Minister Anthony Smith speaks about personal attacks on his family during parliamentary debate (photo by Wayne Mariette)
The emotional toll of political warfare spilled into Parliament on Wednesday when All Saints West MP and Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. revealed that even his mother has become a target of verbal attacks because of his political decisions.
Smith, who invited several members of his family—including his mother—to witness the 2026 Budget debate, said the abuse directed at them crossed every line of decency.
“My mother, Mr. Speaker… my own mother has been verbally attacked because of my decision,” he said, his voice sharpening as he addressed the House. “We should not stoop to the level of attacking each other’s families.”
The MP accused members of the Opposition of launching personal attacks against him and his family ever since he left the United Progressive Party (UPP) and declared himself an Independent MP. He now caucuses with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party administration and was later appointed to Cabinet.
“I have been called many names, yet I remain focused,” he said. “Political disagreements will arise, but they should never devolve into personal attacks on people’s families. There are Members on the Opposition side who openly attack families, and that is unacceptable.”
Smith urged all parliamentarians to rise above such conduct, reminding them that the nation’s young people are watching and learning from their behaviour.
Responding to claims from opposition benches that he is a “flip-flopper,” Smith insisted his decisions have been based on principle, not pressure.
“I will not compromise my integrity to fall in line with any group driven by division. My allegiance is, and will always be, to the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he declared.
Smith ended by reminding Parliament that families should never be dragged into political battles.
“My family did not sign up for this. Attack me if you wish, but leave them out of it,” he said, calling on those responsible to end the practice immediately.
Anthony Smith did you forget when the PM had attacked Serpent mother? You were part of the UPP administration then.