UPP offers $10k reward for ‘credible evidence’ amidst mounting reports of criminal activity related to SMS by-election

The United Progressive Party (UPP) is making an innovative and
proactive move by offering a cash reward for credible evidence of
criminal activities related to next week’s by-election in St. Mary’s
South.

Earlier today, REAL News reported that UPP candidate Kelvin
“Shugy” Simon had received information that operatives of the
Antigua Labour Party are offering constituents cash for the
surrender of their voter identification cards – with the objective of
suppressing his support.

This afternoon, October 18, the Party put out a statement reminding
the public that such transactions are a criminal offense, according to
the Representation of the People Act.

However, the UPP went further – offering “a reward of $10,000 to
anyone who can present credible evidence that can lead to the
prosecution of the person(s) engaged in this offense.

“The buying of the by-election must not be allowed to go unrecorded
and, subsequently, unchallenged,” the UPP Leadership says. “The
people’s right to elect the person they wish to represent them
should not be subverted by means of bribery, inducement, or
threats. Elections must be won honestly. Democracy demands no
less.”

As reports of card-buying, disbursement of bribe money, and offers
of inducements such as fish-pot wire continue to reach the Party, it
is inviting anyone who has credible “evidence” of any such activities
to contact Simon; any member of the UPP Leadership; or the UPP
Secretariat, at 462-1818, “for the confidential handling of said
information.”