Veteran Caribbean politician Asot Anthony Michael grew up in a family already involved in politics and activism. Born in 1969, no one could predict just how much his family would influence his life and political career. His family resided in the French West Indies. Asot’s grandfather was a part of anti-government factions. Some of those factions burned down his grandfather’s home, and he died not long after the incident. Patrick, Asot’s father, became involved with the Antigua and Barbuda Labor Party (ABLP). Throughout the 70s, Patrick spent more time helping the ABLP survive instead of the family business.
Asot Michael’s family, including two great uncles, Maurice and Mitchell, have always helped in national socio-economic development, and Asot followed in their footsteps of philanthropy. His uncles, grandfather, and father helped Asot Michael gain his love of politics.
Education of Asot Michael and Caribbean Nations
For school, Asot Michael went to Saint Joseph’s Academy in Saint John’s, Antigua. After receiving his diploma from high school, Asot moved on to Barry University, earning a BS or Bachelor of Science. The degree also included Business Administration, in which he earned Honors. With a double major in Economics and Finance, Asot Michael finished his education with an MBA at the University of Miami School of Business. During his schooling, Asot gained honors and academic achievements.
In an interview, Asot Michael said that education is critical to him. He will always focus on educating the youth of Antigua and Barbuda. Caribbean islands depend on a “knowledge-based economy,” with such sectors as tourism, banking, and IT being imperative. The ABLP, the political party in which Asot Michael proudly serves, has ensured that island residents’ education is a priority, with expanding secondary schools and helping maintain a growing number of students. The ABLP government increased the scholarships available over several disciplines to help the Caribbean nations gain higher education.
Asot Michael raised significant funds for the renovation of the Parham and Pares Primary Schools.
A Career in Politics
Asot Michael is a politician who listens to his island population and pays attention to the various development needs of his constituents
He believes that “in democracies characterized by the government of the people, by the people, for the people, the reasonable expectation is caring, visionary, innovative, competent, transparent and accountable leadership and management capabilities of achieving the agreed objectives for national growth and development.
Michael, the Member of Parliament for the St Peters Constituency keeps a close watch on progress through the years with his country’s human development fundamentals especially in terms of meeting the people’s most pressing social and economic advancement needs. As a truly transformational leader, he appreciates strides in people-centered and is passionate about ensuring that things are continuously looking up in the key areas of vital interest to the people.
A personal mission is to help neighbors and nations have a better life than in the past. With unique experiences in business and higher education, Asot Michael feels he can be a force to help the government pay attention to business growth, infrastructure, and justice. He wants Antigua and Barbuda to succeed both socially and economically, which requires assisting the focus on the important aspects of island life. Those aspects are always going to include school, helping businesses to survive, and people stay safe, especially amid a pandemic.
Change is Necessary, and Asot Michael Leads It
Investing in a nation, as much as a community, is about supporting the people who live on the island. Ensuring the infrastructure is sound with the renovation that makes residential areas and schools safe is paramount to a nation’s success. As politicians, “we show people we want to see them grow financially,” while they are also happy and safe. It is not a single action that brings this about, but one of trust, positive relationships, and confidence in a government that genuinely cares.
Asot Michael says, “Reinvesting funds in public service projects ensures a stronger community.” Asot feels people need to be involved in their community and know there is help for those who live there. When amenities and services are better, people are happy and able to live safely with an eye towards development and job growth. It is a never-ending cycle, not just a “fix it and you’re done” concept, according to Asot. The process must be “encouraged so the long-term effects” continue.
Asot Michael is satisfied that while there is much to be done to effectively turn the economy around from the ravages of the Covid 19 pandemic, the ABLP government moving on purposefully with the noble, endeavor of building the best Antigua and Barbuda for all the citizens and residents. He urges the Cabinet of Ministers, to strengthen revenue/expenditure performance and to keep striving for higher standards of fiscal responsibility that will maximize productive utilization of scarce resources for the greatest good of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
Small businesses are essential to Asot because he remembers his father being a small business owner, and he has run a company. With the pandemic, it is more important than ever to ensure the small business owner can get through the hardships and remain open. Asot Michael wants his nation to understand that his political career and aims are guided by loyalty and trust. He wishes to help all people maintain a healthy, happy life. It takes a village or, in this case, an island to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable.
