A government minister in Antigua and Barbuda has accused opposition figures of seeking political power by portraying the country in a negative light.
Speaking at a political rally on Friday night, Daryll Matthew, a Member of Parliament for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), said there was a growing trend of what he called “dangerous rhetoric” aimed at undermining national achievements.
Mr Matthew told party supporters that while the ABLP government had delivered progress across several sectors, including education, healthcare and tourism, critics continued to “spread lies and negativity”.
“They want to destroy this country just so they can call themselves leaders,” he said. “But we will never allow that to happen.”
The minister pointed to developments such as the growth of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, which has expanded from 176 students five years ago to more than 1,200, as evidence of government success.
He also addressed corruption allegations related to the luxury yacht _Alfa Nero_ , denying any wrongdoing and saying he had not witnessed misconduct during Cabinet meetings.
“When they say people thief money and $10 million missing – they lie,” Mr Matthew said. “Tell them Daryll Matthew say so.”
The opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) has raised questions over the sale of the seized yacht and alleged a lack of transparency in government dealings. Mr Matthew challenged critics to provide evidence.
The ABLP, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has been in power since 2014. Mr Matthew urged supporters to continue campaigning based on the party’s record, and to reject what he described as efforts to “tear the country down” for political gain.
“Stop trying to become government by destroying the country,” he said. “You can’t burn the house down and then want to go move into it.”
The opposition has not yet publicly responded to Mr Matthew’s remarks.
