Dear Editor,
It never ceases to amaze me how quickly we in Antigua and Barbuda can turn something serious into a circus of hate and personal attacks. Every time a controversy arises, no matter the facts, we rush to drag names through the mud, twist stories, and tear down our own people before the truth even has a chance to breathe.
The ongoing vehicle scandal has been a perfect example. Yes, the issue deserves investigation and accountability. Yes, the people have a right to know how public funds are spent. But what I find deeply troubling is how quickly the conversation shifted from facts to ugliness, with a campaign of character assassination aimed squarely at Minister Maria Bird Browne.
When did we become a society that celebrates the downfall of others rather than demanding the truth with decency? Why is it that, instead of waiting for evidence, so many seem to find joy in tearing someone down simply because of their last name or their connection to power?
Maria Browne, like any public official, should be held accountable if she has done wrong — but where is the proof? All we’ve seen so far is speculation and social media gossip being recycled as “breaking news.”
People speak with such venom, not because they know the facts, but because they enjoy the scandal. It’s as if outrage has become entertainment.
Let’s be real, Antigua has a bad habit of “loving ugly.” We thrive on the drama, the shade, and the rumor mill. We feed on it, share it, forward it, and then act as though we are shocked when reputations are ruined, families are hurt, and public trust gets weaker with every story we distort.
We say we want better leadership, but how can we expect good people to step forward when they know the first sign of controversy will bring a wave of hatred and mockery?
Instead of celebrating ugly, maybe it’s time we demand integrity with fairness. Let the investigators do their work. Let the facts lead, not malice. If wrongdoing is proven, let justice take its course. But if it turns out that some of the attacks are built on lies, will the same people who spread them be humble enough to apologize?
Antigua and Barbuda deserves better, not just from its politicians, but from its people.
Maybe the real question isn’t whether Maria Browne is guilty or innocent.
Maybe the real question is: Why do we love to destroy before we understand? Why does Antigua love ugly?
Concerned Citizen
They love ugly and a lot of it ,cause they are crabs in a barrel
Is the Antiguan way ( the bad minded bush they drink drank and is still drinking
Well if Antiguans wasn’t constantly given ULGY to love we won’t be rallying in it,one of the reasons why is because we are not treated fairly in this place so when something like this happens we talk.If you don’t like it take it to the lord in prayer.
I love that letter. It speaks to us as a people to understand the damage we’re doing when we forward first without researching. Ar times we forward because we want ro be first to break a story unaware of it’s credibility . Truthfully said do we apologise if story is wrong or damaging. It’s something worth thinking about. Kudos to the author.
If the $15 million scandal had happened under the UPP administration, Gaston Browne would have had a field day on social media and his radio station. The PM too loves ugly like everyone.
Absolutely he’s Antiguan to
But all the public figures involved needs to do is being honest and transparent with the matter at hand and let the chips fall where they may.
Being a public figure it’s expected to face such scrutiny but is not obliged to accept and ignore defamatory utterances especially on social media.
So public figure the ball is in your court.
So it wasn’t a “love ugly” thing from 2004 to 2014? Only when the it’s Maria under scrutiny that people love ugly?
Not a fan of reading people’s opinion
If Maria Browne innocent, then time will tell. But people losing trust because too many things hush-hush in this government. Transparency would stop plenty of the “ugly.”
Antigua love Ugly but that is an ugly situation. Come on!
We say stop spreading gossip, but where’s the press conference? Where’s the clarity? Silence breeds ugly too
Have we looked at our current and past governments of Antigua and Barbuda. All we see is ugliness and corruption. Absolutely no accountability or transparency. If the ones creating the mess can be point fingers, why can’t we throw stones from behind the gate?
We want accountability but only when it’s not our side in the hot seat. Everybody suddenly turn philosopher when their favourite politician get called out
This letter sound nice and moral, but half the people defending Maria would’ve burned down Facebook if it was an opposition minister in the same mess
Doh. Other yourself this soon pass
Gaston posting ugly on social media and write a letter for that, 15 million and you all turning a blind eye, you are a narcissist to blame antigua ppl when they didn’t do nothing to you or Mrs. Browne, is just news bet you will hear BADU died in India soon while he still alive story done, hopefully you will write a nothing letter GO PRAY WICKED SOUL
Well all I can say is that I politics one day you are queen mir and the next day you are a meme
And that’s the way it is
Why do we love to destroy before we understand? Why does Antigua love ugly?
This the same question I asked when the minister of health badtalk me in cabinet. ( walls have ears ). All the ministers sit there including mrsBrown and none of them defend me. None. Then when I am overlooked for a promotion the same brown and antonio figure it was ok cause “the minister don’t like you!!!”
Maria in politics long enough to know how Antiguans stay. Everybody love you when you giving contracts when scandal drop, dem love your name in the comments