LETTER: Open Letter to the Prime Minister | Time for Reflection Before Early Elections

Who was that angry bird who send this letter? When you send letter why withhold your name? You bold enough to send letter and afraid to say your name?

To the Editor, I have read the recent open letter addressed to our Prime Minister, and while I understand the frustration expressed, I must say it comes across as written out of anger rather than balance. Antigua and Barbuda has not remained stagnant, and it is unfair to dismiss the strides that this government has made. Let us be honest: no government will ever satisfy every single citizen. But to say “nothing has been done” is simply not true. Houses have been built and distributed not everyone may have received one, but the program is real and ongoing. Jobs are available perhaps not always in the exact sector a person wants, but employment is on the rise. Too often we complain about what we don’t have instead of acknowledging what has been provided. Yes, the government sector cannot employ everyone. It is already overpopulated. But that is why opportunities are opening in other areas. And let us not forget: under this administration Antigua and Barbuda has successfully hosted international conferences and welcomed global leaders in ways our small twin-island state never did before. We are stepping onto the world stage. Are there shortcomings? Certainly. One of the areas where the government must do better is remembering the loyal foot soldiers the die-hard supporters who stand in the trenches. Too often, those who came from the opposition seem to be pushed forward while the faithful are overlooked. That is a valid criticism, but it does not erase the overall progress being made. On crime yes, the rate has risen. But let us be truthful: government cannot be blamed for every evil act. Crime comes from the choices of individuals and the erosion of values in our society. We need our young people to take hold of themselves and stop letting destructive influences ride them. Law enforcement needs strengthening, yes, but the heart of man plays its role. Finally, I do agree with one point raised: there is no need for an early election. Let the democratic process take its natural course. If the government has delivered and in many ways it has then the results will show when the time comes. We as a people also need to stop crying down our nation at every chance we get. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. If all we ever speak is negativity, that is all we will see. It is time to build, to encourage, to push forward. Antigua and Barbuda is blooming. Maybe not perfectly, but steadily. Let us acknowledge that, even as we hold our leaders accountable, because tearing down our country with constant criticism does not help anyone. Respectfully,
A Proud Antiguan and Barbudan

I was shocked when I saw that Antigua.news would allow a letter like this to be published. I always knew them to be soft towards government. These people have been known for blocking people’s comments against the PM and not publishing letters people write. I know because I wrote 3 letters and NOT ONE WAS PUBLISHED. Guess it is a slow news day or someone gave them a BALANCE pill to drink. Now to speak of this letter, one word “nonesence”

Early elections is his right if he feels confident. That’s democracy. If people vex, they can vote otherwise

I read this letter and while I understand the frustrations, I think it paints an unfair and one-sided picture of what is happening in Antigua and Barbuda. The truth is, no government can fix every problem overnight, and no leader can please everyone at the same time. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been at the helm during some of the toughest global challenges in modern history, a pandemic that crippled economies worldwide, wars that drove up fuel and food prices, and climate pressures that small islands like ours feel the hardest. In spite of this, Antigua and Barbuda has kept its head above water, avoided mass layoffs in the public sector, and even managed to continue projects like housing, education investment, and healthcare upgrades. When people say “nothing has been done,” I think that’s political talk more than reality. The UWI Five Islands campus is real progress. The road works across different communities are visible. The housing projects are benefiting hundreds of families. Tourism has bounced back stronger than many expected. Even with crime being a concern, that is not a problem unique to Antigua; it is a regional and global issue. What matters is that the government is engaging law enforcement and putting strategies in place. Criticism is easy, but leadership is hard. The Prime Minister may not get everything right, but he has shown energy, vision, and commitment to push the country forward even under pressure. Early elections are not about “playing games” they are part of our democratic system. If he believes his government has done enough to earn the confidence of the people, then it is for the people to decide at the polls. That is how democracy works. Instead of constant negativity, what the country needs now is unity, constructive solutions, and acknowledgment of the progress that has been made, while continuing to demand better……Antiguan to the bone.

I hate reading people opinions. Geeze. It’s yours don’t try to force it on the rest of us

Plenty people benefiting from government programs and job opportunities. Don’t make it look like nothing at all happening.

So wenk you nah put you name if ah one open letter. You cyarn lib inna Antigua, or you just like Bartimus, blind to reality. You bex because World Boss ah de best. Gwarn Gassy Congo Bongo I, it’s a Dread Vibration.

Gaston deliver plenty already. Look at UWI Five Islands, road projects, housing schemes. Some people just refuse to give credit

Best PM this country will ever have. He has done alot and continue to do alot. The person who wrote this has an issue with the PM. Go grind your ace somewhere else

Every election same thing opposition only know how to criticize. PM working hard, but people expect miracles overnight

I can only say what I know. What I know is that over the past decade, Antigua has seen notable strides under the Gaston Browne administration. FACT. The economy has posted impressive growth, with average annual rates that, according to recent budgets, outpace many global forecasts. FACT.
Infrastructure development has been prioritized new roads, the expansion of ports, and large-scale development projects aim to modernize the country’s capacity to compete in tourism and trade. FACT
In social terms, there is also evidence of progress. Unemployment has reportedly declined from very high levels to more moderate rates, and the government has invested in housing initiatives to help uplift lower income groups.
Education and health sectors have also received attention for example, the establishment of the University of the West Indies’ Five Islands campus is a milestone for higher learning in the region. In health care, the administration speaks of expanding specialized services such as kidney transplants and creating facilities for cancer and stem-cell treatment.
That said, challenges remain, and there are areas for critique. The recovery of Barbuda after Hurricane Irma has been slow and controversial, particularly with tensions over land ownership and reconstruction priorities.
Some argue that economic development is uneven, and that not all communities feel the benefits equally. Also, large projects sometimes raise questions of environmental sustainability and local consultation, especially in small island contexts.
Overall, though not without its complexities, the Browne era has pushed Antigua toward a more ambitious development trajectory more infrastructure, better social services, stronger growth and offers a platform from which further progress is possible, particularly if continued emphasis is placed on equity, resilience, and inclusive governance.

The gov’t has done a lot recently from tackling Social Security debt to new port expansion projects but I agree, it’s wise to pause and reflect before rushing into early elections.

Bro or Sis… take a chill pill! My goodness, why you angry so? Why you lying so? With all this progress Antigua has made under PM Browne, how can you fix your fingers to type such lies? I know he can’t please everyone , but even Stevie Wonder can see he’s done, and is doing, an awesome job. I do agree that there should be no early elections though.

Dear Antiguan & Barbudan, I will suggest that check yr doctor. Clearly u experiencing hallucinations… I am not certain if u were smoking, but yr article is clear effividence that u have a very problem. Attacking the PM certainly will not bring u any relief from the Hallucinations u r experiencin

The PM not perfect, but at least he keeping Antigua moving forward. Better than when UPP had the country stuck