The Benefit of Comparison: Antigua and Barbuda Better Under ABLP Than UPP
By Hon. E. P Chet Greene
Antigua and Barbuda’s political history has been marked by two dominant parties: the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the PLM/UPM/UNDP/UPP (same actors). By analyzing their leadership, policies, and impact on national progress, I will make the irrefutable case that the ABLP has consistently demonstrated a superior ability to govern, with significant benefits for the country.
Sir V.C. Bird Snr. , the “Father of the Nation,” (1976-1994) laid the groundwork for Antigua and Barbuda’s independence in 1981. His tenure was marked by a focus on labor rights, social infrastructure, and the establishment of essential industries. Bird’s vision transformed the country into a beacon of economic potential and the envy of the Eastern Caribbean.
In contrast, Sir George Walter (1971-1976), identified for his leadership in the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (ATLU) and the formation of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU, struggled during his term as premier. Walter’s administration lacked the long-term planning and assertive policies that characterized Bird’s tenure. While Walter was instrumental in agitating for workers’ rights, once elected his government faced challenges in sustaining economic growth and maintaining political stability.
Sir Lester Bird’s (1994-2004) tenure as Prime Minister was a turning point for Antigua and Barbuda and was marked by economic modernization and infrastructural expansion, particularly in tourism. He spearheaded projects like Heritage Quay and Jolly Harbour, which remain pivotal to the nation’s economic fabric. Bird also championed regional integration and won admiration and respect for Antigua and Barbuda on the international stage.
Baldwin Spencer’s UPP administration (2004-2014), lacked focus and failed to deliver on his election platform of transparency and accountability and failed to manage the economy which careened Antigua and Barbuda into an IMF austerity program. The Global Financial Crisis during his tenure strained resources and Spencer’s policies lacked the dynamism required to revitalize growth. His administration’s approach to local and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), tourism included, did not match the transformative impact of Bird’s initiatives.
Gaston Browne’s leadership (2014-present) represents a modern era of progress for Antigua and Barbuda. His administration has implemented forward-thinking policies, including attracting foreign direct investment, revitalizing the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP), and prioritizing renewable energy projects. Browne has also focused on education and healthcare, introducing measures to make these sectors more accessible and equitable.
Additionally, Browne’s government has navigated global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, with resilience, ensuring that the economy remains stable while protecting vulnerable communities.
Under the ABLP, Antigua and Barbuda has maintained a strong international presence, advocating for climate justice, sustainable development, and the interests of small island developing states (SIDS). Leaders like Gaston Browne and Sir Lester Bird have positioned the country as a regional leader and a global voice on critical issues.
In comparison, the UPP’s international approach lacked the same level of assertiveness and innovation. While Baldwin Spencer sought to strengthen ties with key partners, his administration did not achieve the same international prominence as the ABLP.
The ABLP has consistently driven economic growth through diversified investments in tourism, infrastructure, and financial services. Gaston Browne’s emphasis on public-private partnerships has unlocked significant development projects, including hotel expansions and technological advancements.
The UPP also failed to deliver on its governance reforms platform and struggled to maintain economic momentum during global downturns. Spencer’s administration faced criticism for its handling of public debt and lack of substantial infrastructure development.
Under the ABLP, Antigua and Barbuda has seen substantial progress in education including the fourth landed campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), healthcare to include modernization of the services at Sir Lester Bird Mount St. John Medical Centre, construction and the operationalization of two polyclinics and general upgrades to the national healthcare infrastructure, and affordable government housing projects which have uplifted countless citizens.
The UPP failed to address corruption and governance while in office. They also failed to achieve acceptable levels of socio-economic advancement. Their policies often lacked the scale and ambition of ABLP’s transformative initiatives.
Tourism has always been the backbone of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, but the ABLP has consistently driven its growth to new heights. Under Lester Bird and Gaston Browne, the country has seen the development of luxury resorts, the expansion of cruise tourism, and increased airlift capacity. These efforts cemented Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a premier destination globally.
While the UPP also invested in tourism, their policies were more reactive than proactive. Their approach to tourism lacked the comprehensive vision and aggressive marketing strategies we see implemented by the ABLP.
The comparative analysis of leadership, policies, and outcomes under the ABLP and UPP (by whatever other name) demonstrates that Antigua and Barbuda has experienced greater stability, growth, and development under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. From Sir V.C. Bird Snr.’s foundational leadership to Gaston Browne’s progressive governance, the ABLP has consistently delivered transformative policies that enhance the lives of citizens and solidify Antigua and Barbuda’s standing on the global stage.
The benefits of comparison therefore favor the ABLP, highlighting its unparalleled contribution to the nation’s progress and prosperity. This is a clear and undeniable truth.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Well written!
Unlimited corruption under ALP/ABLP never forget that too. ABLP has taken corruption to an unprecedented level. Chet you have to keep sucking up to Gaston because you think you are next in line; never happen while Daryl is around
Hon. E. P Chet Greene please go away. I don’t know why we keep having to read your self serving articles.
UPP is not in Power for how Long? You inept ABLP politicians have enough time to be making Comparisons with UPP instead of taking the time to do the People’s Business.Which party Reap off the country the most? Which party allow The white people to fench Beach access? Which party minister sign passport falsely and instead of jail got attorney general? Which party prime minister son becomes a millionaire with crown land? Which party paid to fix building and Government paying millions to Rent it.which Government Tear gas the people?which prime minister boast he pad up constituency to win election? Which Government had water cannon for ✈️ written Antigua Airline and was duped by Nigerians.I can go on and on.Time is longer than Rope. If Baldwin had use to court to prosecute some of you for your crimes in office before 2004 you would not be able to talk now.Last question.Which minister was involve in Crime and a Dominican could not return to Antiguan only when ABLP won Elections in 2014.
If we going get a comparison can it at head non partisan . Or list actual achievements on both sides not a list of one did this and one didn’t
I asked UPP for student aid (grant and or loans) and they refuse, saying enough attorneys exist. I then completely law school degree and other degrees and asked ABLP to simply expressed to COP and fire-arms commission that I have an endeavor of national importance so can they act reasonably and timely (since my endeavor has substantial national importance), every single ABLP membership ignored my pleadings and the PM was even bold enough to say I can not help you.
I sent a letter to the Honorable President Biden, who sent me an amazing letter in support. Thank you US President.
So, who did my country worse (as my endeavor would have provided jobs and enhance safety and tourism in Antigua and Barbuda); who did my family and village the worse (as my family and village would have my great paying jobs and me)? Then, who did me wrong by refusing to give me a scarce commodity (cash) and who refused to give me the easiest and most available resource (support)?
I am asking the public to participate in my interactive comment and respond to my questions. Who did Antigua and Barbuda, Bolans Village and my way of helping the worse in my way of helping prospective? Please participate. Even MP Chet Green to this day ignored my pleadings.
I expressed my problem, and seeing if the selected representative of Bolans will act, so I can provide jobs to Antiguans and Barbudans, Bolans villagers and my family (even those who treat politicians like God and better than their own family who has done more for them than any politicians).
Again, I will be donating substantially to the police and to Bolans Village. The two areas that my heart is in (law and family/community). And I do not want votes).
What is the point of these stupid and irrelevant comparisons? Is it to shift attention from the incompetence of this current group of ABLP politicians? Hon Chet Greene, you are part of a Government that continues to fail in every area of governance. The economy is stagnating and has barely recovered from pre-covid levels. The problems of poor infrastructure, water shortages, insecurity, crime, corruption, high prices..are burdens that Antiguans have to face..and which you and the Government of which you are a part..are incapable of solving. The UPP’s tenure ended 10 years now!!! Antiguans are not interested in your pointless comparisons. Tell us what you and Gaston are doing to solve today’s problems..but of course you have nothing to say..except lies and empty promises..
I’m too young to know most of what was written here, so I honestly can’t comment as to whether it’s true or not.
However, this message is coming from the wrong messenger. You’re not independent,and as such, I’m highly suspicious of the content of this article
Chet “corruption” in public office/government begins and ends with the ALP – Antigua Labour Party and the ABLP – Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party. Let’s just go back thirty-five years and begin , by taking a look at the Bloom Cooper Inquiry to the LINDQUIST – IHI Report to Antigua Airways and all of the lack of proper independent forensic auditing of ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, then Chet Greene can come to Us and speak about “corruption.”
“Corruption” in the public domain begins and ends with ALP and ABLP.
Asot’ jumby must begin to speak the facts and truth from his grave.
Chet Greene is only maneuvering for the Prime Minister’s position. Mind you, he might just pull it off!
The only way to really measure whether or not hardworking Antiguans are better off under Gaston Browne tutelage (as I mentioned recently), is to tap your pockets, check your purse and wallets, look into your bank account for any savings. Then go outside and look at the disgusting roads and drainage (even around the country).
Then venture back inside your yard, open up your food cupboards to see if it has enough inside to feed your family for a month, or even a week.
That’s how you really measure if you are living well or just surviving from day to day.
Chet’s talk is just that …. TALK!!!
When we use our own eyes, the REAL truth is revealed to one and all.
@Brixtonian, I like how you steered me back to the points: tap your pocket, focus on what is happening now, and comparing is irrelevant when you are still suffering. You are letting people know to focus on the issues.
I am willing to donate $5000ec to anyone (one person) who provide me credible evidence (subjective) that the PM (Browne) and other ABLP member have contacted that person to do something like getting the PM and ABLP MP’s family or friend and approval or decision on the merit or timely decision on an application for that family or friends or the PM or ABLP MP’s personal application or request.
I am asking this because Prime Minister, Browne, said I cannot help you when I asked him to acknowledge crime victim advocacy/representation and research to be of national importance and substantial merit so that I can present this not only to agencies and departments for them to act reasonably and timely but also to submit to the US.
PM Brown say he cannot help and ABLP MPs completely ignored my request. I want to see if they did it for their sons, daughter, girlfriend, mother, family and friends and themself.
This is an actual offer, valid until 11am on December 4, 2024. Credible evidence judged in my subjective view, $5000ec, only one person could meet the requirements. (Govern entirely by my view).
Just like when the PM came off the show with the guy and immediately requested his radio and tv and for the government to begin doing deals with this social media guy. He immediately acknowledge the importance of the social media platform and he and others must begin spending money on that guy’s service and business.
I did not request money but support in the form of a letter or phone call telling COP, firearms commissions and other agencies/dureaus/departments in Antigua and Barbuda that my crime victim advocacy and research endeavor is of national importance and should be dealt with in a reasonable and timely manner. That was literally all I wanted. The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, the Attorney General of Antigua and Barbuda, formerly my rolemodel, Cutie Benjamin, ignored me. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chet Greene, ignored me. The representative at the time for Bolans Village, Samantha Marshall, say she cannot support any idea and ignored me. ABLP all of them refuse to help. I will never forgive them for this until this is fixed in a manner of my choosing.
I think we know why Tek Tek Chet didn’t mention corruption. Nuff Said!
one word: JOHN ASHE
Though I understand where the writer might be coming from nevertheless the article seems like it was written by an inexperience kid.
“SHARPEN YOU CUTLISS BACK AND BELLY. CHAP DEM UP”!!!!!!
Mr. Spencer was the WORST Prime Minister Antigua has ever seen….2nd to George “STEEL FRAME” Walter!
Mr. Spencer didn’t do shit for his constituency or his country! All he was good for was KICKBACKS, BRIBERY, GREED, CORRUPTION and 18/6. John Ashe exposed his true colours for all to see!!!!
“A “former Prime Minister” of Antigua & Barbuda is being cited as having received portions of the BRIBES paid to ex-diplomat John Ashe…”
“According to the testimony of the FBI agent, “during the same period”, Ashe sent the then Prime Minister (Spencer) approximately US$170,000.”
He was the leader of the WICKED “SUNSHINE GOVERNMENT” that scald, bruise and broke the backs of Antiguans and Barbudans
Oversaw the purchase of a “NEW”power plant (blood-in-hotel-lobby)
Can’t Park at East Bus Station
15% abst in one fell swoop
hardship and suck sarl under his IMF gov’t
a legacy of WICKEDNESS, HARDSHIP, BRIBES AND CORRUPTION! Wimoth Daniel wrote letter stating a Cabinet member tried to bribe him and what did Mr. Spencer do? nothing.
a MAOR DISAPPOINTMENT for a “grassroots PM”. what a waste!!!!
Again, another writer with the attention span as wide a two year old.. 😂.
10yrs ago, a 24yr old was 14, a 20yr old was 10, you get my drift? So most of these crime kids(so called gangsters) that Gatson Browne negotiated with in his recent meeting with them, grew up under this ALBP regime, so who’s failure is that writer?
This government has neglected the youth of Antigua and have allowed violent crimes to spiral out of control in this country.
The most vicious and notorious murder rate happened under this said Governments watch. For Christ Sake, even a member of parliament was murdered in his home, again,under this Government.
All these missing persons cases and unsolved murders,again, happened under this government.
So while this writer with his glorious comparisons, what they fail to realize,is that we are still under the leadership of this inept government, who is in no way getting better at running the country, so why should we expect these very problems we are currently facing will be resolved by this government?
So all this UPP talk is just scapegoating, because let’s not forget that it is not the opposition that is running the country,it is Gatson Browne and his band of corrupt bandit’s that are indeed in power.
But at best, this article is really laughable, and only speaks to the glaring ineptitude in this current government to fix the problems that Antiguan’s are facing at this current time.
@Rasiley.
Stop the BS and stop posting under my name(the true islanman26)
No need to hide your “John Ashe” post under my name. If you are that confident in your opinions,post under your own name, Joker.
This is not the first time someone tries to post under my name on this forum, only trying to cause conflict and contradiction, knowing I’m totally against Gatson Brownes corrupt government. But it won’t work fool, so try another tactic.