Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate Randy Baltimore called on supporters to turn out early at the polls, using a campaign stop in St. Philip’s North to highlight the party’s record and sharpen attacks on the opposition.

Speaking to supporters in Newfield and surrounding communities, Baltimore framed the upcoming vote as a choice between continued development under the ABLP and what he described as a return to hardship under the United Progressive Party (UPP).

“In order for us to do that… we have to go out and vote early,” Baltimore told the crowd, urging supporters to ensure they and their neighbours are prepared for polling day.

He encouraged voters to collect their identification cards and assist others in getting to polling stations, reinforcing the party’s push for a strong turnout.

Baltimore praised the governing party’s record, pointing to progress in tourism, education and infrastructure, and said the ABLP remains “for development… for progress… for unity… for our children’s future.”

The candidate also took aim at the UPP, warning supporters against returning the opposition to office. “We cannot go back to the UPP,” he said, referencing the party’s previous time in government and asking the audience whether they wanted to revisit that period.

Addressing policy differences, Baltimore criticized proposals by the opposition to remove duties and taxes on vehicle imports, questioning how such a move would be funded.

“When you take off all those duties and taxes, where are they going to get the money from to run the country?” he asked, suggesting it could lead to the reintroduction of income tax.

Throughout his remarks, Baltimore repeatedly emphasized continuity under Prime Minister Gaston Browne, arguing that the administration has delivered steady growth and should be given a renewed mandate.

He closed by urging constituents not only in St. Philip’s North but across the country to support the ABLP, declaring that the party is “stronger than ever” and ready to lead Antigua and Barbuda into what he described as a new era of development.