In the spirit of open democracy and a commitment to serving the constituents of St
Mary's South, I, Samantha Marshall, representing the Antigua and Barbuda Labour
Party (ABLP), hereby challenge Kelvin Simon from the United Progressive Party
(UPP) to a public debate. This debate aims to provide an opportunity for us to
share and outline our plans and programs for the constituents, fostering
transparency and enabling voters to make an informed decision.
Recent developments in the political landscape of Antigua and Barbuda have
highlighted the importance of open discussions and the role of the people as
trustees of the Constitution. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sir
Gerald Watt KC, who previously led a public debate regarding Mr. Simon's
inability to resign, has now changed his position, which may trigger the possibility
of a by-election. This realisation serves as a valuable lesson for all, especially the
Speaker, emphasizing the need for thorough consideration of the law and matters at
hand before leading public debates.
Given the potential by-election, albeit subject to the outcome of the petition before
the High Court, it is crucial that both Mr. Simon and I allow the people to hear,
examine, and question our records and plans for the constituency of St Mary's
South. This public debate will provide a platform for constituents to engage
directly with us, understand our visions, and assess our capabilities.
We propose that this significant event be organized by the National Youth
Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda, a representative body comprising
youth across the political divide. The involvement of our young citizens is vital, as
they represent the future and need to understand the issues affecting our
constituency and nation. Moreover, we believe that conducting the debate in St
Mary's South will facilitate maximum participation from a cross-section of the
constituency. By bringing the discussion directly to the constituents, we
demonstrate our commitment to serving their interests and fostering a sense of
inclusivity.
Therefore, let us present ourselves before the constituents, answer their questions,
and provide them with a clear understanding of our plans and programs. Together,
we can honour the values of democracy while showing our competence to serve,
ensuring a brighter future for St Mary's South.
