Opposition MP’s Waker and Pringle/ Photo by Wayne Mariette

— Trevor Walker says Barbuda’s lone parliamentary seat could determine which party forms the next government, arguing that voters on the island hold decisive influence in a tightly contested general election.

Speaking at a Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) rally this week, Walker framed the April 30 vote as critical not only for Barbuda but for the national political balance.

“This election will determine what happens in Antigua and Barbuda,” Walker told supporters, pointing to scenarios where neither major party secures a clear majority.

He dismissed claims that candidates aligned with larger parties could play a decisive role, arguing instead that Barbuda’s independent political position gives it the real leverage.

“The trump card lies with Barbuda,” Walker said. “Because we are an independent Barbuda People’s Movement.”

Walker contrasted his position with candidates tied to the Antigua Labour Party, saying they would effectively count toward that party’s total in Parliament and would not hold independent bargaining power.

“You represent the Antigua Labour Party… you don’t have no trump card,” he said, adding that only an independent representative from Barbuda could influence the formation of government.

The BPM leader suggested that in a close result between the Antigua Labour Party and the United Progressive Party, Barbuda’s seat could become pivotal in determining control of Parliament.

Walker urged voters to recognise the broader significance of their vote, saying the outcome would extend beyond local concerns and shape national governance.

“We represent Barbuda,” he said, positioning the BPM as separate from the island’s two main political parties.

General elections in Antigua and Barbuda are decided across 17 constituencies, with Barbuda traditionally represented by the BPM. In past elections, narrow margins have heightened the importance of individual seats in determining the overall result.