ALP political leader Lester Bird
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The democratic process leading up to Sunday’s Antigua Labour Party’s (ALP) Convention and leadership vote is being compromised, according to ALP political leader Lester Bird.
The former prime minister expressed concern about the amount of money being pumped into the leadership campaign by some candidates.
He did not mention anyone by name, but suggested that attempts were being made to buy delegates’ votes.
“The only problem I have is that I find there is too much money being bandied about. That is the only thing and that could really, in my opinion, nullify the whole election,” Bird said.
“I have had several people come up to me this (yesterday) morning to say that they have been offered funding to vote against me.
“I think that that is most unfortunate because the labour party still has to get together and win the election against Baldwin Spencer and the UPP,” he added.
The former prime minister declined to comment directly on the manifesto-type document put out by his key rival, Gaston Browne, Bird’s deputy and the chairman of the party.
The other challengers in the ALP leadership race are former finance minister Molwyn Joseph and former government minister Robin Yearwood.
The Antigua Labour Party will decide on a new leader at its convention this coming Sunday – November 25.
Meanwhile in a media statement issued yesterday, Bird said he wishes to continue to lead the ALP to victory in the next general elections.
(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)
WOW, If you live long enough you hear and see it all . But again it was the ALP who had all the BIG MONEY SPENDERS in their pocket for years VESCO,HADEED,STANFORD ect ect. Chickens coming home to roost , BYE LESTER .
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Oh Lester, the young ones have learnt so well that they are now executing against you! Cant plant peas and get coconuts!
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Meanwhile, in other news, the Kettle has alleged that the Pot is in fact black.
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“Half-Truth is Same as a Lie”
How could I forget the leadership race between Lester and St. Luce. I was there, was a delegate also. Talk about buying votes. O the stories that I can tell. Now Lester crying….O please
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Please Lester, bow out gracefully and save what little dignity you have left.
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Lester, is it OK to buy votes in national elections but not in party elections? Are you crying fowl because you are now being outspent, and would it have been OK if the shoe was on the other foot? Do you remember what happened in 1993/4 in your race with John St. Luce? What I am suggesting is that your stance on campaign financing is one of expedience, and is not based on a principle. That is the reason why you will be roundly defeated.
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Lester Bird you of all people. May the lord have mercy on your soul.
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