Antigua Is Not For Antiguans

Antigua and Barbuda is known as the gem of the Caribbean, a tropical twin-Island paradise where the natives, land, and sea make beauty. Maybe it was, but I don't think that is true today. Given the present state of affairs in the Islands, lost paradise would be a more appropriate description.

Antigua and Barbuda are no longer the twin island paradise of the Caribbean for the native Antiguans and Barbudans. Today, the islands have become a coveted tropical paradise for foreigners and a haven for shady characters, grifters, and unsuspecting imposters posing as business investors.

The betrayal of the nation by those elected to administer the affairs of the country is apparent. You can fool people sometimes, but you can't do it all the time, and that's true. However, many Antiguans are fooled all the time by the same political tricksters who bribe and use them to retain political power in the country. The good news is all Antiguans and Barbudans are not political tools.

They are patriotic and politically astute Antiguans and Barbudans who do not tow party lines, condone corruption, or need bifocals to see behind the scenes. Born and raised in Antigua, I've seen the abuse of political power, the politicization of government institutions, and the blatant disregard for the laws, constitution, and democratic rights of the people.

Antigua is for Antiguans, and Barbuda for Barbudans is not a slogan or byline in a song. It's what we were told and led to believe even before achieving independence. The confluence of political blunders, scandals, and broken promises that ensued post Independence is irrefutable evidence that the country was betrayed by those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and preserving our sovereignty and political independence.

The nation has no one to blame but itself. Political favoritism, handouts, and manipulation have allowed the politicians to create a regional anocratic system where your safety, security, and ability to provide for your family depend on your political allegiance.

The plan to make Antiguans and Barbudans less relevant in the political process and slowly deny them the ability and right to choose their government materialized when the then governing political party made perhaps the most infamous political blunder by becoming a member of Caricom. The decision to join the gang has led to the betrayal of Antigua and Barbuda Who's going to take the blame?