Baltimore delivers maiden speech after emphatic St. Philip’s North by-election victory
Newly elected St. Philip’s North MP Randy Baltimore delivered his maiden address in Parliament on Friday, framing his overwhelming by-election victory as a mandate for stronger representation, improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities for residents.
Speaking for the first time in the Lower House following his swearing-in, Baltimore thanked constituents for what he described as a decisive endorsement at the March 16 poll, where he secured 924 votes.
“The people of St. Philip’s North spoke with clarity, conviction, and purpose,” Baltimore said. “And I am honored by the mandate they have given me to serve.”
His address combined personal reflection, political messaging and a forward-looking agenda, as he positioned his victory as the result of collective effort and community support.
“This victory… belongs to every volunteer, every supporter, every prayer lifted, and my campaign team,” he told Parliament, adding that constituents were seeking “renewed energy, renewed public service, and stronger representation, and real results.”
Baltimore succeeds long-serving MP Sir Robin Yearwood, whose decades of representation he acknowledged during his remarks, while also paying tribute to former parliamentarians including Eustace “Teco” Lake and Sir Molwyn Joseph.
He described his entry into Parliament as grounded in determination rather than circumstance, referencing challenges faced during the campaign.
“I did not come here by chance… I came here by conviction, by service and by the will of the people of St. Philip’s North,” Baltimore said.
The new MP used his maiden speech to outline priorities raised by constituents, including community safety, road infrastructure, drainage, environmental conditions and economic opportunities.
“They want safer communities, better infrastructure, greater opportunities and representation that is visible, accessible and accountable,” he said.
Baltimore also pledged a hands-on leadership approach, stressing that representation must extend beyond election cycles.
“They want leadership that does not only appear at election time, but leadership that remains present, engaged and effective,” he said.
He committed to advancing development across the constituency, including cleaner communities, youth empowerment initiatives and continued advocacy for public works improvements.
“We will continue to advocate for better roads, improved drainage, cleaner surroundings, stronger community development, and the resources necessary to uplift every corner of St. Philip’s North,” Baltimore told the House.
Closing his address, Baltimore signaled his intent to be an active and vocal representative in Parliament.
“The people did not send me here to warm a seat. They sent me here to work… and to ensure that the voice of St. Philip’s North is heard loudly,” he said.
His maiden speech comes days after his emphatic by-election win, marking the beginning of his tenure as the constituency’s new parliamentary representative.