Politics at the crossroads in Antigua and Barbuda

Dr Quin-Leandro	Dr Edmund Mansoor,
New Ministers Elltins Adams (L) and Winston Williams

Monday, January 10, 2005

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua: The political landscape in Antigua and Barbuda appears to be at the crossroads as the people of the twin-island nation seek to put into place a government that does justice to the country as a whole.

Nine months following his party's convincing defeat of the long standing Antigua Labour Party (ALP), staunch supporters of the ruling United Progressive Party (UPP) coalition grouping led by veteran trade unionist Baldwin Spencer, have been telling Caribbean Net News that the UPP government was forced into a reshuffle in an effort to "calm some nerves and quell rising infighting." 

Having heard about the soon to be implemented belt tightening measures from Finance Minister Dr. Errol Cort, many expected that the recent reshuffle would have brought a reduced and more streamlined and effective government, instead it resulted in an enlarged cabinet with the addition of three new government ministers at a time when the nation is reportedly experiencing "tough financial times".

When quizzed by sections of the media, on the appointment of the new ministers, Spencer's response was, "we are looking for effectiveness and we are looking to ensure that the people who were given the opportunity to be elected and others who can make a contribution will be given the opportunity to do so. There are a number of areas that we believe we are still running a lean and mean administration but at the same time, we need to ensure that we are effective in what we are doing and we are bringing people into the process who can ensure that we deliver on our mandate to the people of Antigua and Barbuda."

Spencer avoided any mention of salary increases and how this will affect the current financial crisis facing the country.

According to UPP 'die hards', several constituents have been expressing disgust with the government that a number of the successful candidates were not given full ministries and some went as far as voicing their concerns on radio. One favourite, Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, who served as Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for information and broadcasting, was recently appointed a full Minister with responsibility for Public Administration, Labour and Empowerment.

However, Leandro's appointment has not gone down well with a number of the party's supporters and her constituents, leaving many with the view that attempts are being made to keep the very popular St. George's Representative 'in check.'

The lone female elected MP, is a highly qualified media professional and many expected her to head the country's information service. However, Prime Minister Spencer had other ideas and gave that Ministry to Dr. Edmund Mansoor, a medical practitioner.

As the UPP Government endeavours to settle down and serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda, the defeated Opposition, ALP is preparing for its March convention, which will, according to the party's leader Lester Bird allow the ALP members to go to a convention and seek what it is that the people in the Labour Party want.

A great many supporters, are of the view that the party needs restructuring and a new sense of direction under brand new and youthful leadership.

"Many of the old guards have stayed around too long, making it virtually impossible for a lot of young and vibrant leadership to emerge. We have to change that attitude," said one ALP Senator in an interview with Caribbean Net News.

Meanwhile, City West Representative Gaston Browne told Caribbean Net News that he would be offering himself as a candidate in the leadership race in the March Convention. Browne said he intends to reposition the ALP with both a new style of leadership and direction as he seeks to restore the party to its days of glory. On the other hand, political observers are of the view that the ALP would have to move and do so quickly to get its house in order, since the party was knocked a sunder in the last election. The present chairman Vere Bird Jr., has virtually disappeared and the leader, Lester Bird, in a recent interview said, "I am trying to keep things together while awaiting the convention for the people to make a decision."

He also pointed out that he is waiting for the people to determine whether or not he should continue before making a definitive decision as to whether or not he wishes to continue.

However, Caribbean Net News understands that a large group of young people are calling for Browne to take over the leadership of the institution.

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