“We Shall Leave Egypt”-Walker tells UPP Convention

Trevor Walker, the head of the Barbuda People’s Movement, has drawn a parallel between the current political climate in Antigua and Barbuda and the ancient Egyptian civilization under the authoritarian reign of Pharaoh.

Walker, who told UPP supporters at the opening of the 12 Biennial Convention that the BMP is “tied” to the Opposition, said both parties will fight against the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Administration.

He referenced the land situation in Barbuda, saying that the government is trying to frustrate and stifle residents on the Sister Isle by stealing away their lands and holding them in captivity.

“We shall leave Egypt. When we leave Egypt, we will not return because of challenges because there will be challenges. It is better in the wilderness going into the promised land than going back to Egypt. We shall overcome”, he said

He mentioned that the ABLP’s Pharaoh-like behavior was noticeable when the ruling government decided to proceed with its plan to make lands on the sister island freehold, replacing the traditional leasehold or communal system that has existed for generations.

“They want to sell off all the lands in Barbuda. Lands have never been sold in Barbuda, but all of a sudden, after 300 years, they are saying they will sell the lands to marginalize the people that existed from living in those same lands.

“As long as I am MP as long as BPM exists and as long as UPP retains power which I know they will, we will stop that,” he added

The government has justified this move by stating that its plans are aimed at uplifting the people of Barbuda.

In fact, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed his optimism about Barbuda’s future, stating that the island is destined for major developments in the coming months.

He has even gone so far as to say that these developments will make Barbuda the envy of other small islands in the Caribbean, such as St Barts.