Propaganda and emotions trump fact

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua - A recent run-in with a member of the Stanford Victims Coalition was an eye-opener for us. While we were not surprised by the absolute disdain that was being demonstrated toward Mr Stanford, we were surprised by the disgust pointed towards Antigua & Barbuda. It is clear that time has not healed any wounds in this situation. In short, the “victim” professed that he is a sworn enemy of Antigua & Barbuda and would do all in his power to aid the “Anti-Antigua” movement and its efforts to get the world to boycott “Antiguan hotels and resorts, cruises to Antigua, investments in Antiguan financial institutions or in companies or ventures based in Antigua.” It is not our intention to give this group any publicity, but it exists and it is attempting to do the country harm out of pure vengeance for wrongs that it perceives were the fault of Antigua & Barbuda. The group has taken to the Internet to spread its propaganda. It has also linked up with anyone who has anything bad to say about our country. It has even taken to the streets to distribute flyers in its attempt to link Antigua & Barbuda to crime against foreign citizens.