UPP Candidates turn out in support of deFreitas-called picket and speak out in solidarity with students and youth

A number of United Progressive Party (UPP) Candidates supported the protest action of Tuesday, November 16, during which the Ministry of Education’s headquarters was picketed.

Over the course of the morning, the event, organized by City South Candidate Franz deFreitas, attracted over 500 people, according to reports.

His colleague, Senator Jonathan Joseph, was not at all surprised by the turnout.  Joseph says the vaccine mandate implemented by the Browne Administration is going to prevent some youth from attaining a sound education and, therefore, is unconscionable.

Joseph says he is proud that many more Antiguans and Barbudans are standing up for their rights and for what they believe.

The Party’s Candidate for St. Mary’s South, Corthwright Marshall, also showed up in solidarity with the youth.  An educator by profession, he speaks about the impact the mandates are having on young people.

Meanwhile, Pearl Quinn-Williams, who is vying for the St. John’s Rural North seat, says she was heartened to see the youth turn out to stand up for their rights.

While she was expecting to see many more young people, she says she was almost moved to tears to see that those who showed up were not intimated or afraid of the Gaston Browne Administration.