Independent Candidate – By Deslyn A Joseph
Independent Candidate Vows Break
Independent candidate Alan Weston has officially launched his bid for the St. Paul constituency, promising to prioritize community results over party loyalty.
In an exclusive interview with Observer Media, Weston who is mounting a challenge against the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate, Everly Paul “Chet” Greene and the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) candidate, Franz DeFreitas, argued that the current system of small-country politics has left many residents feeling unheard and underserved.
Weston, who served as an Economic Envoy under the current administration, said his decision to run without a party banner was born out of a desire for pure accountability. He stated that he chose to run as an independent because the people of St. Paul’s deserve representation that is not controlled by party politics. He said that too often, decisions are influenced by party lines instead of what’s best for the community, and he expressed a desire to be accountable only to the people rather than a party agenda or outside control. Despite his previous role working with the government to attract investment, Weston was quick to distance himself from the political establishment, asserting that while he has worked with the government, he is not controlled by it.
“I remember helping my grandfather, John Meade, paste campaign posters in the village when I was just six years old,” he stated, suggesting that the community is currently facing a crisis of unfinished business and pointed out that there is simply too much in St. Paul that has gone undone for far too long. He took a swipe at the timing of traditional campaign efforts, stating that voters should look for consistency over 11th-hour appearances. He emphasized that he is not showing up just for an election, noting that for years he has been advocating and creating opportunities behind the scenes.
“If elected on April 30th, my platform focuses heavily on economic growth and basic infrastructure. My primary concern is ensuring that people in St. Paul’s can earn, grow, and build a future within the community through skills training and partnerships with businesses for real job placement,” he explained.
Weston said that too many young people feel stuck and need a real pathway to independence. Furthermore, he addressed the chronic water shortages and road maintenance issues that plague the area. He proposed practical water security programs, including harvesting and tank initiatives, so that families no longer have to go days without water in 2026.
The St Paul hopeful also pledged to bring a new level of transparency to the constituency. He committed to holding quarterly town halls to report directly to the community and promised fair access to opportunities so that benefits are not limited to a select few. He also highlighted a need for better care for the elderly and vulnerable, including weekly transportation for essential services. When asked why voters should trust a first-time candidate to navigate the complexities of Parliament, Weston pointed to his professional network and national experience, stating that his campaign is about delivery rather than just promises. As the election nears, Weston described the momentum on the ground as stronger every day, concluding that the residents of St. Paul are ready for leadership that listens and understands their struggles.
