‘Serpent’ condemns the distribution of government-issued food vouchers as a political campaign tool by Ministers

Algernon “Serpent” Watts, the United Progressive Party (UPP) Candidate for St. George, is condemning the efforts of the Gaston Browne Administration to win the general elections by using State resources.

It was reported that constituency representatives are distributing food vouchers issued by the Ministry of Social Transformation – and that a voter identification card must be presented to receive them.  

This has been vehemently denied by Minister Dean Jonas, Watts’ political rival.

However, Watts insists the voucher programme is being used as a political tool.  He says he is receiving complaints too often from residents who have been turned down for one reason or another

Watts is encouraging vulnerable residents to access the programme, no matter their political affiliation, and reminding them that they are taxpayers in this country.

Other complaints of political abuse are being made about the water-tank distribution programme.  

While the Government says that tanks will be supplied to needy residents in light of the ongoing water challenges, it is alleged that Ministers are distributing them only to supporters of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP).

The tanks were purchased by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA), a government agency, and not by the ALP.