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**Eric** » 2012-06-01 15:00

Was Lester really sick? Or did he suddenly realize that he was making a fool of himself before the world and decided that he and Asot would stay away from Parliament?

**Expatriate Antiguan** » 2012-05-31 21:23

As my Grandmother would say,You,ll love ugly bad,but the one with the last laugh always has the best laugh.There are clearly some traitors on board,inspite of Lesters age or health,i hope they are soon caught and thrown to the wolves,from afar i can spot them so clearly,how come you people cant,Two traitors on board,throw they sorry ** over board,one hungry for power,the other maybe just a dam xxxxt.

**jeb** » 2012-05-31 14:19

To laugh at this situation IMO shows exactly what sort of representatives we have. Despite it being a slim chance of succeeding the vote would hopefully have registered with BS that the majority of the people (including blues) think his tenure of leadership has been a total failure. The situation in Antigua is seriously dire and is not at all funny to the m** that are suffering every day from the out of control spending, theft and taxation. Could be wrong but am willing to bet that since the UPP have become very aware of the overwhelming discontent, whatever continuation they have in power will be more than ever about self, self-enrichment and covering up sources of same. How can it be perceived as funny that only one generator is apparently functioning and one is being used for parts? What is funny about perpetrators of this abusive farce (along with all the others) costing the people horrendous amounts of money every day? I don’t see it as a matter of BS versus ALP…I see it as an effort to try and bring these abuses of people and country to an end by forcing these buffoons to get a grip and actually manage the country properly for whatever time they have left.

**Dig It** » 2012-05-31 13:46

When you have a government, and, its citizens failed to be "objective" in their actions\inactio ns, something is "wrong" with that! Most of know that ALP made "mistakes" when it was in governance. Yet, we continue to play these little "tic-for-tac," instead of finding ways to make government more "accountable" and "transperant" to the people! Cool Ruler, when you put a "knife" in the heart of your country's economy, you not only see "red" or "blue" but you also see "white,"black" and "gold!" Do you know what each "colors" represent? Or, does it matters to you, since you resides, comfortably, in the US (you chose where you want to live...that's your business), and, promised not to return home, if the Opposition returns to power? If you would "patriotic" you would live under "any" government! I really thought by now you would have use your "banking" experience and come back to make a contribution! Guess the "trinkets" must be sweet to keep you abroad?

**Concern Antiguan** » 2012-05-31 13:29

Lester time has come and gone. The same way age will eventually catch up with all of us. With age come poor health. Do not heng your head Lester. Do the honorable thing and bow out gracefully. Now is the time to leave in the interest of the party. Take a hit for the team. The ALP need to identify and rally around a new leader now. Time is of the essence.

**Cool Ruler** » 2012-05-31 13:24

Tenman I did see your comments that you reposted today but I also got the impression you were dismissing Wickham’s assertions last week because of alleged leaking of confidential information. Would you agree that Wickham was spot on with his **sments, even thou he may have committed the cardinal sin of leaking confidential client information?

**young analyst** » 2012-05-31 13:13

As i also waited keenly yesterday to the parliment session, when the hon. Gaston Brown got up and said he piece. I important factor in which i think bought this is was because at he said there was a member of the other side was missing and i think that particular minister is an important part of this motion swaying to the ALP side, thus i think they didnt have a choice. So i think overall its a very interesting situation brewing.

**Reader** » 2012-05-31 12:26

ALL A DEM!!!!!!!!

**Reader** » 2012-05-31 12:25

From Lester all the way down to Teco. All BAFFOONS!!!!

Perhaps if they all focused less on the young little girls around the island and more on what they've been elected to do (represent the people), maybe just maybe something can get done!

TIME FOR LESTER TO GO!!!! WHAT AN EMBAR**MENT

**Cool Ruler** » 2012-05-31 12:16

And the sad thing is, all the comrades fell for the hype. Comrade Dig it, what ever you are accusing the government of your guys have done that and worst

**tenman** » 2012-05-31 11:47

Ruler the following is a re-post of my comment:
learn lessons from our neighbors #3 tenman » 2012-04-15 09:14 Mr. Barnes as usual great article. Political parties need to learn from the experience of other parties throughout the region. The labor party seems doomed to repeat the mistake of the UWP in Saint Lucia. You had an ailing leader , help bring them victory in 2006, and then die in 2007. In 2006 LB used Compton as an example of why persons should not have questions about his viability as a PM due to his age. LB said nothing when Compton died in 2007. The party then selected Stevenson King but due to his weak leadership ability internal power struggles continued with Richard Fredrick & Rofus Bousquet wanting leadership. This tension even existed when Compton lead the party and was blamed by some for the stress which brought on the stroke which caused Compton death (stress can help cause a stroke). The ALP needs to settle this matter or not only will the party suffer, but so also the country due to either it being a weak opposition party or a weak government.
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**tenman** » 2012-05-31 11:44

Ruler, perhaps your post is directed at me. If you would take the time and look at my comment, 23 May 2012, to the said article, you would note I agreed with your Compton comment. If you were to look at past articles on this issue, you would see that I made the similar comment stating my fear that we repeat the same thing that happened in Saint Lucia. Where Wickham is concerned, if someone in the US (a US Citizen) did what he is accused of doing, they would be arrested and tried for being a traitor. Ruler to help you in your research, read my comment to the article
#3 tenman » 2012-04-15 09:14 to the following article http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/opinions/opinion-pieces/everton-barnes/100237-inside-politics-alp-dysfunction.html
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**SlyThatGuy** » 2012-05-31 11:36

If we reflect on all of these bad experiences we're presently having with the Antigua Labor Party(primarily their inability to get something done in a crucial time),we'll realize that there's no reward in putting them in power.

**Time up** » 2012-05-31 11:32

To everything there is a season and a purpose for everything under the heaven.
I can only see it as an act of divine intervention to free God's people.
Yesterday's charade has left the Hon. Lester Bird naked and has given the ALP another and perhaps final chance to get it's act together and to truly demonstrate readiness to govern.
Bon voyage comrade Lester- you have done as much as you can. Just like you recommended that your father move off the political scene, it's now your time. Age is such.

**Dig It** » 2012-05-31 11:13

A total "emba**ment" to the people of this country! I believe the time has come for the ALP to solve its leadership problem, before it goes into the next general election! I just find that too much "focus" is on the leadership of the party and not the "plights" of the people! We have a country that is "bleeding" with poor-leadership , poor-mismanagem ent and waste of the taxpayers money, and lack of transparency\ac countability, and, yet, after eight years, the opposition just can't "figure out" what's more important to country? In that, I don't really care what Peter Wickham have to say! He should stay out of our politics, and, stop saling "melee!"

**Jumbee Picknee** » 2012-05-31 11:05

In the world of politricks, staying in the spotlight is the ultimate desire. In the world of business/market ing, negative advertising can be just as powerfull as positive advertising. None of us, have all of the information regarding these discussions in the ALP's House, so we're speculating at best. However, I can derive, that Gaston is trying to "kill several Birds, (Lester, Baldwin, Vere, Vere, Louise) with one sling shot," and it appears as if his aim is on target.

**Ian Best** » 2012-05-31 10:48

@ Tenman. Yes that is exactly what I am saying and Neither Molwyn or anyone one of his supporters could provide any evidence to refute that. Just like he has asked for the UPP to provide evidence, ask Molwyn to provide evidence that he has a degree in Management majoring in Finance. Even the language he used "emphasis" and not majoring would confirm that he has no such degree. The man is a xxxx. If he can be so xxxxxve, living these xxxs for so many years how could anyone trust him to lead ? Molwyn cant even lead his xxxxx. he is xxxx by all of his xxxxxx.

**tenman** » 2012-05-31 10:34

Ian Best are you saying that MP Joseph never received a Bachelors of Science Degree from Dyke College (Cleveland Ohio) in Management with an emphasis in Finance?

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**ANTIGUAN WOMAN** » 2012-05-31 10:30

I agree with you 100%,as i stated before i have all respect for Mr Bird,but as we all know there is a time and place for everything under the Sun. I still maintain though,that we the people rely too much on politicians to dictate for us,we are the ones who struggle from day- day to make two ends meet,we are the ones who suffer the most,because all thE MP,S both on the govt/opposition are well fortefied.It is time we change our closed mentalities ,get up and demand what we need from the Govt,afterall we are the ones who elected them not the 17 men on the ALP tickets. I think everyone is forgetting one person that was absent yesterday,ASOT MICHAEL.Where was he and why did he not return after the break.Something smells bad if you ask me.

**Cool Ruler** » 2012-05-31 10:30

Some persons jump on the band wagon criticizing Peter Wickham last week when he made his pronouncements about dye hair Lester. Some even went as far as to post link to discredit Wickham claiming he was fired for leaking “confidential information” now singing a different tune. This is exactly what I mean when I said he wants to do a John Compton on u**ed at Manley’s funeral years ago in Jamaica has fainted many times since and refuses to leave with what little semblance of dignity he has left.

I watched ABS via the web yesterday and could see the pain on Gaston’s face as he said with a straight face the Leader is not feeling well and so could not be hear to move the motion. He told us long ago about the “geriatric albatross”

**Ian Best** » 2012-05-31 09:54

@Dadliman. I challenge you or Molywn Joseph to provide evidence that he holds a University Degree. Molwyn did some college courses but ha no degree. Molwyn must come clean and confirm to the public that he does not have a univeristy degree. By the way, Isnt he a US citizen ? Molwyn is living a big lie, the man has no conscience.

**PLM** » 2012-05-31 09:45

Antiguan Woman,

The disgrace is that Lester “last legs” Bird and all de bird people (except “Special Ed” Joseph) know that Lester is finished, but ALP MP’s, Gaston included, are too petrified of the Sir Vere’s jumby to put Lester out of his misery and end the ALP’s perpetual embar**ment.

**tenman** » 2012-05-31 09:42

HC, speaking for myself, this is not about being disrespectful or not having sympathy for LB health. However, its time to face facts. How can he hope to be PM, if he cannot even sit for a few hours in parliament which meets about once every 3 months? How will he deal with weekly Cabinet meetings, if he became PM? How will he go about carrying out the other duties of a PM? The last time he went to a funeral he had to be taken to a hospital. He cannot even carry out his duties as leader of the opposition: There is constant talk that the meetings of the public accounts committee keep being postponed because LB is sick. Like Dadliman, I did not expect them to win the no confidence vote, but I at least expected them to put up a fight. What happened yesterday is yet another example of the opposition party's being shown as having guns with no bullets.
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aj » 2012-05-31 09:38

It is obvious that we will all have to wait till 2014 to show where we stand "If we survive this tyranic UPP Government" Anu people not feeling any pressure all is well, rosy, and dandy; so the UPP will continue to rule with their iron fist (taxes) look for more crime and civil disobedience... .now more than ever we need to turn off the blue light and the red light and search for the white light " be your brothers keeper, we got the same color blood running through our veins.....

**justin** » 2012-05-31 09:19

This Country and its opposation party is bigger than the Bird family, whose time has passed and the sooner ALP realise this and put comrade Lester on the back bench- as an adviser if they wish -the sooner they can form a viable and respected opposition that can start to plan to take our Country forward. If they do not realise this by now they might as well all step down, as they will be seen as spineless individuals. Time stands still for no-one and the g** is already growing under ALP feet!

**ANTIGUAN WOMAN** » 2012-05-31 09:09

A persons state of health can never be deemed as a disgrace,do you know whats a disgrace? A Pm who sits in a press conference and tell concerned citizens/reside nts that they did not come to a hotel lobby,so they will not see wine or Blood( i am not aware that blood is a part of a hotel looby).A Pm who can only count in thousands,and who stand in the peoples parliament and tell the head of the house,he,s trying to keep his cool.What happened yesterday has changed nothing in terms of the Govt,been an incompetent and wicked Govt,they end is no further away than it was before yesterday.

**DadliMan** » 2012-05-31 09:09

Always found it funny that a UPP sycophant, who has no problem being led by an obvious idiot, would refer to someone as “Special Ed”. Dr Dr BS finished from the commercial department of PMS, while “Special Ed” has a college degree. Who is the real “Special Ed” here?

**ANTIGUAN WOMAN** » 2012-05-31 08:56

Even the motion went through,the outcome would have been the same,nothing would have changed.I keep saying this is no longer about ALP,this is about us the poor people who are suffering,we can do it without politicians,of course we need their support,but what about us letting our voices be heard, even if it means a referendum to force the govt to go back to the polls before the mandated time,it happens other places,here is no different.Altho ugh i know this thing wasnt heading anyplace,i think yesterday was unfortunate,i am a great fan of the Hon LB,and has all respect for him, but is there a law that says someone else could not have presented the motion? Dont know,just asking.

HC » 2012-05-31 08:43

My mother was diabetic,she could not attend extremly long sessions,especi ally in stressfull situations. She was not an old person. Fools normally laugh at their own folly.Some of the callers to ZDK program last evening,should be ashamed,some people just need to stay off the radio since their very words makes you see how ignorant they really are.Knowing one in particular,his name could easily be down for winning a million dollar,and he would not recognize it.They just need to shut up.

**PLM** » 2012-05-31 08:17

Is there no end to the level of embar**ment inflicted upon the country by these ALP buffoons? “Special Ed” Joseph is the only man in the country still clueless about Lester’s deteriorating health, but he would presume to offer himself for leadership? He better stick to the little yellow bus. Poor Gaston, from permanent amnesty to the no no confidence vote, Lester always leaves him holding the bag. A total disgrace!

**DadliMan** » 2012-05-31 08:15

Everyone knew that the vote of no confidence motion would not have carried. Despite their incompetence, it would be downright stupid for the UPP parliamentarian s to vote themselves off the gravy train. They have backed up their trucks, and intend to ride it out until the people move them from power.

This colossal screw-up by the ALP shows the dire state of affairs in which we find ourselves in A&B. It is almost as if our choices are between dumb and dumber. If nothing else, yester should signify to the ALP that Lester Bird should retire from active politics. The man literally cannot stand up. Why not move off the scene gracefully and give another ALP candidate the realistic opportunity to win the Rural East constituency?

I keep saying, the ALP is the absolute worst opposition party anywhere in the world.

**Doubtful** » 2012-05-31 08:11

What a load of old rubbish!!!!!!!! !!! If the ALP expects the electorate to take it seriously and return it to power ALL, ALL the members of the party need to get thir act together and stop the tomfoolery. They need to demonstrate to the people that they are ready to run this country again. Everytime they have the opportunity to show up the present government for its imcompetence and downright dunceness they chicken out like a bunch of wimps. Please......... .... give me a break. Wake up ALP Show some backbone!!!!!!

**BUSH DOCTOR** » 2012-05-31 07:24

This is surely the end of the line for Lester! It's a pity that he didn't plan his exit it a more dignified way! What is important now is to see how the Party rebounds from this! A lot will depend on how the other Senior Members of the Party reacts to this situation.

**R. Berry** » 2012-05-31 06:50

How extremely disappointing in both the deferral of the motion and LB willingness to accept his health is now a detriment to the ALP.

LB, do the right thing and give your successor time to the get the party ready for the next elections....if the public has little faith in your health, they will have little faith in your leadership.

**comrade** » 2012-05-31 06:46

Poor lester. Time for him to go,while he still has a little dignity, and take his xxxxxt son with him.Asot and gaston have ruined the ALP.

**comrade** » 2012-05-31 06:41

Poor labuor party, time for lester to leave , while he still has a little dignity. :sad:

**comrade** » 2012-05-31 06:38

time for lester to leave, while he still has a little dignity left.

**Morris** » 2012-05-31 06:34

If his health is that bad, why not just step aside and take on an advisory role? After all that hooplah this is just pathetic.

**Maria V** » 2012-05-31 06:32

Thats the work of a good deputy covering for his leader. Molwyn needs to be more supportive of the leader and show some sensitivity to his illness.

**UncommonSense** » 2012-05-31 06:23

How long will LB's health continue to be a barrier to the nation's future development? Although I wish him a swift recovery, it appears that nature is screaming at Mr. Bird to transition the leadership of the ALP sooner than later. Lester needs ample time to rest and recover, and to spend his remainng time on this earth with his family, friends and close associates.

Now is the time to bravely step aside for the good of the Party and the good of the country. Please Lester Go in peace! You will be both missed and long remembered. Why not write a autobiography of your achievements and goverance--sinc e you have impacted the world, leave that record for the next generation.

**tenman** » 2012-05-31 06:19

Seems to be that the no confidence vote went forward but it was about the leader of the opposition and not the PM. Clearly this has shown that at a time when he should have been there, his health situation made it impossible. Its time for LB to be removed or step down from the position of leader of the opposition, he simply cannot perform the task.

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