By Bonnietha John
Fellow Barbudans, this serves as a formal announcement that I, Bonnietha John, am a candidate in the March 26 Council elections where five councilors will be selected to serve on the Council as prescribed by law.
I am one of the candidates on the ticket of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party seeking to be elected to the Council. We cannot do that without your help; by you casting your votes for us and here’s why. Speaking on behalf of myself and the other candidates on our ticket, we are committed to see our beloved Barbuda improve in every aspect of human development; social, economic and the overall quality of life
As the candidates representing the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, the organization most responsible for the growth and development that are taking place in the country, as Barbudans, our aim is to move our country forward and improve our living situation with both islands moving hand-in-hand. Despite the devastation of Hurricane Irma almost eight years ago, Barbuda remains a beautiful island with much potential. Sadly, we note that since the hurricane, some areas of our island are still in a distasteful state, and this is getting close to eight years.
Our cause is about development; we are also about preserving our environment and not just to wax poetically about the flora and fauna, but to include as well our lived environment. For example, we are concerned about the current state of the landfill where our garbage is disposed. It is distasteful, and we must bear in mind its proximity to the Barbuda International Airport. During the its operation a wide range of pollutants are often released into the atmosphere and this ought to be a concern for us as residents of the island as well as for our visitors using the airport.
My commitment is to expand access to affordable healthcare services for all residents, improving the education system for our children whilst opening a trade center for persons who are interested in technical learning and sustainable development all the while protecting our environment and its beauty. Whilst we are doing this, we intend to simultaneously provide jobs and business opportunities to our people.
The “tiredness” of our island reflects the feelings of all of us. As the Barbuda branch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, our goal is to move both our islands forward, together.
The opposing side has demonstrated its inability to govern the affairs of the island. The devastation caused by Hurricane Irma has placed unprecedented stress on our residents and the island itself, while the current Council members spend their time fighting, cursing, and damaging the island’s image without offering proper solutions.
Barbuda is my home, and it is where I want to live. Our healthcare system requires better leadership, our landfill needs improved management, our road infrastructure demands significant upgrades, and the island itself needs additional resources.
Thank you and thanks in advance for your vote, your confidence. God Bless our island, God Bless Antigua and Barbuda.
