Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr continues to maintain that he is an Independent Member of Parliament despite growing alignment with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), as he has been spotted at recent ABLP executive meetings.
In a recent interview with social media influencer J’Truth, Smith addressed questions about his political affiliation, confirming he has been invited to attend the ABLP executive meeting this Friday but emphasized he would be attending in his capacity as Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.
“I am an Independent Member of the House of Representatives,” Smith stated firmly when asked if he could now be considered an ABLP candidate.
The minister previously represented All Saints West as a United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate but made a sudden controversial departure from that entity and commenced serving in the ABLP Cabinet.
“I was officially invited to the People’s Place in my capacity as the Minister of Agriculture to come and just to share with the people what’s happening in the agriculture sector,” Smith explained, referring to the ABLP headquarters. “This Friday would be my first time going to the executive.”
Smith’s political future has been a topic of speculation since his resignation from the UPP. He has repeatedly characterized his departure as being driven by “hate” and “disunity” within its leadership ranks.
During the interview, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for “saving” his political career and “positioning me to deliver for the people of All Saints West”.
While he stopped short of declaring future political intentions, Smith emphasized his commitment to public service.
“The people of All Saints West and of Antigua and Barbuda can be assured that I want to continue offering myself up to serve the people,” he said. “When that time comes, we will know.”
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