By Hon. E.P. Chet Greene
The constituency of All Saints West has long been a fascinating case study in Antiguan and Barbudan politics. Its voting patterns reveal a clear preference for homegrown candidates aligned with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), punctuated only by brief deviations. As the next general election approaches (due by 2028), the question is not whether the ABLP can retain the seat, but rather just how decisively it will do so.
Since 1984, All Saints West has largely been an ABLP stronghold. Hilroy Humphreys, uncle of Anthony Smith, a beloved local figure, secured four consecutive victories (1984, 1989, 1994, 1999) under the ABLP banner, with commanding majorities exceeding 50% in each election . This era cemented the constituency’s loyalty to Labour, reinforcing the idea that voters here prefer candidates who are deeply rooted in the community and aligned with the party’s vision.
The brief UPP interlude in 2004 and 2009, led by Chanlah Codrington, another homegrown politician, was an anomaly, not a trend. By 2014, voters returned to their natural political home, electing Dr. Michael Browne, a young and dynamic ABLP representative, for two consecutive terms . This shift back to Labour underscores a fundamental truth that All Saints West voters may flirt with alternatives, but they consistently return to the ABLP when given a credible local candidate.
The 2023 election saw Anthony Smith win on a UPP ticket, but his victory was never truly a UPP triumph. Smith’s political DNA is ABLP through and through. His father, Anthony Smith Sr, was a former campaign manager for Dean Jonas, the former ABLP St. George representative . His defection from the UPP to the ABLP in July 2024 was therefore not a betrayal but a homecoming .
What did Smith see or hear on the campaign trail that led to his departure from the UPP? Likely, he recognized what history has shown: All Saints West voters prefer Labour-aligned leadership. His move was not just politically astute, it was inevitable.
The UPP’s decision to field Harold Lovell, a 70 year old former leader who has lost multiple elections, defies both historical trends and electoral logic . No MP has ever been elected in All Saints West at that age, and Lovell’s recent defeats, including the razor thin loss in 2023 suggest diminishing appeal .
Moreover, Lovell’s return has sparked internal UPP strife, with analysts near and far warning that his ambitions could destabilize the opposition rather than strengthen it . The UPP’s gamble on nostalgia over new energy is a misreading of the constituency’s pulse.
History does not lie. All Saints West has voted ABLP in six of the last eight elections and the two exceptions were short lived. Harold Lovell’s candidacy is a throwback to a fading era. In local parlance, the word in the street is that Lovell ‘mussa tink blow name Ferrol.’
When the next election comes, All Saints West will reaffirm its loyalty to Labour—just as it always has.
The verdict? Labour all the way!
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Well, to be fair, I would say it’s 50/50. Looking at the history the data suggest anyone can win. I think the key will be in motivation for the Labour Party base. Can Smith be enough of a motivating factor, or will some in the base look on and say a the turncoats getting all the fruits? The primary between Regis and Lamin is another example. Very low turn out. Harol has motivated the UPP base, but will it be enough? I think the motivating factor will be energizing the Labour Party base. I don’t know if smith can do it considering he came over and some harbor resentment.
I thought Smith was independent?
Liars will always expose themselves. Smith will get the raissing he deserves just watch and see. Victory can’t always be bought all the cash and goodies will be for nought this time. Money bought the last election even the few honest labourites have admitted it
Wow, I’m losing count now of the plethora of these pro ABLP written articles, opinion pieces and letters that believe retaking the All Saints West seat will virtually be a foregone conclusion, and a walk in the park.
The last time I heard so much noise from these kowtowing boot-lickers was in the run-up to the last General Election.
What fascinates me as well, is that ever since the Honourable Harold Lovell (who cannot be induced by Browne
) declared his interest in returning All Saints West rightly to the UPP electorate ONCE AGAIN – history has shown that this is factually correct.
Like Barbuda, the whole of All Saints is a ABLP no-vote area. Praise the Lord 🙏🏾
So ABLP commentators please continue with all your myopic and one-sided bilge.
I’m expecting Fitzroy to write to the ANR editorial team next, because you only hear from he when an election or by-election is near.
I can see through the damn lot of them.
ABSOLUTE JOKERS … 🃏
Ah whey mi popcorn 🍿 dey?
@ Voter
Me too…………….
No honest person would ever even consider the traitor. Mr. Lovell’s re-entry into elective politics has shaken the base of the ALP. I can see St. Mary’s South as a model for All Saints West with the same results. Expect to see the Ministry of Works almost operating from that area real soon . The irrelevant Harold Lovell seems to be more important and effective than they wanted to admit. Chet should channel his energy towards his leadership efforts and force his party to host the convention that he’s afraid to mention.
Chet has the ability to be PM but he is mortally afraid of the guttersnipe, anyone with the ability should want to be top dog. The position wasn’t willed to anyone
No one should take the snake seriously, he on record saying he’s the ideologically the opposite of ALP then joined who he said he is the enemy of. That’s a joker, if he publicly can do that you can’t even trust him to walk your dog
Hilton Humphreys is Anthony Smith’s uncle?
I’ll be listening to what each candidate has to say, and my vote will be based on their plans for the future, not on what happened in the past.
Some Labor low life is always posting “Harold Lovell Is A Spent Shell” , Now that he has re-entered the race they are all going out of their minds, only tell how much they are afraid. Didn’t know a spent shell have so much influence
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