ST. JOHN'S, Antigua — United Progressive Party candidate for Rural South Emanuel Peters has pledged to donate 100 percent of his parliamentary salary to support residents of the constituency, outlining an ambitious plan to transform what he described as one of the country's most impoverished communities ahead of the April 30 general election.
According to Antigua News Room, Peters made the commitment while addressing a UPP rally on Tuesday night, framing his pledge as a personal one rooted in his lived experience growing up in the constituency.
"I will pledge 100% of my parliamentary salary towards developing and helping the people of Rural South rise out of poverty," he told supporters.
Peters, who said he was born and raised in Rural South, positioned his campaign around long-term service rather than election-cycle promises. "My commitment to Rural South has never depended on an election date," he said, adding that he had already been assisting residents "quietly, without cameras, without clicks, without likes."
He argued that an electoral victory would allow those grassroots efforts to scale into broader, systemic change. "No more excuses… no more poor performance," he declared.
A central pillar of Peters' platform is the redevelopment of the North Grove Community Centre, which he said would be rebuilt into a modern hub housing a clinic, pharmacy, and a full police station. "That community center… will be reconstructed… advanced and modernized," he said, emphasising that healthcare services would be brought closer to residents.
He also proposed naming the new police station after Delana Christopher, whom he described as the Caribbean's first female police commissioner, as part of an effort to honor national trailblazers. The upgraded facility would additionally include commercial spaces to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating what Peters called "real economic opportunity" within the constituency.
On social services, Peters outlined plans to introduce a monthly community bus service for elderly and disabled residents, as well as sporting teams. "We will introduce a community bus that will take all our elders, our differently abled people, and also our sporting teams," he said, noting that transportation remains a significant barrier for many residents.
He also proposed activating a constituency-wide alert system to improve communication around criminal activity and promote local businesses.
Peters placed strong emphasis on youth development and cultural renewal, promising upgrades to three neglected sporting facilities and the construction of new recreational and training spaces. "Nothing will look dilapidated… we are progress," he said, criticizing the current condition of community fields.
Plans for the Raider Range and Ottos Newtown areas include a new community centre, a playing field, a skills training facility, a gym, business spaces, and a "wall of fame" to recognize community figures. Peters also committed to reviving the Ebonite Steel Orchestra, describing it as a "two-time panorama" champion that has been overlooked.
Throughout his address, Peters criticized what he characterized as neglect and the inequitable distribution of government resources. "Government resources… belong to everybody," he said, arguing that public funds should benefit all citizens rather than "a selected few."
He positioned his candidacy as part of a broader UPP vision centered on equitable development, improved living standards, and restored community pride.
"You aren't just choosing a name. You are choosing your future," Peters told supporters, adding that his goal is to transform St. John's Rural South "from one of the most recognized impoverished constituencies into one that is proactive, progressive and striving."
