St. John's Rural North candidate Charles Fernandez has pushed back against criticism over his visibility in the constituency, citing a range of community programmes and direct engagement efforts as evidence of his continued presence on the ground.
According to Antigua News Room, Fernandez addressed the issue during a "Know Your Candidate" interview held ahead of the April 30 general election, acknowledging that the demands of his ministerial portfolio have been substantial while maintaining they have not prevented him from staying connected with residents.
"Tourism is not an easy thing… there has been a lot, a lot of work," Fernandez said, referencing responsibilities tied to aviation, transportation and major infrastructure projects.
He rejected suggestions that his workload has curtailed his constituency presence, pointing instead to a series of initiatives his office has delivered. "We have the back-to-school [programme], we have the bus to take seniors out on a day tour… we were having town hall meetings," he said. He added that his team distributes food packages and provides laptops to students graduating from local schools.
Fernandez also stated that his office remains accessible to all constituents regardless of scheduling pressures. "No constituent is turned away from my office, no day," he said.
His outreach efforts, he noted, extend to partnerships with community groups, including sewing classes for single mothers, as well as recurring events such as Christmas parties and senior tours.
Fernandez did acknowledge that traditional engagement formats have struggled to draw large crowds, suggesting a broader shift in how residents consume information. "It is difficult… a lot of people rely on social media and television," he said.
Fernandez is seeking re-election in a seat he won in 2023 by just over 200 votes. The question of his visibility has emerged as a notable point of contention in the campaign.
He conceded that balancing national ministerial duties with constituency responsibilities remains an ongoing challenge, but insisted his record reflects genuine and sustained community involvement.
The St. John's Rural North race is expected to draw considerable attention, with both major parties viewing the seat as a key target in the broader contest for government.
