All Saints MP Anthony Smith in his first address as an Independent member in Parliament, has condemned efforts to undermine his political career and asserting his dedication to serving his constituents.
Smith began by reflecting on his challenges within the United Progressive Party (UPP).
“My only two sins in the UPP were to challenge for the chairmanship and to support Richard Lewis,” he stated.He emphasized that his actions were driven by a commitment to the collective good, rather than personal ambition.
“Politics must never be about self; it must be in the collective good of everyone.”
He cited scientific evidence indicating that the nation wanted MP Richard Lewis to lead the opposition party, which guided his decisions.“Because I made a decision that was in the best interest of the nation, it became the biggest sin against the leadership of the UPP, Mr. Speaker,” Smith declared.
Smith did not shy away from addressing the significant challenges he faced, including deliberate attempts to end his political career.
He also had a message for his dictators within the UPP.
“Those in the UPP who want to dictate to elected members what to do must put their hat in the ring,” Smith asserted, challenging them to seek election themselves rather than trying to control others.