The Member of Parliament for All Saints West constituency, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, Anthony Smith Jnr., has called out parliamentarians who engage in what he describes as an unacceptable behavior; attacking the family of other members of parliament.
MP Smith was speaking in parliament on Wednesday as he contributed to the debate on the National Budget 2026. He was especially referring to members of the opposition who have singled him out for personal attacks ever since his decision to leave the United Progressive Party, and to sit as an Independent MP in the House of Representatives. Smith currently caucuses with the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Administration and was subsequently appointed to the Cabinet.
“Mr. Speaker, I have been called many names, yet I remain focused. Political disagreements will arise, but they should never devolve into personal attacks on people’s families. There are Members on the Opposition side who openly attack families, and that is unacceptable. It is important that all Members of this Honourable House rise above such conduct. We must set an example for the youth who look to us for guidance,” he declared.
The MP invited members of his family to the debate, including his mother, who he revealed has also been verbally attacked because of his decision. This, he said, was wrong and he called on those engaged in this practice to end it immediately. “We should not stoop to the level of attacking each other’s families,” he stated
According to Smith, some on the opposition benches have accused him of flip-flopping, but despite this, he said remains resolute in his position. “I will not compromise my integrity to fall in line with any group driven by division. My allegiance is, and will always be, to the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he emphasized.
MP Smith revealed that while still a member of the UPP he had signed a letter expressing a lack of confidence in the leadership abilities of Opposition Leader, Jamale Pringle, and while he admits to signing the letter, he however revealed that at least three current members of the opposition in parliament, whom he identified by name, had also signed the letter.
