Former Cabinet Minister Lennox Weston has delivered a scathing rebuke of the United Progressive Party (UPP), warning that Antigua and Barbuda faces the risk of being governed by individuals he claims lack the basic competence required to manage a modern state.

Speaking at an Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) rally on Friday night, Weston said the opposition’s leadership strategy was rooted in “Bozo politics” — elevating unqualified figures while sidelining more capable individuals in favour of political theatrics.

“We are about to put a man in charge whose proudest achievement is collecting dead dogs,” Weston told supporters. “And you expect this country to progress?”

He questioned the opposition’s credibility and accused the UPP of promoting personalities who are unable to effectively engage with policy, lawmaking, or governance.

“You tell your children they must study to succeed, but you are ready to elect people who did not take the time to learn the basics,” Weston said. “That sends the wrong message.”

Weston also alleged that the opposition’s leadership model was a smokescreen for more ambitious figures lurking behind the scenes, waiting to seize control without public accountability.

“This is not a game. Running a government is not a community clean-up. It requires skill, expertise, and a serious commitment to the public good,” he said.

The former minister’s remarks formed part of a broader defence of the ABLP’s record and an appeal to voters to remain vigilant against what he described as political gimmickry disguised as leadership.

“In this modern era, with all the global threats facing small states like ours, we cannot afford clownish leadership,” Weston said. “Antigua and Barbuda deserves better.”