A prominent youth activist from Antigua and Barbuda is pushing for a radical shift in the nation’s political culture, challenging citizens to prioritize national progress over blind partisan allegiance. Skielar Cornelius laid out her vision for political reform during a recent appearance on Pointe FM 99.1’s popular public affairs program “Triple A.K.A. Show”, where she argued that politics has drifted from its core purpose: delivering public service and driving national growth. Too often, Cornelius contends, political actors prioritize securing electoral victory and upholding partisan identities over advancing the shared interests of the Antiguan and Barbudan public.
In her remarks, Cornelius emphasized that national loyalty must take precedence over loyalty to any political organization. “My loyalty should ultimately be to my country, not just to a political party,” she stated, calling on voters and politicians alike to cultivate a more balanced approach to partisan politics. She encouraged supporters of all parties to hold their own groups accountable for missteps while remaining open to embracing strong policy proposals from opposing political camps.
Beyond reforming partisan norms, Cornelius is also advocating for expanded representation of young people across every level of Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape. She stressed that young people deserve meaningful seats at the table when it comes to shaping national policy, sitting on governing bodies, and running for public office. Contrary to narratives that frame youth political participation as a rejection of older generations’ leadership, however, Cornelius called for intentional intergenerational collaboration. She noted that older political leaders bring decades of institutional experience and hard-won guidance that can prevent young activists from repeating costly mistakes.
“Every generation has a responsibility to understand it [politics], participate in it and, when the time comes, help shape it,” Cornelius explained. “I don’t believe politics should belong to one generation.” Her remarks come at a time of growing youth political mobilization across the Caribbean, as young activists push for greater action on issues ranging from climate resilience to economic equity that will disproportionately shape the futures of coming generations.