Prime Minister Gaston Browne has emphasized the importance of a strong and competent opposition to enhance governance and accountability in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne called for a viable political opposition capable of effectively challenging the government on policies and holding it to account, describing the current state of the United Progressive Party (UPP) as the “weakest opposition” in the nation’s political history.
Browne argued that a well-functioning democracy relies on an opposition that can engage in substantive debates, offer credible alternatives, and scrutinize government actions. “We want a strong opposition because we want to be kept on our toes,” he said, stressing that an ineffective opposition does a disservice to the people of Antigua and Barbuda by failing to address critical issues or propose meaningful solutions.
The Prime Minister criticized the UPP’s internal dysfunction, claiming that petty rivalries, poor communication, and a lack of strategic vision have rendered the party incapable of fulfilling its role as a viable opposition. He cited recent developments, such as Jermaine Edwards’ withdrawal from the St. John’s Rural South primary, as evidence of the UPP’s inability to attract and retain competent individuals. Edwards’ critique of the party’s inefficiency and organizational shortcomings, Browne said, reflects broader structural issues within the opposition.
Browne also highlighted the UPP’s reliance on rhetoric over substance in parliamentary debates, particularly during budget discussions. He accused opposition members of failing to conduct proper research or present data-driven critiques, which he believes weakens their ability to effectively challenge government policies. “When you have people who can’t even read or interpret a budget properly, how do you expect them to provide credible alternatives?” he asked.
Despite his criticism, Browne underscored the importance of having a capable opposition to ensure robust governance. He pointed to his administration’s achievements, including investments in education, infrastructure, and economic development, as examples of policies that benefit from constructive scrutiny and debate. A strong opposition, he noted, would help to refine these policies and ensure their effective implementation.
The Prime Minister’s remarks also reflect broader concerns about political leadership and capacity building in Antigua and Barbuda. Browne called for all political parties to prioritize education and professional development, arguing that leadership in the modern era requires a foundation of knowledge and expertise. “We cannot afford to regress into an era where ignorance is celebrated, and intellectual achievement is vilified,” he said, urging opposition members to pursue higher education and upskilling.
Browne’s comments come at a time when political analysts are questioning the UPP’s readiness to compete in future elections. As Antigua and Barbuda continues to navigate complex challenges, including climate resilience, economic recovery, and global competitiveness, the need for a capable and visionary opposition becomes increasingly evident.
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A government cannot say the opposition is not competent or viable if that same “incompetent and not viable” opposition took political seats from. If they are not viable and they won seat from you, what should we say about your party, ABLP, for having “not viable” win you?
UPP is a DYSFUNCTIONAL party. The present UPP MPS are UNTRAINABLE. Lacking basic EDUCATION.
Pringle say the same thing about the BUDGET without reading it.He said the following
.( The Budget is the same year after year) How Dumb can you be PRINGLE ?.
Oops! My bad, because under my government the opposition can’t access the government media or get critical information, and you see this thing about information commissioner that was started under upp! I find it hard to continue it, you think I am going to give the opposition information on nyamco? Anyway Pringle is working with us keeping the accounts committee quiet, but anyway it takes someone with financial background and legal training to unravel the accounts committee documents, I agree that Lennox Weston was way academically qualified than me as prime minister of finance, but what the heck do as I say not as I do, because I am top dog, I want the opposition to come to parliament and read verbatim what I cook up and make me look good, talking about useful opposition, that Richard Lewis just keep making problem for me, anyway my insinuation that he is undermining pringle’s leadership by being better articulate, and refuse to dumb down himself so my security of tenure Pringle can continue preside as leader is becoming futile.
PM can now say that we need a viable opposition now the UPP has imploded. Immediately after the election at the first sitting when they were united, they had the same ABLP at their mercy. They had momentum and guess who looked ignorant then , ABLP.
Then the ALpha Nero sitting, again they , the uneducated united behind their leader, proved to be on the right side.
Again Suggy resigned and had the two legal experts like fools. Cutie and Sir Gerald chastised him and again it ended up being a brilliant move. He created history by becoming the first person to be elected to Parliament twice in one year. This united UPP had the PM campaigning and giving away millions of taxpayer’s money. Surely if we had campaign finance laws the educated would have gone to Jail. UPP was very united and poised to take the reins of government.
Then the conversation was announced and power struggle took over. First error the gang formed and signed pre-convention that they were supporting Lewis. They purposely leaked it to galvanize support for Lewis. It backfired because they now had two fractions- Lewis and Pringle. So after these MP including Bowen signed that document. What would happen if Pringle win. Are they going to lap their tails and line up behind the leader. They did not .
Anthony Smith although we are in a democracy also had is ambitions high – far too high and far too soon. He too wanted to be chairman of UPP party. He misread how he got elected. Yes he gave Michael Browne a beating. So it appeared . Mr. Smith did not beat Michael Brown . Michael beat himself. Smith won by default. If fact Michael was by far more talented. He miss read the importance of keeping a good campaign team together. He could have become anything- Gaston knew that and assisted his demise.
Smith got swell headed and challenged the Matriarch. This led to further decision and play into Gaston and the feeble, Aging APLP hands.
It is no secret that the young man was in financial problem. He was over his head in loans and piled up debts to an uncontrolled amount. Rumors say his wife lives an extravagant life style. Gaston seized the moments and from there on all up hill for ABLP and down hill for UPP. Loosing always causes division, finger pointing and demise. Especially when the head is attached and not supposed by all players.
Smith shocked the people of All Saints West and will have to do a ton to hold on to that seat come next election. All Saints is a like a swing state in American politics. All Saints voters are not spoilt by bribery. Hilroy Humphrey did not , Chandller most certainly did not , Michael Browns surely did not and in the last general elections Smith had nothing to give either. Smith could pay the price for his betrayal. I do understand that our laws allow him personally to become an independent candidate and that the PM has the right to put him in his cabinet. Smith failed to consult with his constituents, his die hard supporters. He is now looked on as a hypocrite. On the contrary he is young and can redeem himself with the younger voters who pay no mind to party politics.
So Hon. Gaston Browne you played a major role in destroying the opposition. It was good a political move you made for your survival as a leader and government.
There is a saying that favor fortune the brave. You are bold and decisive. Your party has even moved from an aging party to a youthful understudying. To add to your fortune Assot misfortune will soon give you another seat. To add to that Ribbon returned to parliament as a gladiator. Political is so funny, this same Robin who many were saying should retire, this same Robin who many say should not be still grabbing for Indian Town and Devils Bridge. The people, the same people are applauding to the point of immortalization.
Today if a general election is called the UPP can easily get 17 none. There is no UPP safe seat. The economy is doing great nothing else matters. Antigua people forgot about the self-enrichment talk. We are basically in a one party democracy state. Yes democratic.
Gaston is now like king Saul , head and shoulders above the rest.
Ain’t no stopping him now.
Gaston Browne, you would make the best opposition leader. Why not stop stealing elections by registering constituents in constituencies to help your comrades win? Have an honest election and see if you don’t become the best opposition leader.
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