A new political force has emerged in Antigua and Barbuda with ambitions to transform the nation’s governance landscape. The Antigua and Barbuda National Congress (ABNC) has positioned itself as an alternative to the established political order, directly challenging what it describes as systemic governance failures perpetuated by both major parties.
The organization’s founding declaration highlights profound dissatisfaction with the current political environment, citing repeated scandals, inadequate accountability mechanisms, and insufficient fiscal discipline across successive administrations led by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the United Progressive Party (UPP).
According to ABNC leadership, citizens endure what they characterize as a ‘persistent drought for truth’ among elected officials, coupled with excessive taxation burdens and deficiencies in essential services including healthcare and infrastructure development.
The critique extends to what the group identifies as a cyclical pattern of political deflection, where allegations of misconduct—ranging from nepotism to financial waste—are routinely met with reciprocal accusations rather than substantive accountability. ABNC representatives argue this dynamic has reduced governance to a counterproductive game rather than serious public service.
In contrast, the newly formed Congress pledges to implement rigorous standards of transparency and accountability that yield measurable economic benefits for the nation and its citizens. The organization expresses particular commitment to engaging citizens who align with the national motto of collective progress through individual effort.
Despite acknowledging the historical challenges faced by emerging political movements in Caribbean democracies, ABNC leadership maintains confidence in their potential to redefine public service expectations and outcomes. The group formally anticipates future electoral opportunities to demonstrate their governance approach, as articulated by spokesperson Gail S. Pero-Weston.