Skielar Cornelius Urges Antiguans and Barbudans to Put Country Before Political Party

Youth activist Skielar Cornelius is urging Antiguans and Barbudans to move beyond political tribalism and put the interests of the country ahead of loyalty to any political party.

Speaking recently on Pointe FM 99.1’s “Triple A.K.A. Show,” Cornelius said politics should be about serving people and improving the country rather than simply winning elections or defending party colours.

“Politics should be about responsibility, service, and having a genuine desire to make our country better,” she said.

Cornelius said one of the problems with the political culture is the tendency for some people to defend their preferred party regardless of the issue at hand.

She believes people should be able to acknowledge when their own political side gets something wrong, while also being mature enough to recognise when the other side has a good idea. 

“If my own side gets something wrong, I should be able to say that. If the other side has a good idea, I should be mature enough to acknowledge that,” Cornelius said.

“My loyalty should ultimately be to my country, not just to a political party.”

The youth activist also wants to see more young Antiguans and Barbudans involved in conversations about the country’s future, particularly when decisions being made will directly affect their generation.

She said young people should be consulted on policies, given opportunities to participate in political and community organisations and encouraged to consider public office.

Cornelius also called for spaces where young people can openly discuss and debate national issues without their views being dismissed simply because of their age.

But she does not believe greater youth participation should come at the expense of older generations.

Instead, Cornelius said there should be greater cooperation between the two, with experienced members of society helping to prepare younger people for leadership.

“I am a firm believer of the older leading the young. I believe we should be able to pass down wisdom and experience to the younger generation,” she said.

For Cornelius, politics should not belong to any single generation.

“I don’t believe politics should belong to one generation. I believe every generation has a responsibility to understand it, participate in it and, when the time comes, help shape it.”

Her remarks add to ongoing discussions about political division and the need for greater youth participation in national affairs.

Cornelius said regardless of which party someone supports, the ultimate focus should be on the people and the continued development of Antigua and Barbuda.