It was a celebration like none ever seen in Antigua and Barbuda, since the twin island state attained political independence in 1981.
Shortly after 4p.m. on Wednesday, the official Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda (ABLP) was installed amidst much pomp and ceremony, and its officers given their instruments of appointment. The ABLP one week ago, emerged victorious following highly anticipated and strongly contested campaigning leading up to general elections (June 12). In what has been described as an overwhelming defeat against the former United Progressive Party (UPP) administration – which led the country for 10 years – the ABLP secured 14 of the 17 constituency seats, with the three losing candidates having lost by very slim margins.
Former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who retained the position of Member of Parliament for his constituency, St. John’s Rural West, conceded defeat well before midnight election day, after the fifth candidate for the ABLP was declared. A very sombre political leader of the UPP, in offering brief remarks at the time, gave the assurance that he would work with the new administration for the benefit of Antigua and Barbuda.
In a show of support, Prime Minister Browne and his team were accompanied by regional Caribbean colleagues: Prime Minister the Hon Roosevelt Skerritt of Dominica, Prime Minister the Hon Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada and the Hon Dr. Denzel Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.
In offering remarks on behalf of his country, Prime Minister Skerritt spoke glowingly of Prime Minister Browne, describing him as a young, dynamic man.
