Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that former United Progressive Party (UPP) MP for All Saints West, Anthony Smith, wrote his resignation letter at Browne’s own residence.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on Thursday night, Browne said he did not pressure Smith to quit the opposition but instead offered him a chance to collaborate with the government.
“I never asked Anthony Smith to leave his party. What I did was offer him a seat at the table — an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development,” Browne told the gathering.
He described Smith as a young politician with “good ambitions,” noting that he had long recognized his potential.
“I always had my eye on Anthony Smith. He struck me as someone who wanted to do good for his community and country,” the Prime Minister added.
Smith’s decision to step away from the UPP reshaped the political dynamics in All Saints West. Within 24 hours of his resignation, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture.
Though he currently serves as an independent MP, Smith is expected to run on an Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) ticket in the next general election, constitutionally due in 2028.
