Prime Minister and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) incumbent for St. John’s City West Gaston Browne made merry with his wife, the incumbent in St. John’s Rural East, and scores of party supporters on Wednesday’s Nomination Day. (Photo by Dadli Media Pop Up)
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (December 28, 2022)—The incumbent Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) was buoyed by a sea of supporters as it successfully nominated candidates in all 17 constituencies across the twin island state–the only party to do so. The slate includes four women, one of whom is contesting the Barbuda seat.
Wednesday’s nomination day activities saw the Gaston Brown-led party rallying the troupes through zonal motorcades in support of the various ABLP candidates.
In St John’s City West, scores of jubilant supporters welcomed his arrival at the Villa Primary School where he was officially nominated for the 18 January elections. Carrying ABLP flags and posters bearing the images of their favourite candidates, supporters danced in the street to the popular campaign tune Not Dem Again played from a hi-fi mounted on a truck. The cheering among the crowd heightened when Browne joined his wife and fellow candidate, Maria Bird-Browne, who was dancing with party supporters.
When it came to the business at hand, Browne led his team of supporters to the classroom where he would be nominated for a sixth consecutive term as a Member of Parliament. Browne was nominated by senior branch member Luther Lee and by his son Gaston Browne III.
“It is clear from the nominations that are taking place throughout the island that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has the strongest support of all political institutions here in Antigua and Barbuda. It’s clear that we still enjoy the confidence and trust of the people,” Browne said after filing his nomination papers and being issued with his receipt.
The incumbent leader set aside suggestions of a ground swell in favour of the main opposition UPP.
“There’s no blue ground swell, no such thing. Calm waters, safe hands,” Browne said.
There were similar scenes in other constituencies across the country.
“I am very elated,” Bird–Browne said. “I’m extremely happy that I’ve been given the opportunity to be elected again for the second time around to represent the people of St John’s Rural East. The incumbent candidate described the energy from supporters’ as tremendous.
For St John’s Rural North incumbent Charles “Max” Fernandez, despite the pandemic and a host of other challenges, the ABLP has a strong track record under Browne’s leadership. He remained positive another victory was on the horizon.
“We feel confident,” Fernandez said. “The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has outstanding leadership and a very competent cabinet.
“We have faced the most difficult time this country has ever seen and we have come out of it successful,” Fernandez said. The country’s tourism minister is seeking a three-peat in Parliament as the representative for St John’s Rural North. He pointed to a bounce-back in the economy on the heels of pandemic restrictions that slowed the country’s economy. The turn-around, he said, was largely due to increased investment and re-opening of the tourism sector
“I feel very confident the people of Antigua and Barbuda will realize what it is they have and this is not the time to take a chance on their livelihoods, on the future of their families and their children,” he said.
For some candidates, the road to victory is more difficult to navigate. In St Peter, ABLP candidate Rawdon Turner faces an uphill battle following incumbent MP Asot Michael’s decision to run as an independent candidate. Michael was ousted as the party’s candidate after he was declared unfit by ABLP’s Suitability Committee. The matter has been challenged in court, and Michael is now asserting that Turner’s nomination was in breach of a High Court order.
It is widely anticipated that Michael’s presence as an independent on the ballot will significantly dent, if not kill Turner’s chances of being elected to Parliament. If successful, Michael will be the first independent candidate to be elected to the House of Representatives.
