Beyond Rhetoric – Confronting the Realities of Governance in Antigua and Barbuda
We gather not as passive observers but as active participants in the destiny of our nation. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and confront the stark realities of governance in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Reality of Fiscal Mismanagement
Our nation faces a critical issue: the persistent lack of accountability in government spending. Millions of taxpayer dollars disappear without proper audits, and while the government continues to raise taxes, they cannot explain how public funds are truly being spent.
In January 2025, the government secured a court-ordered forfeiture of EC $93.8 million linked to the Odebrecht corruption scandal, raising further questions about how deep financial mismanagement runs in our country. If there is money to seize, where has it been going? (Source: Antigua Observer)
Furthermore, the 2019 financial audit report exposed major discrepancies between ministry revenue figures and official financial statements, yet no one has been held accountable. Where is the transparency? Where are the answers?
A Nation Left in the Dark
As if the financial mismanagement was not enough, citizens now face frequent electricity outages with no warning.
Businesses are losing revenue, forced to shut down for hours due to unpredictable power cuts.
Households are suffering, with expensive appliances being damaged beyond repair.
Students cannot study, families cannot cook, and yet, our electricity bills keep rising.
The government has failed to upgrade or properly maintain the power grid, yet expects citizens to pay more while getting less. Who will compensate the people for their damaged appliances? Who will reimburse small businesses for their losses? The silence is deafening.
The Ineffectiveness of Opposition Infighting
While these crises mount, the opposition is caught up in internal battles, failing to be the strong force the people need. This is not the time for personal conflicts or political games—it is the time to fight for accountability.
The fight is not against each other; the fight is against bad governance. The enemy is corruption, mismanagement, and a government that refuses to answer to the people.
This is not a time for partisan squabbles or empty promises. We must demand transparency and accountability from our leaders.
The government must:
✅ Disclose all spending records that bypassed parliamentary approval.
✅ Establish independent audits of public funds.
✅ Address the electricity crisis immediately, compensating citizens and businesses for their losses.
And to the opposition: Your job is not just to oppose, but to propose. Stop the distractions. Focus on the real fight.
Conclusion
Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, the time for change is now. We must move beyond rhetoric and demand real action that will lead to a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous nation.
If they won’t answer to us, then we must make our voices so loud that they have no choice.
Enough is enough. The people deserve better.
J.WILLIAM ZEZE THOMAS DE CONQUEROR
