A naturalized Antiguan business owner has issued a public call for unity in English Harbour, condemning what he describes as racial attacks targeting white residents over their support of an independent political candidate. According to Antigua News Room, the letter was authored by Ragan King, a Black business owner who has operated in English Harbour for 29 years.

In his letter, King — who identifies as an economist and describes his customer base as consistently 98% white — says he is "hurt, disappointed, and appalled" by the attacks. He stressed that financially or publicly supporting any candidate is a fundamental democratic right.

King warned of serious economic consequences should such rhetoric continue. "As an economist, I understand the potential negative economic fallout that can occur from these irresponsible statements and racial undertones, and the targeting of individuals in such an important sector as yachting," he wrote. He described the yachting sector as uniquely vulnerable to both internal and external pressures, arguing that statements and conduct affecting it must always be carefully considered — particularly in a small, tourism-dependent nation like Antigua and Barbuda.

King offered pointed context around the community's economic dynamics, noting that 96% of funding for events in English Harbour comes from white residents. He added that his own Black-owned business, along with other Black businesses, accounts for part of the remaining difference — contributions he says go largely unpublicized by choice.

Invoking the intellectual traditions of Walter Rodney, V.C. Bird Sr., and Tim Hector, King positioned himself as someone deeply committed to Black consciousness. He maintained, however, that the conduct he has witnessed does not meet the threshold of racism — but that divisive attacks on specific groups, without acknowledging their historical contributions to events, communities, and political parties, remain unacceptable.

King also pushed back against personal attacks targeting his accent, asserting that his contributions to community events — from which hundreds have benefited — speak for themselves.

"It is not okay to attack specific groups and individuals in this community without examining their massive historical contributions," he wrote. "Context is everything."

He closed with a direct appeal: "Let's not divide this racially integrated community."