In every democracy, political parties have the right—even the duty—to challenge each other, debate ideas, and push the national discourse forward. But there is a dangerous line that should never be crossed: the line where opposition turns into destruction, where political rivalry morphs into national sabotage.

It is with this deep concern and love for country that I, MP Anthony Smith, issue this heartfelt call—not just as a parliamentarian but as a patriot—to those in the United Progressive Party (UPP): the tactics of character assassination and deliberate national embarrassment must stop. If the UPP is ever to be taken seriously as a potential government, it must shed its destructive instincts and recommit to a path of patriotic responsibility.

A History of Character Destruction—Now Aimed at a Prime Minister

We have all now seen the recent failed power play by the UPP. The quashing of the Alfa Nero subpoenas in a United States court didn’t just vindicate Prime Minister Gaston Browne—it exposed the UPP’s elaborate scheme of lies, defamation, and foreign collusion.

Dozens of baseless allegations were made—from fictitious claims that the Prime Minister is worth $700 million USD to laughable suggestions that he owns WIOC and National Housing. These allegations weren’t mistakes; they were deliberate attempts to mislead the public, tarnish a leader, and shame an entire country before the international community. And when the U.S. courts ruled, it was clear: justice and truth prevailed over UPP deceit, treason, and political opportunism.

I Know Their Tactics Firsthand

I know what it’s like. I was once in the UPP. I joined with the genuine belief that we could build a better nation. But when I sought to offer ideas, I was told to “wait my turn; me just come”—not on merit, but because the senior policymakers and their inner circle had already decided who gets to lead and who gets sidelined.

When I spoke up, they tried to pull me down from every angle—spreading false stories, attacking my character, and attempting to destroy the reputation I had worked hard to build as a young professional, in service of the people. I left because I could no longer support an organization where ego, envy, hate, and internal sabotage had become standard practice.

And I am not alone. Others before and after me suffered the same fate—Joan Messiah, Cleon Athill, Stuart Anthony, Damani Tabor, Dr. Edmond Mansoor. All of them, to one extent or another, were sidelined or slandered by a party that has shown no remorse for devouring its own, let alone respecting national leaders.

Now they have turned their destructive sights on the Honourable Gaston Browne, and worse—on the very reputation of Antigua and Barbuda itself.

UPP Propaganda Has Hurt the Country, Not Just the Government

The false claim of a “missing $10 million” was their Trojan horse—used to mask dozens of lies and attempt to manufacture scandal. That lie, and many others, have now backfired catastrophically. The court has rejected them, and the nation has seen through them.

Even more shameful was the billboard erected in Washington, D.C., during an official visit by Caribbean leaders—a deliberate attempt to shame our Prime Minister and embarrass our country abroad. This was not “activism”; this was sabotage.

The group behind this effort, allegedly created to help Antiguans abroad, now censors anyone who does not support the UPP agenda. If you are pro-Antigua but not anti-Gaston, you are kicked out of their chat group. Is this democracy? Is this who we are as a people?

UPP Supporters Must Demand Better

Let me be clear: the UPP has many good, patriotic supporters. I know this. I’ve spoken with them. Many want better; many are tired of the venom. But they are being overshadowed by a dangerous faction—a faction built on hate, orchestrated by a vindictive leadership, germinated from the demonic presence of its Chairwoman, Gisele Isaac, and carried out by senior figures who have long abandoned any sense of national responsibility.

This is not healthy opposition. This is political cannibalism—and it must end.

My Call to the UPP: Let Us Disagree Without Destroying

Today, I call on current UPP leaders to reflect. Do you want to govern this nation or tear it down? Are you willing to put Antigua and Barbuda first, or will you continue to engage in the politics of personal destruction?

If the UPP wants to move forward, it must:

• End its campaign of lies and propaganda;
• Stop collaborating with foreign agents against national interests;
• Respect institutions, legal rulings, and political opponents;
• Rebuild around ideas—not vendettas.

Patriotism must outweigh partisanship. The nation must come before narrative.

The people of Antigua and Barbuda are watching. They deserve a real opposition—one with maturity, vision, and leadership—not bitterness, betrayal, and backstabbing.

Conclusion: Let the Nation Rise Above

The government is focused on building this nation. While we are repairing roads, expanding housing, and securing investment, others are tearing down reputations and dragging the flag through foreign mud.

Let us reject that path. Let us rise above character smearing and become better stewards of our beloved country. Antigua and Barbuda are too precious to be used as collateral in anyone’s political grudge.

Let us build—together.