Wehner Declines to Trade Insults After Browne Criticism
UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner has responded to criticism from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, saying he will not engage in a “tit for tat” exchange despite what he described as “unfortunate remarks” directed at him.
In a statement posted to social media, Wehner thanked relatives, supporters, church members, youth parliament colleagues and members of the public who reached out following comments made about him by the prime minister.
“I want to publicly express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to my relatives, church family, UPP family, youth parliament colleagues, friends, supporters, well-wishers and all citizens and residents of our beloved Antigua and Barbuda who called, texted or commented on social media to offer their support and encouragement in response to the unfortunate remarks hurled at me by the Prime Minister Gaston Browne,” Wehner said.
The senator said political leaders should seek to elevate rather than diminish public discourse.
“It is unfortunate that our leaders continue to lower the bar of our political and national discourse by engaging themselves in frivolous and disgraceful comments which debase the high office they hold,” he said.
Wehner said he would not respond in kind to the prime minister’s remarks.
“I will not degrade the Christianity I profess or the public office I hold by participating in the ‘tit for tat’ melee of disgracefully juvenile discourse often spewed by our leaders,” he said.
He added that he was not seeking an apology from Browne.
“Nor will I waste any time asking for an apology that I know will never come, especially when the Prime Minister has consistently shown the nation this is who he is throughout his 12 years in office,” Wehner said.
Instead, the senator posed a series of questions to the public about the standard of conduct expected from elected officials.
“Is this the behavior we find desirous in our nation’s leaders? Is this the behavior you want your children to emulate?” he asked.
Wehner urged citizens not to remain silent when public officials engage in conduct that he believes diminishes the offices they hold.
“Let us never condone or be silently complicit when those who occupy the high office we, the people, elected them to debase that office through their unbecoming behavior,” he said.
The statement follows remarks made by Browne on his Browne and Browne radio programme, where he criticized Wehner’s conduct following the opposition’s walkout from Parliament during last week’s controversy involving Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle. Browne described Wehner as “totally agitated” and suggested the young senator was “going down the wrong path.”
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
What high office?
I could never be lead by people like GB.
That man cannot look anyone in the eye and tell the truth.
Continue to blaze the fire young man..They don’t like truth..you would become their kryptonite, just watch. Continue your walk, with no apology.
Brovo.
Well said young man!
Gaston Browne and his cohorts are going to go all out to try and discredit you, and not because of your obvious abilities, but due to you your youth and inexperience.
It sounds like your Honourable father George has already warned you what to expect from these disingenuous ABLP members and their supporters.
Young man, use their criticisms to strengthen your resolve and also to your advantage. Believe you me it works!
The fact that they are paying you this much attention in your fledgling political career shows they are very concerned.
Only be troubled if you’re ignored by them…
You have a lot to learn little Wehner but you will learn. By the time you realize how the world of politics works, I hope you will have lost interest and gone on to greener pastures. Politics is not a young mans game so you should do something enjoyable in your prime before you waste it on the circus show that is the UPP. Apparently, you are smarter than your Father so don’t make the mistake of getting bogged down in the world of UPP circle jerk politics.
First mistake youth. Younger to get down and dirty in the gutter. This little softy boy politics you guys are engaging in, is the reason your in opposition.
Take a page from Gisel book and clap to words in demand tail.
This is politics, take your big head outta the skies with your fake outrage. Where were you when Serpent said the nastiest this about the Hon. Samantha Marshall?
No one likes fake people Jonathan.
Young man, take it from an old veteran politician, you have to slow your roll before you burn yourself out. That will be unfortunate. You have a bright future ahead of you.
I heard you on the radio about the Pringle throwout of Parliament and you were screaming and ready to burst a blood vessel.
Tek it easy!
All the talking that you and Chester and Malarka plan to do in the parliament is just that. Just that. All of you like to talk. UPP talk too damn much. Too much bright people. Antigua people not looking for talk. We tired of the talking.
My advice to you. Stop knocking up with all those old people you hang around with in UPP and go and look for some young people to be with. And get yourself a nice girlfriend. UPP is not worth wasting your substance on.
This little boy is a WHIPPER SNAPPER 😆 🤣 😂 Reality is now hitting him hard and fast. No longer is he being cushioned in an Observer Radio “softy” setting with PRESET QUESTIONS. Welcome to the real world where your ass is exposed and you are fair game just like anyone else.
George “HOUSE RENT” Wehner cannot save you. Take your blows like a man. Take off the Supermam kiddy brief and put on some boxer shorts.
At least Pearl “FOOTS” Quinn had a little backbone
Even Bramble voice has more bass than Young little JonaTANTRUM
Wow! The PM said so.
Youth man, this is the big times now, all them little play, play parliament are over, you are now a politician, which by now you should’ve known is a dirty, nasty and corrupt institution. My youth, hardball cricket is way different from softball cricket, so all this altar boy, Christianity, nice boy thing won’t work here. Wake up.
The knives are out. The ABLP hanger-ons are concerned about Senator Jonathan Wehner.
Even when he says he will not engage in the nastiness of Gaston Browne they see fault with him.
Jonathan Wehner I am a fan, so please take my criticism constructive. During the radio interview with Adrian you were screaming. One can get access his or her message across easier if you remain calm and poised. I see you as a future leader. I think you can still be aggressive and carry your message but try and come across more graceful and calculated.
Great speakers do not get into shouting matches. Take Martin Luther King for example, the abuse of his people, the murdering , of women and children, the bombing of churches with children- He was very angry- his voice and facial expressions showed anger, yet he did not scream. You said you are a Christian- well be angry and sin not. You loose tone when you shout.
Harold Lovell never shouted, PM Spence do not, D.Gisele Isaac with all the negative criticisms thrown at her from within and outside never got into screaming matches. In fact I seldom ever hear an educated person shouting or screaming. I consider you to be an educated and well spoken young man, with good command of the English language. So please simmer down and continue to be forceful, respectful, grateful and humble in your dealings.
The Bible says a soft word turn away wrath.
I also had liked when you walked into parliament during the throne speech and greeted everyone. I also think that the president of the senate like you and is proud of your progress. Use that to your advantage, show her the respect and advice your cause.
Again continue to put God first. Do not loose sight. Stay focused and forceful but cool. You can be developed into charismatic, Christian leader. Let honesty and integrity be your guide in every action.
To all the ALBP corruption machine dependents and Gaston Browne sichophants. If Senator Jonathan Wehner is living rent free in your brains so early, be careful of early Alzheimer
@ Proud Antiguan🚩
You and other are hoping for Weaner to say:
I‘m very knowledgeable about politics, and I know how politics works. It‘s a game of chess where everyone is trying to move, is trying to move its piece and using others as pawns. I don‘t want to be part of that. This is why I‘m stepping out, in peace.”
@Mel
Look around. If your self worth was not based on ignorance and dishonesty, then your thinking about political discourse would not be so shallow.
@ Facts
A deprave piece of shit who don’t what the word facts means, you are in my crosshairs.
More to come …..
Proud of u Mr Whener, both you and my son attended the school so I know your a principled man. Never stoop to their level.
Reading some of these comments makes me laugh. I now understand why Antigua is the way it is. Here is a young man doing his best to stay out of gutter politics and some of you are chastising him for being moral not to mention professional. These are the people who like the chaos and give Antiguans a bad name. All they want is dirt bags in office so the laundry keeps spinning out of control at the detriment of the country and our children.
Young man, as Michelle Obama said “Take the high raod”. Don’t Muddy yourself with the pigs. You have a bright future ahead of you. Well said and well done, as real Antiguans will support you.
Young man you are trying to play SOFT BALL cricket in a HARD BALL match. It will never work. Shape up or ship out.
This is NOT the little play-play youth Parliament. This is the REAL deal.
After reading many of the comments and seeing people criticize the young man, I felt compelled to share my thoughts.
One thing I have learned is that many people love to give advice but often struggle to accept advice themselves, especially from those they consider inferior. Too often, we allow emotions and party loyalty to influence our decisions. Just because our relatives support a particular political party does not mean we must do the same.
Before voting, people should focus on the issues at hand. If there is corruption, a lack of trust, deception, or poor leadership, then those concerns should be taken seriously. Voters should make decisions based on facts and performance, not emotions.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has demonstrated an ability to attract investment and generate economic activity for Antigua and Barbuda. However, there are also concerns that many citizens believe need greater attention. Leaders must be willing to listen to the people and address legitimate criticisms rather than becoming defensive. This is one reason some people oppose the government.
Corruption is not unique to any one political party. It can exist in any administration. Therefore, if a young politician believes he can bring positive change, he should be given the opportunity to present his ideas and earn the public’s support.
We need leaders of integrity, strong character, and moral principles who are committed to serving the people.
I would also like to suggest a few ideas for consideration:
Make vocational and skills training more accessible and affordable. Programmes that teach trades and practical skills can help young people create businesses, find employment, and contribute to the economy.
Improve crime-fighting resources. The police need better technology, training, and equipment to effectively prevent and investigate crime.
Strengthen cooperation between government agencies. Where legally appropriate and with proper safeguards for privacy and civil liberties, agencies should be able to share relevant information that helps protect public safety and improve services.
Regardless of political affiliation, our goal should be the same: a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Antigua and Barbuda for future generations.
@ The Wire you are spot on! Senator Wehner, there is no softness to your approach at all. You will never be able to please the naysayers. If you had responded in kind they would have castigated you also! What a dumb set of people with their nasty comments. It shows their rottenness to the core!!! Keep taking the high road! Kill them with kindness and hold firm to your integrity.
Antigua political and social discourse was a model created and driven by a labor leader turn politician. His bile came out of the smelly gutters of Pointe as a strategy to degrade his opponents.
Pointe has a history thst is worth noting as a place that where some of the Antigua Labour movement started.
The son of Pointe was the architect of diatribe and a mental state through which many flourish and is pervasive today
Donald Halstead was the architect of the put down. He eventually became a barrister but never changed from his hard charging style of low life degradation of his opponents.
He passed while being chased by the FBI for mortgage fraud.
Today his style of attack and degrade is on full display.
Senator Jonathan Wehner’s attackers are doing the jobs for which they are compensated by Gaston Browne.
It only takes Gaston to hit a stroke for 4 runs and all his minions step up yo hit a (6) six.
What a sorry set of people who are carrying on in the Donald Halstead tradition thst has become the political norm.
stand down lil Johnny. You are NOT ready for the Big Leagues!
That is just something else.
Always REMEMBER young senators to always respond to all of them who try to put u down in a Godly manner one day. God will reward the upp fOR being GODLY IN ALL THIER ENDEAVORS. BE SILENT WHEN U OF TO AND SPEAK WITH RESPECT WHEN U OF TO…ONE DAY GOD WILL GIVE US A GODLY GOVERNMENT IF HE TARRYS
Comments are closed.