ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (January 28, 2023)—As speculation brews about the political future of Sir Robin Yearwood, the eleven-time St Philip North Member of Parliament has signaled that his role in the Gaston Browne administration remains unfinalized.
Yearwood, who was noticeably absent at last week’s swearing in ceremony for Cabinet ministers, is earmarked for the role of Deputy Speaker of the Lower House. Sources within the governing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) have indicated there has been disquiet and discontent from Yearwood after he was passed over for a Cabinet position.
Yearwood, however, has since told this media outfit negotiations are ongoing.
“Nothing is a fait accompli until you have an agreement,” he told Dadli Media Pop Up.
When asked if he and Prime Minister Gaston Browne discussed the position that would put the veteran Labour MP in the back benches of Parliament, he said, “the Prime Minister spoke about it… I did not bring it up or anything of that nature. The prime minister brought it up, so we’re in discussions.”
Sir Robin acknowledged that a place in Cabinet is at the discretion of the Prime Minister and was noncommittal when questioned on whether he would be satisfied with a role outside the executive arm of government.
“I am not saying what he should do or not do. Cabinet is for the prime minister, so he decides on that,” Sir Robin said.
“Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,” he said—a scripture passage from Matthew that implies that difficult or unpleasant matters that could be sorted out later.
Though Sir Robin said there were some “rough spots” to settle, he was circumspect about a timeline for resolution.
“I’m not God,” Sir Robin said. “I can’t tell you… whether it can be ironed out within days, it can be ironed out a little longer. We’re working on it and I think something will become of it.”
Yearwood was first elected in 1976 and has been a fixture in every Labour Cabinet since, including a stint as Deputy Prime Minister under the Lester Bird Administration. He has become the longest-serving legislator in Antigua and Barbuda and his recent win against United Progressive Party’s candidate Alex Browne puts him on track to an unprecedented 50-year milestone in Parliament.
