Foul-Ups, Bleeps & Blunders is the title of a comedy series that aired on ABC
for two short seasons in the mid-1980s. Fast forward to 2023 and it would
appear we have a remake of this show starring Mr. Kelvin Simon and the
United Progressive Party (UPP).
On November 24 th , 2022, a town hall meeting was held at Urlings Primary
School hosted by Samantha Marshall. Samantha as she is affectionately known,
made a presentation to persons in attendance. Several constituents raised
questions to Samantha, which she answered. In attendance were Mr. Simon and
his campaign manager. Mr. Simon’s campaign manager raised several questions
to Samantha, and she capably, confidently and most importantly honestly
answered all his questions. Toward the end of the meeting, Mr. Simon was
given the platform to address the meeting, by Prime Minister Browne. Mr.
Simon declined the invitation several times. Unknown to persons in attendance,
this meeting was the first glance into the kind of representative Mr. Simon
would become to the people of St. Mary’s South (SMS).
On Thursday, May 18th, 2023, Six (6) bills were debated in parliament of which
Mr. Simon rose only to attend the restroom and lunchroom. Regardless of
political affiliations, St. Mary’s South leaders have always led the way in
political contributions and discussions in our nation’s growth. Mr. Simon, in
Four (4) months, has yet to provide or contribute any meaningful discussion to
our nation’s development. Sure, there was a word salad from Mr. Simon during
the budget debate, but experts are still somewhere trying to make it make sense.
Foul-ups
The resignation on June 7, 2023, follows several foul-ups by Mr. Simon and the
UPP. A blatant disregard and disrespect for the processes and the rule of law.
This started with him being improperly nominated on December 28 th, 2022.
When confronted with facts the UPP made it clear, Mr. Simon was eligible and
that he would be “good,” once he resigned before election day.
Bleeps
Then came the bleeps in the form of his resignation letter from the Minister of
Education with the incorrect date of January 4 th , 2022, while we were in 2023,
days after the nomination process and only when highlighted by Ms. Marshall.
Was this an honest mistake or did it seek to cover up the nominated foul-up?
Now before you dismiss that question, I ask you the readers to factor in the
blunders.
Blunders
These blunders come in the form of an interesting but deeply flawed political
strategy. Mr. Simon and his UPP handlers are trying to circumvent the will of
the court. While saying others are trying to circumvent the will of the people, as
they started this process by ignoring the Constitution. If it all sounds confusing
that is the UPP way. In any event, this is a serious matter which some legal
experts claim can be viewed as contempt of court. Mr. Simon and the UPP are
well aware they are on the wrong side of the law in this case. What they are not
telling the public is Mr. Simon’s nomination process will be found to be illegal
but moreover, he could be disqualified from the process, making the person
with the second highest votes the duly elected representative for St. Mary’s
South.
You see, billboards, flyers, radio and television advertisements were circulated
throughout the election campaign informing voters that a vote for Mr. Simon
was a wasted vote as he was disqualified because of the errors in his nomination
process. On the realization of this fact, Mr. Simon and his legal team have now
engaged in a three-card game. At this point, I would question if Mr. Simon and
his team did not reach out to Samantha or her team to settle this matter out of
court.
In the last 4 months, we have seen the capacity of Mr. Simon. The old saying
“There are horses for races” come to mind. He is unable, incapable or both (a
scary thought) of providing the necessary leadership for St. Mary’s South. Mr.
Simon is on the wrong track, on the wrong day, without a horse, waiting for a
race that will never happen. Completely lost. One also has to wonder about his
legal team. On these actions, I believe if you were to put their brains in a
balloon, they would collectively fly in the nearest lime tree, upwind.
Competence
Samantha on the hand is a serious community leader. She has demonstrated the
willingness and capacity to lead St. Mary’s South in these tough times. Since
2014 Sam has dedicated every day to fighting for the people of St. Mary’s
South. Bolans Community Clinic, Johnsons Point Clinic, Johnsons Point Fire
Station and St. Mary’s South Community Centre are all achievements that can
be used to highlight successes of Samantha. However, having any kind of brief
discussion with Samantha you would soon come to realize her passion is the
personal upliftment of her constituents, the people.
From her unwavering support for SAP FC to supporting farmers in St. Mary’s
South helping them to provide food security and increase productivity,
unlocking the potential of our youth, by partnering with UWI Five Islands
Campus to offer programmes to empower them and move them to the next level
of their development, or the COVID-19 relief provided during the pandemic, or
simply lending a quiet hand to a constituent in need, Samantha has always
worked to uplift the people of St. Mary’s South.
On the national stage, her voice is one of leadership and experience. Samantha
has a long history of public service in Antigua and Barbuda, having worked in
various government ministries. Currently serving as a Permanent Secretary in
the Ministry of Social Transformation, as well as the Ministry of Health and the
Environment, she is using her valuable experience gained in managing staff,
developing policies, and communicating these policies to address the issues
affecting our nation.
Additionally, as leader of the Senate, Samantha is required to lead the debate on
bills that will address the concerns of our country. She also serves as the 1st
Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. All this while being a
mother to a young child. An example to all mothers around our country is that
you can have a professional career while being a dedicated mother.
Well-spoken, articulate and down-to-earth, Samantha is a person who can
connect with people from all walks of life. Her track record of engaging
constituents and listening to their concerns, while translating those concerns to
action, which helps move our nation to the next level of progress and prosperity
demonstrates a level of commitment and capacity far beyond anything seen by
Mr. Simon's foul-ups, bleeps, blunders, restroom breaks and lunchroom
adventures.
Adrian Gittens
Political Strategist
