Dear Editor,
The recent destruction of a political billboard in Freeman's Village is deeply concerning and must be unequivocally condemned. According to Antigua.news, acts of vandalism targeting campaign materials have been reported across the country, with posters, billboards, and flyers all falling victim to destruction during the current election season. Such conduct does not merely damage property — it strikes at the very foundation of democracy: the right to free expression.
Antigua and Barbuda has a proud history shaped by resilience, struggle, and the pursuit of self-determination. That legacy demands that citizens engage one another with respect, even when political views diverge. Democracy does not require uniformity of thought. It requires tolerance, dialogue, and the maturity to accept that others may hold different perspectives.
What is unfolding represents a troubling shift away from healthy political competition and toward hostility and division. Destroying campaign materials, silencing opposing voices, or intimidating supporters does not strengthen any cause — it weakens the democratic process for everyone.
Elections are not battles to be fought with anger and destruction. They are opportunities to present ideas, debate policies, and allow the people to decide. There is strength in disagreement when it is handled with dignity.
We must reject these acts of vandalism and instead commit to a culture of respect. Citizens can stand firmly in their beliefs while still honoring the rights of others to do the same. We can disagree without being disagreeable.
At this critical moment in our nation's journey, let us rise — not in conflict, but in unity, understanding, and shared respect for the democratic values that bind us.
Sincerely, Glenford Peters
