With the court case behind us, it is now time to focus on the pending bi-election in
St. Mary’s South. As the headline suggests, this is a matter of who has and can
work for the people of St. Mary’s South, versus who really can’t.
Ms. Marshall and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party have a proven track
record behind their backs. While constituents may have been swayed by the United
Progressive Party’s hot-air balloon, full of arguments during the January general
elections, the harsh reality is, that balloon popped when the labour party retained
the government.
Over the last 6 months, St. Mary’s South would have had time to assess Mr. Simon
as a representative. Over that time, they would have heard from Mr. Simon on why
he can’t help persons who need a helping hand. The term “there isn’t a lot I could
do, as we are in opposition,” was the term most used by Mr. Simon.
On the other hand, Mr. Simon made sure he was living life as an MP. Breakfast at
cafes in the mornings, and drinks and football at beachside bars in the evening. Mr.
Simon was living his best life. However, when it came to the representation, he
asked the good people of St. Mary’s South for, he was missing in action, and optics
was the name of the game.
During a public meeting, Mr. Simon claim he recently attended 2 graduations in
the constituency. He further claimed Ms. Marshall sent representatives although
she was in Antigua and did not attend the graduations. The truth is, these are the
“bold-faced” lies mixed with a little truth, Mr. Simon and the UPP have mastered
over the years.
The facts are Ms. Marshall did send representatives to the graduations. This was
done as Ms. Marshall represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 3rd Regular Session
of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Washington
D.C, United States of America, during the times of the graduations. Moreover,
Ms. Marshall ensured the graduating students were rewarded for their
achievements. From prizes to top performers to vouchers for school supplies to
others, Ms. Marshall made sure students were celebrated in her absence on this
most important day.
Mr. Simon on the other hand, came with thanks, prayers, and his long empty
hands. Mr. Simon then left the graduations and boarded a plane to the St. Kitts
Music Festival where he partied the weekend away. He was quoted as saying on
his Facebook page, “In your existing, please remember to live! Being yourself is
one of the most fundamental ingredients for happiness and success!” One must ask
the question, whose happiness and success, Mr. Simon? Fundamental
ingredients in your selfishness, Mr. Simon?
In contrast, over the last 9 years, Samantha Marshall has developed a track record
of service in St. Mary’s South and Antigua and Barbuda. From improvements to
the St. Mary’s Secondary School, road works across St. Mary’s South, expansions
to the Reverse Osmosis plant, Bolans clinic, and police station (in progress),
Johnson Fire Station, empowering young people to develop themselves with
courses from UWI and assisting families in need of a helping hand; Samantha
Marshall has demonstrated a level of commitment and service to her constituency
and country with a can-do approach to solving problems over the 9 years, and more
importantly, the last 6 months. She has proven your vote will be well placed in her
as a member of parliament as opposed to that of a vote for someone who can’t do
anything for your development in opposition.
Samantha CAN! Kelvin CAN’T!
It is as simple as that.
A. Gittens
