Foot in Mouth Disease

The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) has for the second consecutive week, recanted yet another statement made by its political leader Lester Bird.

The statements on two hot button issues, immigration and the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, have stirred up controversy within both the political and public domain.

The most recent case of “foot in mouth disease” occurred on February 2nd after Bird said in his weekly address that within weeks of being elected to office the ALP will “engage APUA, Digicel and Cable and Wireless (LIME) in discussions to form a joint venture company with the government to put Antigua and Barbuda ahead of every Caribbean country in information technology.”

The highly controversial statement comes at a time when officials within the three mobile companies are pushing for reform and liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, a move which the UPP government has encouraged and supported.

Today’s edition of the Antigua Sun quoted Executive Vice President for Cable and Wireless/LIME Leeward, Davidson Charles who stated that for growth and development of existing regional telecommunications markets liberalisation, though essentially an issue for government and policy makers, is vital.

The Sun also quoted Country manager for Digicel Darren Derrick: “Our stance is that competition is the greatest benefit to consumers.” He added that he thought a joint venture would be a retrograde rather than progressive step.

And APUA acting manager Curtis McKay also re-affirmed the company’s commitment to full liberalisation.

However, after being categorized by critics as a non-supporter of an open and competitive market, seeking to reverse liberalisation, Bird told the Antigua Sun today that party officials were of the view that the statement was erroneous and that the comment was made prematurely.

Rewind to last week when the first incident of “foot in mouth disease” occurred after ALP leader Lester Bird, in a published statement, indicated the party would grant permanent amnesty for persons entering and or remaining in Antigua illegally, as well as amnesty to persons who violated the laws of the country.
But the statement, which insiders said was issued as a means of winning the votes of non-nationals, backfired on the ALP, after receiving harsh criticisms from both locals and non-nationals.

The Daily Observer recently quoted prominent constitutional attorney Sydney Christian, who also voiced concerns over the proposal put forward by the ALP.
“If that is something they say they are going to do, one should look at it very, very skeptically,” Christian said. “I don’t know what they really mean-I do not think that it is possible. What happens if down the line if a person whom you have granted permanent amnesty is not a citizen but later commits some offense of any kind in law? You can’t deal with him?”

Following the barrage of criticisms, the ALP backtracked on the highly controversial immigration statement.

But as the ALP continues to suffer from a case of “foot in mouth disease” UPP Chairman Leon Symister is questioning the rationale of Bird.

“Lester Bird’s latest weekly broadcast rant is another exposition of desperation, dementia and disrespect for the Antiguan and Barbudan people. The ALP leader’s statement provides a revealing psycho-study of a doddering politician who is rapidly in deepening decline in mind as well as in body.” Symister said during a press briefing today.

Referring to the most recent statement by the ALP Leader in which he announced plans to merge the telecommunications companies Symister said, “Examination of the statement reveals no coherence, no rational policy proposal and connection with reality, fact, and truth.”