UPP Blog

Independent expert, banker Everette Christian, has praised the UPP's visionary manifesto as a great "opportunity." The Observer reports:

The United Progressive Party's (UPP) plan to divest some of government's assets has found favour with banker Everette Christian.

"I think it is long overdue and it is something that should be encouraged," Christian told the newspaper.

According to the document, "the government of Antigua & Barbuda will divest to the people a number of entitites with manifest potential to generate significant profit to shareholders..."

Christian said he supports the idea because the private sector tends to be more efficient than the public sector...

"This would be an opportunity for more of our people to get involved in ownership of key sectors of the economy," he said. "I would therefore like to appeal to the general public to fall in line and support the acquisition of shares in these entities whenever they are offered to the public."

In stark contrast to the independent expert's take on the UPP's visionary manifesto, he takes issue with the voodoo economics in the ALP manifesto that will plunge us into massive debt and make us as poor as Haiti. The Observer reports:

Prominent banker Everette CHristian is questioning the feasability of some of the manifesto promises of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP).

Christian told The Daily Observer that the cost of living allowance (COLA) programme does not seem practical.

"Unless I have further particulars, I would say at this time I don't see how it would be feasible because I am seeing that that would be an administrative nightmare."

An "administrative nightmare." That's what the Antigua Labour Party proposes. And, given their track record of gross inefficiency hallmarked by EC$120 million "lost" from the Medical Benefits Scheme, nonpayment to civil servants and late payments to pensioners, you can bet that it will be your worst nightmare.

But, that's not all that the independent expert thinks is foolish about the ALP's voodoo manifesto. The Observer continues:

The banker is casting doubt also on another manifesto promise to waive the arrears on consumers' electricity bills...

Christian denounced the idea, making key reference to the current financial situation at APUA. He said although the implementation is possible, the administration needs to consider the impact of the provision on the finances of the electricity company.

"I see that as a nice gimmick, but one that's fraught with danger," he added.

The banker deplored the administration's highly publicised plans to abolish Personal Income Tax (PIT).

He said he fully supports PIT, because it is a necessity. The government will experience a plunge in the amount of revenue collected if the tax is eliminated. THerefore, he does not recommend the idea.

"It is ill-advised for any administration to make a platform to repeal Personal Income Tax," Christian said. "I think it's a wrong signal we are sending to the international community and it could impair our ability to receive much needed financial assistance from international communities."

There you have it. The ALP's dangerous manifesto is nothing more than voodoo economics that will plunge us into debt and make us as poor as Haiti. It is unwise and unworkable. It will bankrupt our country. And, it will plunge our people into poverty.

We need to implement a responsible and visionary plan from a government that knows how to pay civil servants on time, increase pensions and provide landmark social programmes like School Meals and School Uniforms.

Justice Day is hours away. Vote solidly UPP.

A special message from UPP Chairman Chaku Symister...

In less than 48 hours, the polls will open all across Antigua & Barbuda. Don't wake up this Friday morning wishing you had done more to help the UPP win.

The power is now in your hands. Over the next 48 hours, we need you to mobilise your friends and family to keep Antigua & Barbuda on the right track and moving in the right direction.

Right now, you can go to our website, uppantigua.com, and send an email to your friends and family reminding them to vote solidly UPP this Thursday, March 12th. Act now!

HOURS REMAIN! EMAIL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY AND REMIND THEM TO VOTE UPP!

This election is going to be won on the ground. You have the most sway over your friends and family. I'm sure you still know some undecided voters who we need to sway. And, I'm sure you still know some UPP voters who need to be reminded to go and vote to keep this country on the right track and headed in the right direction.

The power is in your hands, Antigua & Barbuda. Use our website to send an email to your friends and family reminding them to vote solidly UPP on Thursday, March 12th. There's hours left, now is the time to act.

EMAIL YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY AND REMIND THEM TO VOTE UPP!

The ALP is going to do everything they can to make sure every last Red Devil votes. We must not rest on our laurels. We must push hard through the finish line to ensure victory in all 16 constituencies! It's time to win, UPP.

One more thing, if you, your friends or your family need a ride to their polling location on Justice Day, contact your constituency office immediately.

CONTACT YOUR CONSTITUENCY!

One prominent labour union has announced their full and enthusiastic support for the United Progressive Party (UPP). Another union, traditionally aligned with the Antigua Labour Party, has declined to endorse the ALP.

This leaves the supposed "labour" party without any support from labour unions! The Observer reports:

The Antigua & Barbuda Workers Union is unequivocal in its support of the United Progressive Party (UPP) in its quest for another term in its quest for another term in office having, the union said, examined the performance of the political party.

Its backing for the party has been so during previous elections, and comes, the party said, after the UPP has demonstrated clearly that it is better able to govern Antigua & Barbuda than the Antigua Labour Party.

This labour movement has benefited, the AWU said, from the passage of several pieces of legislation by the sitting government. Among them are the repeal of the Agency Fee Provision in the Labour Code; the amendment of the Company's Act which places workers at the top to receive their severance when a company goes out of business; and the support of the Trade Union Congress with an annual grant of $50,000.

The other major political party, the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) will not be enjoying the support which it has traditionally had from the Antigua Trades & Labour Union (AT&LU)...

Labour organisations are supporting the UPP because we've delivered for working families. The legislation we've passed and our effective management of government represents a significant improvement from the previous corrupt and incompetent ALP regime. The Observer continues:

The AWU is lauding the government for retroactive payments of salaries and wages to public servants.

"It is unbelievable that the UPP Government could have paid the retroactivity and grant to the workers meaningful salary increases within its first five years of operation," the AWU said.

The union is expressing concern "that the ALP did not pay into the treasury workers' hard-earned contributions that were deducted for the Education Levy, the Social Security and Medical Benefits Scheme."

The increase that pensioners have received over the years from a minimum of $150 to now $800 is seen by the organisation as a plus for this administration.

An overall favourable environment for workers improved infrastructure, a policy towards indigenous businesses and the seriousness with which it applies to the spending of the government purse, are all pluses for the current administration.

While the news of the AWU's support is not surprising, political pundits are surmising that the break between the AT&LU and the ALP just might signal the end of an era.

The ALP has enjoyed the support of the AT&LU for decades. The fact that the AT&LU has chosen not to endorse the ALP is historic. It shows that the organisation acknowledges what the AWU knows to be true: that the UPP has delivered for Antigua & Barbuda's working families and the ALP has a record of leaving workers behind.

If you want a capable government that increases pensions and pays civil servants on time, vote UPP. Otherwise, you'll get an incompetent and corrupt government that can't even meet it's most basic obligations to it's citizenry.

Calling All UPP Supporters! Undecided Voters! Youth and Youth!

Justice Day is days away. The Big Blue Wave is building and the Red Devils are on the run. This Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30 pm we climax the Blue Wave Campaign with Oceans 16: The Grand Blue Wave... the Biggest... Most Colourful... Most Vital Event After Adoration! You can’t miss the grand finale. Wear blue. Be there.