ANTIGUA AT THE CROSSROADS

With a snap election having been called by its Prime Minister for the end of the month, Antigua and Barbuda has come to a fork in the road of future economic and political development: it can elect Opposition (UPP) candidates, who have promised to reverse the dependence on China, and strengthen ties with the United States, would result in increased tourism, agriculture and infrastructure construction, meaning more jobs, or it can elect to remain with the existing Labour Party, which means status quo on low standards of living for much of the population, and increased isolation from the US, due to CIP issues, and because of continued alignment with the Peoples' Republic of China.

Antiguans are painfully aware that their PM called the election because he fears serious political and legal clouds on the horizon for their country, due to inevitable additional American measures to rein in the CIP dangers, to uncover corruption problems that impact the United States financial system, as well as issues involving Browne personally. There are external business entities, American as well as expat Antiguan, that have hesitated to bring investment to the two island nation, due to concerns over corruption and threats of governmental interference, but who have promised to bring jobs and new commerce, provided they are comforted by the installation of a new, clean government, without Labour's extensive baggage. The United States also seeks a reformed Citizenship by Investment (CIP) passport sales program, without the specter of corruption, properly and professionally administered, focusing upon improving the lives of Antiguans. A new government could instill American and European confidence in such a program, and make progress in the restoration of the American visa access privileges that Antiguans previously enjoyed.

Clearly, Antiguans have a clear choice to make at election time; partnership with the United States, in mutually beneficial expanded tourism, increased construction and agriculture projects, bringing additional employment, or remaining within China's orbit, insuring future problems with America, and continuing economic doldrums that only benefit the privileged few. Choose well, Antigua & Barbuda.