By Azara Lavia
Residents are being encouraged to come out in large numbers to participate in a major protest march, this afternoon, aimed at addressing several pressing national issues, including the escalating cost of living and the increase in vehicle licensing fees.
Dubbed “The Conqueror and the Wolf Action Freedom March”, the demonstration is being led by broadcaster, social and political activist William “Zeze” Thomas and Attorney-at-Law Vere Bird III.
According to Thomas, the march is being held to highlight the challenges faced by the poor and working-class residents over the past 11 years. He emphasized the urgent need for greater government transparency, particularly in relation to taxpayer funds.
“This march is about awakening the people to their rights and exposing the struggles that many are facing,” Thomas explained. “There are individuals within the government who refuse to acknowledge the widespread poverty in Antigua and Barbuda. Even the Prime Minister himself admitted that he never realized how many poor and destitute people there are in the country, and he laughed as he said it. This march is about holding our leaders accountable and demanding answers.”
He also questioned the government’s financial accountability, pointing out discrepancies in the management of public funds. “If a court wouldn’t accept a piecemeal excuse from a citizen failing to pay what’s due, why should we accept a piecemeal explanation from government ministers about millions of missing dollars?” Thomas asked.
He further stressed the urgency of the protest, stating: “So that is why I’m calling the people out, because this Freedom Action Freedom March is something that we should take seriously, because it’s affecting you. When the government has a shortfall, the first people they run to are you. When they take your money and waste it, like the $90 million in personal grants given to their senators and others, or the $70 million-plus in E-books dumped in Cooks, and a whole host of other egregious actions, it’s Antiguans and Barbudans who are suffering,” he said.
“The government isn’t looking out for you; they are continuing to squeeze you, squeeze you, and squeeze you.”
Protesters attending the march are asked to assemble at 4:30pm to move off promptly at 5pm from the former PDO Building, then to proceed up Market Street, and conclude on Church Street.
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