{"id":273234,"date":"2026-04-16T08:48:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:48:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=273234"},"modified":"2026-04-16T08:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:49:44","slug":"baltimore-urges-early-voting-warns-against-upp-return-at-st-philips-north-campaign-rally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/baltimore-urges-early-voting-warns-against-upp-return-at-st-philips-north-campaign-rally\/","title":{"rendered":"Baltimore Urges Early Voting, Warns Against UPP Return at St. Philip\u2019s North Campaign Blitz"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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\u2019s North to highlight the party\u2019s record and sharpen attacks on the opposition.<\/p>

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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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn order for us to do that\u2026 we have to go out and vote early,\u201d Baltimore told the crowd, urging supporters to ensure they and their neighbours are prepared for polling day.<\/p>

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He encouraged voters to collect their identification cards and assist others in getting to polling stations, reinforcing the party\u2019s push for a strong turnout.<\/p>

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Baltimore praised the governing party\u2019s record, pointing to progress in tourism, education and infrastructure, and said the ABLP remains \u201cfor development\u2026 for progress\u2026 for unity\u2026 for our children\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The candidate also took aim at the UPP, warning supporters against returning the opposition to office. \u201cWe cannot go back to the UPP,\u201d he said, referencing the party\u2019s previous time in government and asking the audience whether they wanted to revisit that period.<\/p>

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you take off all those duties and taxes, where are they going to get the money from to run the country?\u201d he asked, suggesting it could lead to the reintroduction of income tax.<\/p>

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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.<\/p>

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He closed by urging constituents not only in St. Philip\u2019s North but across the country to support the ABLP, declaring that the party is \u201cstronger than ever\u201d and ready to lead Antigua and Barbuda into what he described as a new era of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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