UPP Chairman: We´re Ready

Chairman of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Leon “Chaku” Symister said the party is set for the official launch of the big blue wave Command Centre and campaign on Sunday.

“We don’t expect because we (the government) have done well, they are going to close their eyes and vote for the UPP. No that’s why we have to check for ourselves and knock on every door; we have the interest of people at heart.” Symister said.

While chiding the Opposition ALP for making what he called “empty promises” to the people, Symister said, ‘whether you support the party or not come out on Sunday and hear our plans. We are ready for the elections; we are ready to move forward.”
Criticizing the mudslinging that has become a staple for Antiguan politics over the years Symister argued, “Elections must be issue-centered, we are running a campaign centered on issues and not on personality.”

“It’s not about giving people the fish; it’s about teaching people to fish.” he noted. “The UPP came to office with a lot on its plate, expectations were high and resources were little.”

However Symister said the government is committed to ensure that all Antiguans and Barbudans have a better quality of life. “No one is perfect, we have made mistakes along the way, but we certainly learnt our lessons”

Commenting on the voters registration campaign that is ongoing Symister said “the UPP wants to see a clean voters list. You cannot sit and see the voters list being soiled and do nothing about it.”

“The onus is on the electoral commission to tell us how it plans to correct errors it has made. The UPP stands ready to assist them in doing so.” He added.

Boundary lines a controversial issue which always makes it to the forefront during election season was also an issue of concern for the party chairman.

“Like a person would say they are living in Lightfoot, but the officers need to go and see where the line is drawn to separate the various constituencies. Because although it’s Lightfoot the boundary line can separate that village under two different constituencies, so members of the electoral commission have their work cut out for them.” He said.

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