Malaka Parker, former senator and prominent community activist, has publicly clarified the founding principles of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), asserting that the movement was established to transform Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape through policy-centered discourse rather than to fragment opposition voting blocs.
In a comprehensive interview with Twin Island Media Live, Parker addressed what she characterized as widespread misinterpretation of the DNA’s origins. She revealed that the movement emerged from strategic deliberations among seasoned political figures seeking to fundamentally alter both the tone and substance of national politics. The initiative aimed to shift political engagement from personality-driven conflicts toward development-oriented policy debates, responding to evident public dissatisfaction with confrontational political culture.
Parker clarified her foundational role within the organization, noting that she didn’t merely join the DNA but co-founded the movement and played an instrumental role in developing its policy framework and manifesto. These documents were specifically designed to present voters with a substantive alternative to conventional political approaches.
While acknowledging that the DNA subsequently experienced significant directional shifts resulting in internal disagreements and her eventual departure, Parker maintained that these developments shouldn’t overshadow the movement’s original purpose. She explicitly rejected allegations that the DNA was created to undermine the United Progressive Party (UPP), emphasizing that founding discussions focused exclusively on political engagement reform rather than electoral outcome manipulation.
Regarding her later decision to rejoin the UPP, Parker explained this transition was principles-based, contending that political movements should ultimately be evaluated on their capacity to promote governmental accountability, policy coherence, and sustainable national development.