Smith to Sue Lovell Over $6 Million Bribery Allegation

Published August 19, 2025, 6:33 AM

Smith to Sue Lovell Over $6 Million Bribery Allegation — Hon. Anthony Smith Jr, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy

Parliamentary Representative for All Saints West, Anthony Smith, has confirmed that legal action will be taken against former United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Harold Lovell following statements made on Sunday.

Lovell alleged that Smith, who left the UPP without notice earlier this year, was paid $6 million by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) in exchange for his defection. According to Lovell, he possesses evidence of a private telephone conversation in which Smith allegedly admitted being approached with the offer.

Lovell calls out MP Smith and Health Minister over neglect of healthcare facilities in All Saints Wes — Harold Lovell

Lovell further claimed that Smith had assured him at the time that he would not accept the money. However, the former UPP leader argued that Smith’s immediate appointment as Minister of Agriculture after his defection suggested otherwise.

In response, Smith dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and “malicious,” stressing that he has “never received a red cent” from the ABLP. He revealed that he met with his attorneys on Monday morning and that legal proceedings will be initiated against Lovell.

“I refuse to get involved in the dirty brand of politics Harold Lovell is trying to bring,” Smith declared, maintaining his integrity and reiterating his denial of any financial inducement.

This story was first published by Antigua News on August 19, 2025 at 6:33 AM (Antigua time, UTC−4): antigua.news/2025/08/19/smith-to-sue-lovell-over-6-million-bribery-allegation. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (14)

Cleopatra August 19, 2025, 6:52 AM

These ppl need Jesus
Reply
This low-level politics is what Lovell un-retired for? Really Sir? August 19, 2025, 7:01 AM

This is ridiculous now. Big men in there cat fight about sue this and sue that, and no talk on the real issues in ASW. I expect them kind of low-level gutter politics from the misfits & dunces like Serpent & Allister, not Mr. Lovell.
Lovell wants Antigua to believe every person that resigned from UPP did it for money. So how much millions did ALL the others get Lovell… Tabor, Eddie Mansoor, Dr. Benjamin and Dr. Cleon Athill? See how ridiculous your arguement is? ASW has more serious issues than your lil girly-telephone call with MP Smith?
Reply
Smith got paid August 19, 2025, 7:08 AM

Weather he got 6 mill or $6000 there’s no doubt that he was paid hence the reason he started working with ABLP instantly he wasn’t even independent for a few weeks first
Reply
Stop blame ppl and fix you own inhouse issues upp August 19, 2025, 9:02 AM

all Anthony say dey ah gwan in upp can’t be lie, when shugy, richard and serpant go on observer and mek de same same complaints. So anthony lie, and every body else ah talk truth? Get real
Reply
Rhea August 19, 2025, 9:38 AM

Wasting your time on and old lost fish? Let’s forget about a failure and focus on goals for ASW
Reply
Eldread August 19, 2025, 9:40 AM

Is that I want Anthony Smith to do, dare go to court, that will shed light into ALP largesse to marionette politicians and people who sup at the chaff. Anthony look me in the eye! You think you can fool me? You notice how Gaston spend on the shoogie re-election and you fantasize that money for yourself so you took up the offer since robin was near political demise because of health issues. But now rawdon turner leave you useless, asot bargain to save the ALP was that he comes over as prime minister, so you think $6 million is anything for Gaston to pay to save his skin?
Reply
Milenda August 19, 2025, 9:43 AM

Politics in Antigua and Barbuda just keeps getting messier, can we get some real transparency here? If Smith is telling the truth, he’s right to take legal action. False accusations like this can ruin reputations. Lovell shouldn’t be throwing around claims without solid evidence. This is exactly why people distrust politicians. A $6 million allegation is beyond believable . Hope the courts get to the bottom of this quickly. It’s exhausting watching politicians play these games instead of focusing on serving the people. And please tell the messy old hog to go have a seat at the back of the class. Who told him to come back to politics?
Reply
Teacher for Life August 19, 2025, 10:01 AM

Speculation and evidence are not compatible bed partners. There’s proof of an offer but speculation of acceptance. Now any half bright person knows you have to have proof of both in this case otherwise your goose cooked. The young man just might get that 6 mil after all right after he sues for slander, defamation, libel, and anything else that sticks. So just leave Minister Smith alone so he can be about the people’s business please and thank you. Members of the opposition just work on being a better party by doing what’s right for the people of Antigua and then you might have a better chance at leadership than a snow ball’s chance in hell.
Reply
Apex Jones August 19, 2025, 1:13 PM

Oh lawdddddd. Look session. Ah now e sweet. Its the nature of politics, bring out the evidence. Sue for sue. May the best man and party win
Reply
Informed citizen August 19, 2025, 1:22 PM

Politics getting too dirty lately. The people deserve better than this. Whether true or not, this just shows how low politics in Antigua has fallen.
Reply
Batman August 19, 2025, 3:56 PM

Harold Lovell has always been a straight talker, unafraid to expose the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may be for those in power. His revelations about Anthony Smith’s defection raise serious questions that the public deserves answers to. If there is evidence of backroom deals involving millions of taxpayers’ dollars, then transparency and accountability must take priority over political convenience. Instead of rushing to the courts, Smith should address the allegations directly and provide clarity to the people he represents.
Reply
CKH August 19, 2025, 4:00 PM

Me glad fu see Smith stand up and say he gawn court, because enough is enough. Every minute people want pull down one another with story and allegation, and half ah dem nah have no proof. Smith make he decision to leave UPP, and dat was he right. He represent All Saints West and he working fu he people, so me cyan understand why every time he name call is bout money and sell out. Dat kinda talk dangerous and disrespectful, not just to Smith but to the whole constituency. If Lovell sure bout wha he ah say, den bring the evidence. But if he nah have none, den he shoulda keep quiet. Antigua tired ah the back-and-forth politics, we want leaders weh serious and nah get ketch up in bacchanal. Me stand wid Smith pon dis one, cause man haffi protect he good name
Reply
Well Informed August 19, 2025, 4:01 PM

I hate politics. Anthony Smith accused lovell of gutter politics but he did the same thing when he came on radio lastnight. Dont trust no one. Trust God
Reply
Ben Simmons August 19, 2025, 10:57 PM

This whole situation between Anthony Smith and Harold Lovell really troubling. On one hand, if someone make a serious allegation, dem should be prepared to back it up with solid evidence. On the other hand, Smith has every right to protect his name and reputation if he feel it damage. At the end of the day, the public just want the truth. Instead of back-and-forth talk, let the facts come out so people could decide for themselves. Antigua too small for all this political mudslinging — we need more focus on the issues that affecting everyday people
Reply

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Smith to Sue Lovell Over $6 Million Bribery Allegation

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