Vote unquote

Election fever has hit Antigua (and Barbuda). There is much for the people of these small islands to think about and two huge issues have reared their heads over the last week. First there was the pitch debacle at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, for which some have laid the blame at the government's door, then there was the far more serious issue of Allen Stanford.

Bringing back images of when Northern Rock lurched into trouble in the UK, there were queues snaking around the Bank of Antigua on Wednesday as people tried to grab hold of their savings – or at least make sure they are safe. A colleague, perhaps tongue-in cheek, I couldn't quite tell over instant messenger, asked me if I had enough cash for my last few days before heading to Barbados. There goes that slap-up meal down on the harbour tomorrow night.

Baldwin Spencer, the Antigua and Barbuda prime minister who I spoke with earlier in the week about the North Sound fiasco, announced the general election for March 12 during a live radio address on the evening that Stanford's fraud charges became public. "If ever there was a reason and a time for the Antiguan and Barbudan people to come together in solidarity that time is now," he said.

The two parties involved in the election are the UPP (currently in power) and Labour. It has been impossible to miss the campaigning while here in Antigua with huge billboards on nearly every street, rallies being organised and most lampposts swathed in blue and red wrapping. Apparently each party has taken to trying to cover up each others colours.

People also drive around playing campaign pledges over loudspeakers attached to cars and buses. Maybe Gordon Brown and David Cameron should jump onboard the number 72 along Oxford Street?

While people expected the election soon, it surprised many when it was announced on the radio. My hotel manager said it had been expected to be launched live on TV during a UPP rally.

I'm no political expert – that A-level seems a long time ago – but take more than a passing interest in such things. It has been fascinating to see how much of this island is actively involved in the election. And after my stay here, I'll be taking more than a passing interest in the result next month.