分类： Politics

Barbara Coates, the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for All Saints West, appears to be at a crossroads in her early political career. Recent reports suggest she may no longer be contesting the seat against the incumbent, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. However, speculation is mounting as to whether she is being pushed aside to make way for Harold Lovell or if Coates herself is recognizing the challenge of unseating Mr. Smith, who is widely regarded by constituents as “one of their own.”

Her relationship with the community has largely been formal, shaped more by structured engagements than genuine grassroots interaction. Now, as she attempts to change that dynamic, her efforts seem to be falling flat.

Supporters from both major political parties the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) and the UPP have struggled to forge a connection with her. Meanwhile, they continue to recognize the incumbent MP, Anthony Smith Jr., for his tangible presence and hands-on leadership.

As her campaign appears to stall, observers note a noticeable shift in her focus,not toward political reinvention, but toward familiar territory. With Everton “Batow” Gonsalves stepping aside in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) race. Coates is now preparing to run once again for the ABFA presidency, with her political party’s attempts to push her out in favor of Harold Lovell.

Lovell, the former political leader of the UPP, is a man in his 70s who has contested 12 elections and lost 10 of them. He should remain retired from politics. There is no history of a genuine connection with him and the people of All Saints West. Forcing a lady out, for him to represent the constituency, especialsets the stage for a significant failure at the next general election.

Meanwhile, the UPP continues to experience internal squabbles over finding a suitable candidate for All Saints West, Anthony Smith Jr. remains dedicated to his service and continues to grow stronger through his consistent efforts in the constituency

Dear Editor,

I had to instantly jump on my computer to pen this letter after seeing a video clip on your widely read news portal. Does the Dominica Prime Minister suffer from a disease of the mind?

Serious question, because, how comes up with these madness?

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s is proposing to resettle hundreds of Palestinian refugees in Dominica is both baffling and deeply troubling. After more than 20 years in power—presiding over what is widely considered the weakest economy in the OECS—Mr. Skerrit now wants to take on the responsibility of integrating foreign refugees, while neglecting the real and urgent needs of his own people.

How can a leader who has failed to address the long-standing economic stagnation in Dominica suddenly champion a humanitarian effort of this scale? This is the same Prime Minister who imposed visa restrictions on desperate Haitians fleeing chaos—many of whom share historical, linguistic, and cultural ties with the Caribbean. His track record on the Haitian crisis, which continues to deteriorate right on CARICOM’s doorstep, has been one of silence and inaction. Skerrit, a longstanding member of CARICOM, has offered no tangible solutions to the region’s most pressing humanitarian emergency.

What’s worse is the sheer hypocrisy. Dominican nationals themselves are scattered across the globe, many living in difficult circumstances due to the lack of opportunity and infrastructure at home. Our own citizens require attention, jobs, and dignity. Instead of fixing healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure—or tackling the rampant youth unemployment that plagues the country—the Prime Minister is entertaining a plan that seems designed more to curry favour with wealthy foreign governments than to genuinely help anyone.

Moreover, the timing of this announcement could not be worse. Global tensions surrounding the Middle East are at a boiling point, and this proposal risks injecting unnecessary geopolitical complexity into our small, vulnerable nation. Dominica should not become a pawn in international diplomacy or a recipient of external pressures masquerading as generosity.

This is not about being anti-refugee. It’s about responsible governance. Mr. Skerrit should first fix Dominica before offering it up as a solution to crises he has neither the resources nor the moral credibility to manage.

Sincerely,

Dominican Abroad

The much-anticipated parliamentary debate on the multi-million-dollar investment proposal for the Jolly Beach Hotel has been postponed to a date in August 2025.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin had earlier announced that Parliament would convene on Thursday, 31st July, to discuss the proposal. However, the government has since confirmed that Cabinet will instead hold its final meeting for the month on that day, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As a result, the parliamentary sitting has been deferred.

A new date will be confirmed in August, and the public will once again be invited to attend.

The proposed investment involves the Social Security Scheme playing a significant role in the redevelopment of the Jolly Beach Resort. During a recent Cabinet meeting, Director of Social Security David Matthias and Deputy Director Geoffrey Joseph presented a comprehensive report on the Scheme’s performance over the past 15 years.

According to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, both officials expressed strong support for the investment, citing provisions in the Social Security Act that place investment oversight under a designated committee, guided by the responsible Minister—in this case, the Cabinet.

Discussions underscored the importance of a clear legal and fiduciary framework, noting that all investment decisions require Cabinet approval. The Scheme’s resilience was highlighted, especially in light of the 2010–2013 financial crisis that led to a $30 million IMF bailout. Under the administration of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the Scheme has since stabilised, despite facing challenges such as reduced contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Scheme now reports 47,000 active contributors and a monthly surplus of EC $2 million. However, officials noted that increased life expectancy poses long-term sustainability concerns, with pensioners now drawing benefits for longer periods. The current contributions-to-payout ratio stands at 5.9:1, below the preferred 10:1.

Talks also addressed the need for reforms to ensure the Scheme’s financial future, including real estate investments, stronger legal oversight, and regional collaboration.

The Antigua Labour Party introduced the Social Security Scheme in 1965 as part of its plan to replace the Poor Relief System with a National Provident Fund, aiming to provide more robust support for the nation’s poor and indigent.

Antigua and Barbuda’s opposition has called on citizens to protest against what it describes as the government’s “misuse and abuse” of social security funds.

Sherfield Bowen, Deputy Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), accused Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s administration of improperly diverting the country’s social security trust funds into risky investments, including highway projects and the redevelopment of Jolly Beach Resort.

Speaking on video, Bowen questioned the legality and transparency of the government’s plans, pointing out that financial statements for the Social Security Scheme from 2014 to 2025 have not been presented to Parliament as required by law.

“How can we, the people, determine the prudence of this investment of our trust funds without knowing the capacity of the scheme to withstand any subsequent financial loss?” Bowen asked.

He highlighted sections 13 and 14 of the Social Security Act of 1972, emphasizing that only the Social Security Board and its investment committee—not the Prime Minister—have the legal authority to determine how funds should be invested.

“As with other matters, we have seen that the Prime Minister has no regard for the law. He does as he pleases,” Bowen said.

Bowen has urged Antiguans and Barbudans to voice their discontent by joining a protest planned outside the Parliament Building on 31 July, when lawmakers will debate and potentially approve the controversial investments.

“We are asking you—concerned citizens, patriotic contributors, and beneficiaries—join us and say clearly: ‘Hands off Social Security’,” Bowen concluded.

July 30, 2025

Prime Minister of Antigua Barbuda criticizes Opposition Leader for police complaint over a failed concert performance. “Pinterest”)[WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=PM+Browne+Offers+to+Reimburse+Pringle+Amid+Concert+Dispute %0A%0A https://antiguanewsroom.com/pm-browne-offers-to-reimburse-pringle-amid-concert-dispute/ “WhatsApp”)

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticised Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle for filing a police complaint over a failed concert performance, calling it a civil matter.

Pringle lodged a report with the Criminal Investigations Department after artist Armani Givenchy Moodie, contracted through Stardom Records, failed to perform at a Labour Day event in May. Pringle said half of the US$10,000 fee had been paid, but the team never showed up and the deposit was not refunded.

In a Facebook post, Browne questioned the use of police resources, saying: “Why would Pringle and his UPP acolytes seek to drag the Royal Antiguan & Barbudan Police Force into this civil squabble over $5,000?” He also offered to repay the amount “if they are so desperate”.

Pringle said he pursued legal steps after receiving no apology or reimbursement and believed the artist might return for Carnival, prompting him to seek police support.