LETTER: When Incompetence Abounds

Dear Editor

The continued failure of the Ministry of Works to effectively manage Antigua’s roads has reached an intolerable level.

Rather than accepting responsibility for their blatant incompetence, government officials have resorted to scapegoating the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) in a feeble attempt to shift blame. But Antiguans are not so easily deceived.

The crumbling roads across this country stand as undeniable evidence of negligence, incompetence, mismanagement, and outright corruption.

At the root of this failure lies a deeply entrenched culture of corruption within Public Works. Instead of ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently, funds are funneled into the pockets of well-connected contractors in exchange for kickbacks.

This cycle of greed guarantees that road projects are awarded based on political connections rather than merit, leading to roads that fall apart almost immediately after completion. Millions have been spent, yet the results are nothing short of disgraceful.

The latest insult to taxpayers comes in the form of a proposed 40 percent hike in licensing fees, purportedly to create a “super fund” for public works.

This is nothing more than another cash grab, funneling millions into the same dysfunctional system that has consistently failed to deliver durable roads.

Time and time again, massive sums have been allocated to roadworks, yet we are left with roads that deteriorate almost as soon as they are laid. Where is the accountability? Where is the oversight?

Instead of fixing the problem, the government’s answer is to demand even more from the very people suffering under the failed leadership of PublicWorks.

Our roadways resemble battlefields—potholes large enough to damage vehicles, poor-quality materials that erode with the slightest rainfall, and so-called improvements that barely last a season. Meanwhile, government officials issue empty reassurances, peddling excuses while dodging accountability.

The truth is simple: this administration lacks the competence to execute proper roadworks. They prioritize political patronage over quality, awarding contracts to unqualified cronies rather than skilled professionals who can get the job done right.

The people of Antigua deserve better. We demand roads that do not wreck our vehicles, endanger our lives, and drain our finances. If the Ministry of Works is incapable of delivering quality infrastructure, then those responsible must be removed.

Enough is enough! No more excuses, no more misplaced blame, and certainly no more wasted taxpayer money funneled into a black hole of incompetence and corruption.

Jim Carter