The facts speak for themselves: of the $550 million owed by the Government to Social Security as of 2010, over $464 million was incurred under ALP administrations. Yet, ALP propagandists have the audacity to blame the UPP for alleged shortfalls, despite the fact that the UPP never borrowed a single cent from Social Security during its 2004–2014 tenure.
Yes, the UPP had minor contribution delays, but these occurred while temporary and necessary fiscal adjustments—like the Personal Income Tax (PIT) and Antigua & Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST)—were being implemented to stabilize government finances. Unlike the ALP, which racked up debts through loans, development bonds, advances, and partial cash payments, the UPP paid its contributions entirely in cash, totaling $122.8 million in ten years—ten times what the ALP managed in 28 years.
Claims that the UPP caused a collapse in Social Security contributions are misleading. Contributors peaked at 40,818 in 2008 and only fell to 36,762 by 2012—a mere 10% drop. Government employment remained largely unchanged, proving there was no artificial job creation to offset private sector losses, contrary to ALP spin.
The irony is stark: while criticizing the UPP’s first term, the article features Harold Lovell, Finance Minister during the UPP’s second term—an obvious attempt to mislead.
Meanwhile, the current ALP administration continues to mishandle Social Security debt. By applying asset transfers to reduce the bond rather than the $220 million facility, they sacrificed interest income and left a large unsecured debt.
The message is clear: the ALP left a financial mess, mismanaged Social Security, and continues to rewrite history to mask their failures. The public deserves honesty, accountability, and leadership that prioritizes the nation over politics.
