Dear Editor,
As a young woman and a first-time voter, I was filled with optimism and a sense of purpose during the last general elections.
I campaigned alongside Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Senator Rawdon Turner in Pares Village, going house to house, believing in the promise of change and betterment for our Community.
However, what should have been an empowering experience quickly turned into a series of frightening encounters.
On more than one occasion, we were almost run over by cars while simply walking on the sides of the road. This wasn’t just a minor inconvenience; it was harassment, plain and simple.
There were people who followed us every step of the way, threatening us, trying to intimidate us into silence. I was 22 years old, a first-time voter and campaigner, and the level of aggression we faced was overwhelming.
The harassment only ceased when the Prime Minister himself threatened to “thump Asot Michael in his face.” Yes, Asot Michael—who has never once apologized for his bad behavior, his nasty words, or the chaos he incites.
The same Asot Michael who is mentioned in the Peter Verdi UK Crime Agency criminal proceedings.
The same Asot Michael who stands before our courts for assaulting a female police officer. The same Asot Michael who, like this government, has done nothing for St. Peter since Noah built the Ark.
To make matters worse, after all the effort we put into campaigning, walking the trails daily with Turner, we were left behind. We believed in the vision we were sold, but in the end, it was all for nothing.
There has been zero effort from the Prime Minister to assist us in building our community. We walked those trails, knocked on those doors, and stood in the face of danger, only to be abandoned once the votes were counted.
So, imagine my dismay when I now see Prime Minister Browne hanging out with, taking pictures with, and seemingly endorsing the very man who caused such distress during our campaign. It’s not just disappointing; it’s utterly unbelievable.
The Prime Minister may not realize how much this hurts—how much it disillusions those of us who believed in him and his vision. To associate with a person who embodies everything we campaigned against is a betrayal of the trust we placed in him.
Prime Minister, you may have forgotten the struggle and the fear we faced during that campaign, but I haven’t. And I can assure you, neither have the many others who stood by your side.
Your actions now feel like a slap in the face to all of us who believed in you. We expected better, and I, for one, am profoundly disappointed.
Sincerely,
ABLP Supporter
its heartbreaking to read about how someone optimism during the election turned into fear and intimidation. This highlights the turgent need for improved safety and support for young woman in politics
No need to be disappointed.
Whoever has a Christian heart will certainly forgive but not forget.
Remember, PM Browne is one such person who adhere to the Christ like principles of forgiving.
So, if Asot is that sheep that has gone astray, why not find him and bring him back into the fold?
God bless you.though there were many evil deeds done during carnival.the celebration though may not but perfect like all of us in the site of God. I’m so proud to be a witness to many friendships reuniting as one again. The bible says he who is without sin cast the first stone. Let us bring back love and unity once more. #OneLobve
Well thats one way to turn optimism into a circus act we put in the effort, get our boots dirty and now we’re left with nothing but a thanks for your service and a latte ministers care to join us in the real world ?
That’s just how it is you work crazy and now it feels like you just extras in the political drama
A childushly crafted UPP letter to the Editor!!! Possibly the new members if the Youth Arm (following the defection of the equally ineffective “advisors” to their youth arm) are merely trying to flex their muscles. They should understand though that you need to grow muscles before you can dream of flexing them. Having you in the PM’s corner? I would strongly advise against that!!
I know how you feel if we knew our hard work was just going to be a footnote in the campaign we might have saved our energy
Seeing the PM engage with Asot is a positive sign if a willingness to foster cooperation and unity it good to see efforts to mend relationships and move forward
You’re just starting to learn my dear.
So after risking life and limb for the campaign we find out the PM idea of support is taking selfies with Asot ? What’s next a photo op with a vending machine that takes our votes and gives nothing back ?
It seems the prime minister idea of addressing our concerns is to smile for photos with Asot Michael you can’t trust these politicians
It’s just the beginning more to comd
Come*
Help lame dog over fence, it turn around and bite you ( help lame darg over fence ee tun round an bite you)
As a Christian nation, our beliefs are rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized the principles of love, forgiveness, and compassion. These values are at the core of our faith and guide us in our interactions with others, even in challenging situations. While it can be difficult to respond with love and forgiveness when faced with disrespect or disagreement, it is important to remember that we are called to reflect the grace and mercy that God has shown us.
In the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of forgiveness in passages such as Matthew 6:14-15, which states, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This underscores the significance of forgiveness in our Christian walk and highlights the transformative power it can have in our lives.
When confronted with situations where we feel disrespected or wronged, it is essential to turn to God for guidance and strength. By seeking His wisdom and following the example of Jesus, who demonstrated forgiveness even in the face of betrayal and persecution, we can navigate difficult circumstances with grace and humility.
In the case of a public figure like the honorable Asot Michael showing disrespect to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, it is an opportunity for us as Christians to exemplify love and forgiveness. While it may be challenging, responding with kindness and understanding can help foster reconciliation and unity, reflecting the love of Christ to those around us.
As we strive to live out our faith in all aspects of our lives, let us remember the words of Colossians 3:13, which urges us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” By embracing love and forgiveness in our interactions, we can promote healing, reconciliation, and unity in our Christian community and beyond.
Whatever happened to the Christian principle of forgiveness? One cannot go through life with unforgiveness in their heart and obviously the prime minister embodies this principle. I’ve heard it put this way, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die”. Maybe this unforgiving spirit is what’s preventing our beloved Antigua from reaching the heights she is capable of. The prime minister’s forgiveness of others is something to applaude not disparage.