Lovell responds to statements by Eli Fuller

STATEMENT by Harold Lovell

I have taken note of comments made by Mr. Eli Fuller regarding events dating back to 2004, when a small tour operators’ association was established.

Let me be clear: Government works through systems, not personalities. At that time, the Ministry of Tourism operated through established ministerial and administrative structures. Matters related to stakeholder organization and sector coordination were assigned to the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and to technical teams.

I reached out to Mr. Fuller to indicate that I have no recollection of this specific issue, precisely because it would have been handled by Minister Hilson Baptiste. Sadly, Minister Baptiste is no longer alive to defend himself or clarify the matter, which makes these retrospective allegations even more troubling.

I left the Tourism portfolio in 2009. During my tenure, one of the initiatives I established was the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), which has representation from every tourism sector. It was designed to strengthen the tourism industry, streamline processes, and focus on the specific needs of stakeholders.

Since the inception of the ABTA, there have been three Ministers of Tourism and nearly two decades of opportunity to advance this initiative. The fact that a small operators’ association has still not been formalized cannot reasonably be attributed to a single minister who left the portfolio almost 17 years ago, nor should it be politicized against any individual.

What is concerning is the timing and platform of these remarks, made on a political program known for partisan narratives. This context raises questions about motive and whether this is an attempt to inject politics into an issue that should instead, be about strengthening our tourism sector.

Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry cannot move forward if we are constantly dragged backward by revisionist narratives. The real question is what has been done in the last decade to address this issue. Not what is alleged to have happened two decades ago.

I have always supported small operators and believe strongly in empowering local businesses and entrepreneurs. My focus remains on practical solutions, forward-looking policy, and strengthening our tourism industry. Not revisiting selective issues from 22 years ago. At this critical juncture, our tourism sector deserves collaboration and innovation, not political reminiscence that keeps us in the past.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]