Anthony Smith Jr. is standing by his decision to leave the United Progressive Party and join the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, arguing that the move was driven by a commitment to delivering results for constituents in All Saints West rather than remaining in opposition.
According to Antigua News Room, Smith made the remarks during an election interview, stating that his experience on both sides of the political divide convinced him that meaningful development can only be achieved from within government.
"You cannot continue to ask the people just to vote for you just to keep you in opposition," he said, adding that political parties must be "viable" and capable of winning power in order to improve lives.
Smith was elected in 2023 on a UPP ticket before subsequently becoming an independent Member of Parliament and government minister. He said his departure from the UPP followed internal disagreements over the party's direction.
He accused the opposition of being more focused on internal power struggles than on presenting a credible path to governance. "They felt more focused on staying in opposition than in winning government," he said, also claiming the party relied on "propaganda" rather than development-focused policies.
By contrast, Smith said his time working alongside the government revealed what he described as a genuine commitment to national development, pointing to investments in infrastructure, housing, education and healthcare.
"That was certainly the right decision to be able to serve the people of All Saints West," he said.
The floor crossing has become a central issue in the campaign. Critics have labelled the move a betrayal of voters who elected him under the UPP banner. Smith, however, has sought to reframe it as a decision rooted in responsibility and outcomes.
He maintains that his priority has remained consistent — improving conditions in the constituency — and argues that aligning with the governing party has allowed him to accelerate projects and secure resources that would not have been accessible from the opposition benches.
With the April 30 general election approaching, Smith is pointing to his record since joining the ABLP as evidence that proximity to executive power translates into tangible delivery, particularly in infrastructure and public services.
The All Saints West race is expected to be closely contested. Smith is urging voters to judge his decision on results rather than party allegiance.
