Antigua Labour Party candidate for All Saints West, Anthony Smith Jr., has publicly denied allegations that he ordered the removal of opposition campaign posters, calling the claims false and politically motivated.
According to Antigua News Room, Smith addressed the controversy in a statement shared on social media, distancing himself from any acts of vandalism while directing pointed criticism at opposition figure Harold Lovell.
"I think it's fair to say that everyone agrees that acts of tearing down posters should not occur. I certainly don't support this behavior and would never encourage anyone to participate in it," Smith said.
Smith went further, accusing Lovell of manufacturing the allegations for political gain. "Harold Lovell should stop making false accusations in an attempt to seek sympathy," he stated.
Dismissing reports that he had personally instructed supporters to tear down posters, Smith said the claims would not distract him from his constituency work. "I disregard the reports that you gave the order to tear them down because my focus is on delivering tangible results for the people of All Saints West," he said.
The ABLP candidate said his campaign remains firmly focused on development priorities for the constituency, including roads, drains, potable water, healthcare, education, and recreational facilities.
"My emphasis is on empowering our people — not on the lies and petty politics you're trying to provoke," Smith added.
The public exchange comes as political tensions escalate across several constituencies ahead of the April 30 general election.
