Dear Editor,
I write in response to a recent letter concerning Mr. Alan Weston that, rather than raising meaningful issues, relies heavily on speculation, insinuation, and divisive rhetoric. According to Antigua News Room, which published the original correspondence, the exchange has drawn attention to both the upcoming St. Paul's contest and the future of the National Sailing Academy.
Let us deal with facts.
Alan Weston was born, raised, and continues to live in St. Paul's. He has been part of this community long before any election and will remain part of it long after. His decision to serve is rooted in that lived reality — not in outside influence or convenience.
The attempt to suggest that Mr. Weston is being "controlled" or "bought" is not only unfounded but dismissive of the intelligence of the people of St. Paul's. It is also worth noting that, although the individual being alluded to was not named, that person's support has not been limited to Mr. Weston. Financial support has also been extended to Mr. Chet Greene of the ABLP and Mr. Jamale Pringle of the UPP. Any attempt to frame such support as unique, sinister, or controlling in one instance — while ignoring its broader reality — is plainly misleading.
Support for public figures and public causes, whether local or from members of the wider Antiguan and Barbudan community, is neither unusual nor improper where it is lawful. What matters is that public discourse remains honest and grounded in fact.
On the issue of the National Sailing Academy (NSA), the public deserves clarity.
For approximately three years, the individual referenced provided sustained financial and material support to the NSA, contributing in excess of US $700,000 through direct funding, infrastructure, labour, and the organisation of fundraising initiatives. This support helped sustain the programme at a time when it faced significant financial challenges, allowing it to continue serving young people across St. Paul's and Antigua and Barbuda, including outreach to multiple schools at no cost.
A formal proposal was subsequently developed — with support from former management, members of the board, and the property owner — to transition the NSA toward long-term sustainability. The objective was not to take from the NSA, but to strengthen it.
The proposal included: rebuilding the restaurant and café area within the existing footprint to generate revenue; construction of new NSA workshop and offices and a sail loft; a proper parking facility; community areas; leasing of those spaces to create consistent income for the NSA; expanding classroom capacity to support more students; increasing accommodation through guest studios to create direct income for the NSA; keeping existing operations under the ownership and management of the NSA; and providing watersports and other activities for the people of St. Paul's and the wider community, while contributing meaningfully to the national tourism product.
Let it be stated clearly: ownership remains Antiguan and would never change.
All required plans and submissions were completed and provided in accordance with regulatory expectations. Despite repeated engagement and follow-up over an extended period, the project did not progress.
The impact of that outcome is now clear. An 80-plus-year-old was brought back, and since then, six NSA staffers have resigned or lost their jobs within the past two weeks. A programme that once supported 13 schools and over 200 students will now deny more than 50 percent of those children the opportunity to learn to swim and sail.
One must ask: how can anyone be against a project designed to sustain itself, expand access, create jobs, and strengthen opportunities for young Antiguans?
Because that is exactly what this proposal represents. It is not just about sailing. It is about economic participation, skills development, youth empowerment, and national growth. It creates employment, supports entrepreneurship, strengthens our tourism offering, and keeps revenue circulating within the community.
The positive externalities are real and measurable: increased youth engagement and reduced social vulnerability; expanded access to marine and tourism-related careers; community development through shared spaces and opportunity; and the strengthening of Antigua's global brand as a premier maritime and tourism destination.
I therefore challenge anyone — including the Minister — to oppose the merits of this project on fact, particularly when measured against its economic value, its contribution to youth development, and its role in enhancing the national tourism product.
Without sustainable funding, the NSA's reach has been significantly reduced. Where the programme once supported a wide cross-section of schools and students, access is now limited to a fraction of that number. The denial of access to underprivileged children is not just unfortunate — it is diabolically cruel and a disgrace.
That is the real issue. Not personalities. Not distraction. Not race. The question is simply whether opportunities for young people are expanded or allowed to decline.
Equally concerning is the tone of the original letter. References to race, nationality, and insinuations about who is or is not entitled to contribute to public life do nothing to advance constructive dialogue. Antigua and Barbuda has always benefited from lawful collaboration, investment, and openness — not prejudice and division.
Finally, invoking the legacy of respected individuals to question motives does a disservice to both the past and the present. Leadership is not inherited; it is demonstrated through action, accountability, and commitment to the people. Alan "Spotlight" Weston has shown his commitment throughout the years to St. Paul's and the wider community. He has earned his right to represent his people.
St. Paul's is capable of assessing facts for itself. The community deserves discourse that informs, not distracts.
Respectfully, Truthseeker
