In an open letter to the editor published on ANR’s opinion platform, a born-and-raised Antiguan has broken a long-held personal commitment to stay out of local St. Paul political affairs, leveling serious accusations against independent candidate Alan Weston and his backers that have stirred fresh tension around foreign influence in Antigua and Barbuda’s domestic politics.
The author, who has long publicly opposed the gradual Caucasianisation of the popular tourist district English Harbour, says recent developments tied to Weston’s campaign left them no choice but to speak out. At a time when Antigua and Barbuda is part of the global movement demanding reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, the writer argues the alleged foreign control of Weston’s campaign evokes a harmful modern resurgence of the exploitative mentality that defined chattel slavery.
Multiple visits past Weston’s campaign headquarters on Dockyard Drive revealed a foreign white national running daily operations, according to the letter. The unnamed author claims this same foreign individual, who hails from South Africa – the country that institutionalized apartheid under white minority rule – attempted to seize control of the local Sailing Academy to advance private business interests. After being denied formal approval for that takeover, the writer alleges, the foreign figure instead used financial leverage to back Weston, a local candidate, as a proxy to challenge the existing political system.
The author questions whether the South African national holds the required legal work permit or permanent residency status to operate in Antigua, highlighting what they frame as a violation of local immigration and business regulations. To back up the claims of foreign backing, the letter includes attached photographs showing key Weston supporters. Among these backers, the author notes, is a Citizenship by Investment (CIP) passport holder who traveled specifically to Antigua to add their name as an official nominator for Weston’s candidacy – a move the author says proves the candidate is controlled by outside interests with deep financial ties to the campaign.
A second flashpoint for the author was public commentary from prominent local figure Eli Fuller, who publicly described Weston as both a brave person and a patriot. The writer pushes back sharply against that characterization, arguing that Weston has essentially sold out his national heritage to the highest bidder. Adding a layer of familial irony to the situation, the author points out that Weston’s own grandfather, John Meade, was a staunch, lifelong supporter of the Antigua Labour Party and a trusted right-hand ally of former Prime Minister Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. The writer concludes that Meade would be deeply ashamed of his grandson’s actions, spinning in his grave at the idea of Weston accepting backing from foreign interests.
The publication notes that all opinions expressed in platform contributor content, including this letter, are solely those of the author and do not represent the official views of ANR.