Dear Editor,
In a stunning display of political opportunism, Antonio Rogers, a former civil servant and current treasurer of the Democratic Party, has called for the suspension of the Fire Chief and Ambulance leadership, citing the need for an independent investigation. While his statement may appear to champion accountability, it reeks of hypocrisy and political deflection, given his party’s long-standing role in perpetuating the very grievances he now decries.
Rogers’ comments come at a time when the fire and ambulance departments are grappling with decades-old issues of underfunding, stagnant salaries, and a lack of recognition for their critical frontline work. These are not new problems. In fact, they are deeply entrenched, with roots stretching back to the tenure of Democratic Party leader and current Chair of Parliament, Sarah Wescot-Williams. Wescot-Williams herself admitted that these grievances existed over a decade ago when she served as Prime Minister. Yet, during her leadership and the Democratic Party’s time in power, little to no meaningful action was taken to address these systemic issues.
For Rogers, a high-ranking member of the very party that has been part of the governing coalition for years, to now call for suspensions and investigations is not only disingenuous but also insulting to the intelligence of the public. Where was this outrage when his party had the power to implement reforms? Where was this call for accountability when frontline workers were left to struggle with stagnant wages and inadequate resources under his party’s watch?
The fire and ambulance departments have long been the unsung heroes of our community, risking their lives daily to save others. Yet, they have been met with neglect and indifference from successive administrations, including those led by the Democratic Party. The lack of investment in their welfare, training, and equipment is a glaring indictment of the government’s priorities—or lack thereof.
Rogers’ attempt to shift blame onto the current leadership of these departments is a transparent effort to deflect attention from his party’s own failures. It is a classic case of political scapegoating, designed to score cheap points while ignoring the systemic issues that his party has contributed to over the years. If Rogers truly cared about the plight of these frontline workers, he would be advocating for tangible solutions—such as increased funding, better salaries, and improved working conditions—instead of calling for suspensions that serve no purpose other than to create a spectacle.
The public deserves better than this kind of political theater. It is time for leaders to take responsibility for their actions—or inactions—and work collaboratively to address the root causes of these long-standing issues. The fire and ambulance departments do not need more empty rhetoric or finger-pointing; they need real, substantive change.
As the Chair of Parliament, Sarah Wescot-Williams has a unique opportunity to lead by example and push for the reforms that her party has long neglected. But this will require more than just words; it will require action, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of our frontline workers.
Until then, Rogers’ comments will remain what they are: a hollow attempt to deflect blame and distract from his party’s own culpability. The public sees through this charade, and it is high time that our leaders stop playing politics with the lives and livelihoods of those who serve on the front lines.
Former Member and MP from the Democratic Party Faction.
