ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has identified “probably close to a minimum of eight new candidates” to contest the next general election, describing the move as part of deliberate succession planning within the governing party.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne said, “We believe in succession planning within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, and you would have recognized that within the last three years I would have literally led the plodding of a number of new young candidates to ensure that leadership transition continues within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.”
“So I believe we have probably close to a minimum of eight new candidates who will join us going into the next general elections, and Randy is certainly one of them,” he said.
The prime minister said the party did not have to “hustle” or “scamper” to find a replacement candidate in St. Philip’s North following Sir Robin Yearwood’s retirement, noting that Randy Baltimore had been selected about two years ago as the successor.
“So we didn’t have to hustle, we didn’t have to scamper, try and find a replacement. Randy was already selected about two years ago as a replacement candidate for Sir Robin,” Browne said.
He described Baltimore as “well respected,” noting that he had given up more than 27 years of service as a senior customs officer, including his pension, to serve in Parliament.
“Randy’s life has been one of service. He has been serving the people of St. Philip’s North for decades,” the prime minister said, adding that Baltimore had worked closely with Yearwood for at least two decades.
Browne also recalled advising Baltimore not to challenge Yearwood prematurely, telling him, “Don’t worry, your time will come,” and encouraging him to continue serving until the vacancy arose.
The remarks form part of a broader argument by the prime minister that the ABLP has structured internal renewal in place, positioning new leadership ahead of the next general election.