Barbuda MP Trevor Walker has suggested that his parliamentary career may be nearing its conclusion, telling the House of Representatives on Tuesday that his “time in this honorable house” is coming to an end.
Walker made the remark during brief comments following his swearing-in as a member of the newly elected Parliament.
Reflecting on his political career, the veteran Barbuda representative thanked supporters for returning him to office and noted that his electoral margins have grown over time.
“My political career seems to be different from most persons,” Walker said. “The longer I go, the more votes I get. And the larger my margin seems to be.”
He then made a statement that drew attention in the chamber.
“I can say here, Mr. Speaker, that my time in this honorable house, Mr. Speaker, is coming to an end. And I’ll just leave it at that,” Walker said.
The longtime Barbuda representative did not elaborate on the comment or indicate when he intends to leave Parliament.
Despite the remark, Walker made clear that he intends to continue serving the people of Barbuda during the current term.
“I pledge to serve the people of Barbuda, especially this particular term, with more vigor and with more determination,” he said.
Walker also congratulated Speaker Osbert Frederick on his return to the chair and acknowledged the governing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s victory in the April 30 general election.
He said his focus remains on representing the interests of Barbuda and again raised concerns about land ownership issues on the island.
“We have no problem cooperating with the Prime Minister,” Walker said. “But I must say on the record that we prefer not to be interfered with either. Leave us with our land. That is our land. It’s ours.”
Walker has represented Barbuda in Parliament for more than two decades and remains one of the country’s longest-serving elected officials. His comments on Tuesday appeared to signal that he may be contemplating the end of his parliamentary career, although he offered no details about his future plans.