In the political life of Antigua and Barbuda, alliances are often forged on shared values and tested in the crucible of public service. For Franz deFreitas, his partnership with Alex Browne on the United Progressive Party (UPP) ticket in the 2023 General Election was more than a campaign arrangement — it was a meeting of minds rooted in service, community, and an unshakable belief in the people of St. Phillip’s North.
Today, Franz is offering a ringing endorsement of his former running mate and friend, describing Alex as “a man of the people in the truest sense of the word.”
A Son of St. Phillip’s North
“Alex is not a stranger to this constituency,” Franz said in a recent interview. “He is a son of the soil. He grew up here, he works here, he worships here. When you see Alex at a community meeting, at a funeral, at a youth football match, or behind a stove cooking for a fundraiser — that’s not politics. That’s who he is.”
Known throughout the constituency as an extraordinary chef whose food draws crowds at community events, Alex is equally recognized for his love of calypso — the storytelling soundtrack of Caribbean political and social life. But Franz is quick to stress that beyond the music and the meals lies something deeper.
“Alex is a grassroots organizer. He listens. He shows up. And when it’s time to take one for the team, he does it without hesitation.”
Programs for Youth: Opportunity and Empowerment
Central to Alex Browne’s vision for St. Phillip’s North is a comprehensive youth development agenda. According to Franz, the plan focuses on:
• Skills training and certification programs in trades such as electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, and auto mechanics.
• Technology hubs and digital literacy centers to prepare young people for careers in remote work, coding, and digital entrepreneurship.
• Sports and cultural investment, including structured after-school programs and mentorship initiatives.
• Youth entrepreneurship grants, offering seed funding and business development support.
“Too many of our young people feel left out of opportunity,” Franz explained. “Alex wants to make sure they are not just employed — but empowered.”
Support for Seniors: Dignity and Care
For seniors, Alex’s platform emphasizes respect, dignity, and practical support. Plans include:
• A community day-care and activity center for seniors, providing social engagement and health monitoring.
• Advocacy for improved pension access and financial literacy workshops.
• A volunteer-driven home maintenance assistance program, helping elderly residents with minor repairs and yard work.
“Our seniors built this community,” Franz said. “Alex believes we owe them comfort, security, and appreciation — not neglect.”
Farmers and Fisherfolk: Strengthening the Backbone
Agriculture and fishing remain vital to St. Phillip’s North. Franz noted that Alex has been in direct consultation with local farmers and fisherfolk to craft targeted solutions:
• Development of a modern agro-processing facility to reduce waste and increase local value-added production.
• Establishment of cold storage and proper docking facilities for fisherfolk.
• Access to micro-financing and equipment grants.
• Expansion of farm-to-school and farm-to-hotel supply programs.
“We import too much of what we can grow and catch ourselves,” Franz argued. “Alex wants to put money back into the hands of our producers.”
Tradesmen and the Working Class: Building Local Wealth
Tradesmen and working-class families form the heart of the constituency. Alex’s plan includes:
• A constituency-based infrastructure renewal program prioritizing local contractors.
• Skills upgrading workshops and union collaboration.
• Advocacy for fair wages and safer working conditions.
Franz emphasized that infrastructure development would not only improve roads, drainage, and community facilities, but also create meaningful employment.
Infrastructure for Jobs and Community Wealth
Among the proposed projects are:
• Road rehabilitation and improved drainage systems to address flooding concerns.
• Development of a multi-purpose community complex to host events, training, and small business expos.
• Beautification and lighting projects to enhance safety and encourage local commerce.
• Support for affordable housing initiatives using local labor and materials.
“Every dollar spent on infrastructure should circulate within the constituency,” Franz said. “That’s how you build individual wealth and strengthen the community at the same time.”
A Call to Voters
Franz deFreitas speaks not just as a colleague, but as someone who has worked closely with Alex Browne through the rigors of a national campaign and the realities of community engagement.
“I have seen Alex under pressure. I have seen him negotiate, organize, comfort families, and mobilize volunteers. He is steady. He is loyal. And he genuinely cares.”
As voters in St. Phillip’s North look toward the future, Franz’s message is clear:
“Give Alex Browne the opportunity to serve you in Parliament. Give him the chance to deliver the programs, the infrastructure, and the representation that this constituency deserves. He is ready. He is capable. And most importantly — he is one of you.”