ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – TWO constituency offices and two computer resource centres were destroyed by fire this past Sunday (Feb. 15) amidst an ongoing wave of what has been speculated to be politically-motivated acts of violence.
One week following the dissolution of the nation’s Parliament signalling the advent of another General Election, the country has witnessed a number of seemingly malicious acts targeting political representatives and their property.
Around 5:15am, the Antiguan Fire and Rescue Department responded to calls informing that two constituency offices belonging to the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) in Parham and Gray’s Farm had been set on fire. News coming from that country indicates that the constituency office of Senator Gail Christian and the office of the St. Peter’s Parliamentary Representative Asot Michael had been ignited by petrol bombs.
The two offices along with two adjoining computer resource centres owned by Michael had been extensively damaged beyond recognition, yet ALP leadership has maintained that its supporters must not retaliate in response to the incidents of alleged arson.
According to Antigua Sun, Christian said this incident is not the first of its kind as there have been known cases of vehicles and billboards being set on fire and physical confrontations made. Christian however stated that he is saddened by the recent events as it not only posed a threat to him but also to the neighbouring civilians.
The report also states that Michael estimated that the damage amassed to over EC $450,000 including the cost of equipment and furniture, noting that his buildings were not insured against fire.
Meanwhile, a similar incident was witnessed on Sunday morning (Feb. 15) when the home of Minister of Labour Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro was broken into around 12:30, forcing the Minister to discharge her firearm. According to the Sun, the St. George
Constituency Representative was disturbed from sleep by the security alarm which was activated when the perpetrator opened her bedroom window.
Police officials were immediately contacted and were able to trace footprints of the perpetrator, indicating that the individual had entered her property via the front gate, up to the veranda and then through to the bedroom.
While it is widely speculated that the recent acts have been politically-oriented, there has not yet been any forthcoming information that would confirm that. However, police authorities have noted that investigations into the separate incidents are ongoing.
The ALP still maintains that its supporters should “stand strong and refuse to react in the same vein in spite of the clear provocation”.
Antigua News