Baltimore Pushes Back Hard Against “Bribery” Claims, Defends Community Outreach as Genuine Service

Randy Baltimore has forcefully rejected allegations of political misconduct, accusing critics of deliberately distorting a community initiative for partisan gain.

The controversy follows circulating social media posts showing Baltimore and members of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) distributing gifts within the constituency. The United Progressive Party (UPP) has since labelled the initiative as “tantamount to bribery,” suggesting it played a role in influencing the outcome of the recent by-election.

But in a strongly worded statement issued last night, Baltimore dismissed the accusations outright, describing them as “baseless” and rooted in political opportunism.

“This was never about politics—it was about people,” Baltimore stated. “It was about bringing joy to children and families during the Christmas season and giving back to a community we are proud to serve.”

He took particular issue with what he called the exploitation of images involving children to advance what he described as a “false and malicious narrative.”

“It is both unfortunate and deeply distasteful that anyone would seek to weaponize a moment meant for children in order to score political points,” he said.

Baltimore further argued that residents of St. Philip’s North are not easily misled and can clearly distinguish between genuine community engagement and political rhetoric.