Antigua and Barbuda’s ruling political party, Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) had its St. John’s City East Constituency offices damaged by a suspicious fire on the morning of Monday, January 16. According to the Caribbean National Weekly, the suspicious fire started in the early morning soon after the political party had concluded a strategy meeting with their candidate and Information Minister Melford Nicholas and his campaign team.
The extent of the damage suffered by the offices was not clear, however, Nicholas said several windows were broken and two offices were completely damaged.
Cause of the Suspicious Fire
Police said they would investigate the fire. There is a suspicion that the fire was the result of arson, with unknown political opponents being accused of committing the crime. It is alleged by Nicholas that a Molotov cocktail was found at the scene and that witnesses saw two people running away from the scene of the crime.
Nicholas condemned the attack but said it would not dissuade him and his team from working towards their targets as a political party. “This species of violence started around nomination day when we noticed our campaign material was defaced and destroyed…It has strengthened our resolve…This is not going to stop us in any way,” Nicholas said.
He condemned the political violence that has recently occurred in the area and warned members of the ABLP not to take part in any actions that might be considered vengeance. The occurrence of alleged politically motivated incidents is concerning, because an independent candidate in another constituency, Asot Michael, allegedly had bomb threats made against him, stating that his home and business property were the locations threatened.
Antigua and Barbuda will be hosting its general elections on Wednesday, January 18. Besides the ABLP, opposition parties the United Progressive Party (UPP) and Democratic National Alliance (DNA) will be contesting for the 17 seats in Parliament. It is estimated that 80,000 Antigua and Barbuda citizens will vote on election day. 53 candidates will participate in the vote. The Commonwealth, the Organization of the American States, and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will monitor the elections.
