, they are for themselves and until they realize that, they will be forever begging.
It’s about time that many of the actions of government institutions be challenged in a
The Court. These institutions are often used by politicians to violate the rights of the people, and the people need to fight back. Mr. Southwell is quite frankly unsuited for the job, and DCA has been a cesspool of incompetence irregularities, abuse of power and allege corruption. This proposed legal action is required to start the cleanup process. Next up for an investigation should be the Department of the Environment, someone has to give some answers on how project funds are managed. Hint hint hint!
Antigua First, If you are waiting for any labourite to recognize the bias and speak out against it, you’re really wasting your time. Don’t expect anything sensible from the red koolaid drinkers, they are incapable of any independent thinking. Don’t give these silly people any more of your time, you cannot make a leopard change its spots, it’s not a costume.
You know what I realize antiguans only comment on nonsensical political happenings bet if they was talking about something that’s pertaining to the betterment of the country you Antiguans would never comment lololol
I would agree; it’s a fact of life in Antigua and Barbuda.
It always amaze me how much comments are made on nonsensical political topics, as well as the knowledge and intellect of many of the commentators.
It’s an embarrassment to me, but an outlet for many who lack the tools and facts to reason.
We live with the misguided narrative that Antigua and Barbuda is a democracy.
Our rights of free speech are restricted by draconian laws.
Any attempts at free expression is a death wish by retribution and loss of government services.
The political class benefit from the name calling and derogatory language used, and the vile language we direct towards each other.
This nasty language is no longer just a practice; it’s ingrained in our culture.
Two of the foremost practitioners of dirty language towards those with whom they disagree are the Prime Minister and The Speaker of Parliament.
If anyone thinks that Democracy is not under attack more than ever before, in Antigua and Barbuda; you have not been paying attention.
While the formal authority is vested in the people through the monarch.
The state (Cabinet) is the executive committee of the exploiting class. Antigua and Barbuda is what has been historically called a “plutocracy”, and not a democracy.
These pages of ANR are overwhelmingly evidence of the lack of free expression.
The billboard fiasco proves that more than ever.
High taxes are an issue; lack of government service are an issue, economic inequality and hopelessness are an issue for many. Lack of government transparency is a major problem.
Without a robust democracy we will never get out of our morass.
Again, one must congratulate the ABLP on this brilliant deflectionary tactic, using the DCA and other devious ways from the woes of the Antiguan economy they have single handedly disrupted, distorted and destroyed, with high taxation, inflation, and with the added outcome in struggles for survival of the hardworking citizens.
OUTSTANDING DEAD CAT NARRATIVE 👏🏾
The Honourable Jamale Pringle and the future UPP government are correct in looking at the legal side and implications, but must also be aware that the ABLP are past masters at winning litigation matters, whether through cronyism or knowing friends in very high judicial places.
However, one could be wrong … 😉
@ BRIXTONIAN
You are getting on my DAMN nerves. Suing for billboards is feather in Jamale Pringle cap ? This is so damn stupid. Tell Jamale to choose his battles. This is for sure Not one of Them. Why you guys keep MISGUIDING Jamale ???. Very shameful. BRIXTONIAN, You sound FOOLISH by the day. Find a job…you Clown.
FERNEY, I keep telling you that you shouldn’t let my beautiful play on words upset and discombobulate you.
Let Brixtonian remind you once again:
1 My words didn’t place high taxation on Antiguans – but guess who did by inaction?
2. My eloquent locution isn’t the reason for the lack of housing in Antigua – but guess who did so by their inaction?
3. Again, the wonderful elegance of my turn of phrases didn’t halt the two airline fiascos – and left Africans stranded – that still plagues the country – but guess who did so by their inaction?
4. The lack of a decent water system wasn’t due to my erudite pronouncements – but guess who did so by their inaction?
5. Antigua’s Road infrastructure isn’t lacking because of my grammarian magniloquence and idioms – but guess who did so by their inaction?
I could treble this list quite easily, but I think you get my drift FERNEY ..
Remember, it’s ACTIONS and NOT WORDS that gets things done; and you’d do well to direct your ire at Gaston Browne and the ABLP accordingly.
Bwoi, taking ABLP acolytes is easy …
What’s the fuss! The ‘Worl Boss’ is doing a demo to get his grades from the Chinese. Molwyn did his recently but fell a bit short because he didn’t quite remember his assignment. The entire party has to be assessed so take note that there is more to come.
Here’s hoping that this is just the beginning and that patriotic Antiguans and Barbudans are willing to offer financial support. The Friars Hill property rental stinks of corruption and should be addressed in the courts as well.
The GBC debacle will play out because, rest assured, Young will not sink alone.
Southwell is just one of the numerous compromised, spineless civil servants who either condone the corruption or are involved somehow.
This Gaston Browne led ALP government is as corrupt as it gets.
There is in Antiguan society this bourgeoise mentality that makes people corruptible. Just to keep up appearances, they will sell their souls for filthy lucre. Conditions are just perfect for this under this administration.
@ Watching, I can’t wait for the UPP to get into power, for them to open up ALL the books, financial transactions and computer systems (hopefully, they won’t mysteriously disappear) of the ABLP; then once and for all the citizens of this country will REALLY understand why there was no transparency whilst under their governance.
2028 soon come. Hip hip …
… or should I say CIP CIP 😂😂😂
Antiguan’s stood up to Gatson Browne and his band of criminals, and what happened, they got teargas all in their faces, and many had to be transported to the hospital, so for some of you to sit there and say that Antiguan’s are just full of talk, well that’s just a very disingenuous statement.
I applaud anyone that take up the mantle to fight corruption,anyone, because God knows that I’m not afraid of any Government or oppressive Tyrant.
So standup Mr Pringle and fight, even the smallest battles,at least you’re fighting for something.
Many are on here talking about what the UPP lack, and not looking at what this corrupt government has perpetrated on the people of Antigua, that has put the UPP in the position to be fighting constantly with a government that robs and suppress it’s people.
That’s the sins we should be looking at, and stop blaming the UPP..
UPP didn’t get us here or have us here, they are not the leaders of this Nation. So why some are asking for the UPP to exercise leadership, why not ask and beckon to this Government to stop robbing and suppressing it’s people, isn’t that what has brought the UPP to be fighting on every front with these corrupt actions almost every week?
There is such a thing called “self defense” because first action counts..so if a man tries to kill you, it’s your actions to defend yourself, and each week, it’s a constant battle for the UPP to defend citizens from this corrupt Government.
So I applaud Mr Pringle, no matter how small the matter seems, because suppressing the rights of citizens is no small thing, trust me.
Yes the bank deal is criminal, so is the Antigua Airways debacle,the Gatson Browne son’ s saga, all those are criminal acts, but freedom of speech and expression is one of the fundamental rights we have as all humans, and for a government to try and take that away, well that’s a hill I’ll be willing to die on, trust me.
So big respect to UPP, at least they are fighting.
Reading all the comments here confirms that people don’t have the capacity to stay focused on any subject matter.
Nothing will change because the issues for which you’re fighting are never addressed with any specificity. Referring to too many trivial issues is a recipe for the absurdity of absent-mindedness.
What are they really suing for exactly?
There is a difference between what is legal and what is advisable.
The fact that the DCA gave permission for a billboard to be displayed for a political campaign for a finite period but allowed more latitude for display doesn’t give the permittee the right to have someone else use it for free or for a fee to display another marketing campaign without the permission of the DCA.
Town and Country Planning in any jurisdiction is responsible for zoning and granting permission, albeit one’s personal property.
I’m not legally trained as legal spokesperson Symester but common sense rules the day.
If you violated a rule but approach the court with the argument that other billboards are still standing, the court should charge you an additional fee for wasting the court’s time.
The point is two wrongs don’t make a right.
This argument is misdirected and ill-advised by the legal counsel of the opposition leader, Hon. Jamale Pringle.
Yes, I’m a Labour Party supporter, but is a common sense matter. Objectivity is seriously lacking.
… And number 6. Dave Ray NEVER responds to any criticism of this awful ABLP government or Gaston Browne.
As always those living abroad think they know all the answers, yet they would never return here, because seeing the SUFFERING of Antiguans under the ABLP is believing. Coward!!!
Shouting from abroad is easy …
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