Smith Gains Support from Constituents for Departure from UPP

Antigua and Barbuda’s newest minister of government Anthony Smith has told reporters that since his departure from the United Progressive Party, he has received overwhelming support from his constituents and friends

“I have had overwhelming support from constituents, family, friends, and people around Antigua and Barbuda. I have been getting calls all yesterday, all this morning and it was more so calls of encouragement.  Persons are saying to me that they are standing with me and it really made me feel loved,” he said

Smith, in one of the most historical moves in the life of politics in Antigua and Barbuda, left the UPP without putting them on notice.

Less than 24 hours after his departure from the party which he said he had always been at odds with, Smith was sworn in as a government minister

“It [the support] helped me a lot to vindicate my decision that, you know, I’m making the right step again to serve the people of All Saints West and the people of Antigua and Barbuda. I am happy to be here, and I’m happy to serve. And I’m deeply again committed to the country and my constituency”, he added

“When I decided to enter into politics, I always said it was for the love of people and the love of my constituency and the love of country,” he said

Smith said he battled for a very long time about what decision he should actually make

“I was battling with what would be the best decision for first, the constituency of All Saints West and, by extension, the people of Antigua and Barbuda. I really felt unwanted. Much more than you know…” he said moments after he was sworn in

Smith said he is also looking to work with farmers and forge relationships with them