Parker Returns to UPP, Citing ‘Moral Crossroad’ and Deepening Political Divide

Malaka Parker Returns to National Politics, Calling Antigua and Barbuda’s Future a ‘Defining Moment’

Former senator Malaka Parker has re-entered Antigua and Barbuda’s political arena after what she describes as a two-year absence from active politics, saying the country is at a “moral and political crossroad” and in urgent need of ethical and stable leadership. Her return also marks a renewed membership in the United Progressive Party, the organisation that first gave her a national platform — though she most recently aligned herself with the Democratic National Alliance.

In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, Parker said she decided to resume political work after extended reflection and encouragement from residents, community leaders and supporters who told her the nation “deserves better: better leadership, better governance, and a renewed sense of national purpose.”

Parker issued one of her strongest public critiques yet of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party administration, saying she has watched with “growing concern” what she believes is a steady decline in political values. She accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises of becoming an “economic powerhouse,” arguing instead that the country now faces “mismanagement, inflated promises, and deep social inequality.”

She also said corruption, nepotism and the abuse of public office have weakened institutions and deepened public frustration. According to her, the current period is “one of the most troubling” in modern political history, marked by rising poverty and a cost of living that has placed “unbearable strain on working families.”

Parker accused the administration of using intimidation, “public bullying,” and character attacks to silence dissent. “Freedom of expression, once a hallmark of our democracy, has been steadily eroded by an increasingly volatile and authoritarian leadership style,” she wrote, adding that many citizens privately express alarm about the country’s direction.

She questioned whether the population has become “desensitized” to wrongdoing and said the public’s patience is wearing thin. “My people, are we now so desensitized to these acts of national betrayal? … They have gotten a long long rope; it is time to remind them who hold the handle.”

While she returns to the UPP — the party that originally launched her national political career — Parker acknowledged that the organisation is not without internal challenges. She described it as “divided in spirit and weakened by internal fractures,” but argued that it remains the most viable political movement to “redeem” and reform the country.

She stressed that her decision is “guided by conviction not convenience,” and said she is not returning to relive earlier chapters in the party but to help rebuild, refocus and strengthen it into “a people’s party rooted in integrity, service, and fairness.”

Parker said leadership requires courage — “the courage to stand for what is right even when it is unpopular” — and said she intends to advocate for transparency, equality and civic empowerment within the UPP’s ranks. She also praised members she believes have demonstrated resilience, integrity and capacity to lead in line with the aspirations of the public.

Framing this moment as pivotal, Parker said Antigua and Barbuda faces a fundamental national choice. The country, she said, can “continue down a path of decay and division” or move toward restoring “integrity, hope, and progress.”

“It is time to rein in the unruly and the unconscionable,” she wrote, urging residents to reject what she described as “vulgar disrespect” directed at the public and to join a broader effort to reshape the political culture. “Join me!” her statement concluded.

Parker’s return adds a high-profile voice to the political debate as the opposition and government prepare for the next electoral cycle, signalling her intention to play a renewed and active role in the country’s public life.

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