OPINION: My Assessment of the By-Elections of St. Phillip’s North on March 16, 2026

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Dave Ray

Over the last eight months or so, since Randy Baltimore secured victory in the primary, I have taken a keen interest in understanding more about who he is.

The response from the community has been astonishing; his connection to the people has earned him high endorsement regarding his integrity and credibility.

In fact, while I was on the ground in the constituency last week, some staunch opposition supporters have mentioned that they would likely vote for him in a general election based solely on their knowledge of his character.

His involvement and commitment to sports and community efforts reflect positively on the person he has become, showcasing his strong standing within the community.

Additionally, Randy has been a mentee of Sir Robin Yearword, Sr for many years, positioning him favorably for electability should he become the candidate. Sir Robin was known as a man of the people, keeping his doors open to any constituent at any time, understanding their immediate needs, and fighting hard for them.

Although this era presents different challenges, with people’s expectations now aligned with advancements, there are still invaluable lessons to be learned from Sir Robin’s 50-year tenure. The new leader can build on that legacy, as local politics is a tactile endeavor that deserves respect.

It was clear that the opposition expected a different outcome, operating under the belief that since Alex Browne came so close to matching Sir Robin’s final vote count in 2023—falling short by less than 90 votes—he stood a good chance of overcoming that hurdle. However, that’s not how elections work. 

Sir Robin’s declining health and compromised mental faculties led some, though not enough voters, to consider Alex as a possible replacement. Could the last general election have been an ANOMALY—a post-COVID exercise where mandates created friction between the electorate and the current administration, albeit the most prudent decisions by the executive? While many of Sir Robin’s supporters abstained from voting, believing that he already had it in the bag. So, it was slightly trending away from the current administration.

I am of the view that the last general election was more of an anti-administration sentiment rather than a pro-opposition vote. 

Furthermore, the opposition’s campaign was marred by disinformation, including unfounded allegations regarding the importation of African voters by plane, claims about the PM acquiring four million dollars for campaign handouts from a foreign source, and assertions that the PM was wanted by the US government. The public quickly dismissed these accusations and instead focused on the government’s tangible efforts to address various issues in the country simultaneously. That can be a daunting task based on the reality that we have a finite budget as we do not have access to a federal budget.

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11 COMMENTS

  1. Dr. Ray I agree 100% with your assessment.

    Alex allowed those “93 votes” to get to his head…He foolishy and erroneously interpreted it as a vote of confidence for him as a candidate. In reality, it was a FLUKE! The conditions in 2023 centered around issues such as water, lies about African immigrants, $4billion in belly of plane, FBI coming to arrest Gaston etc etc.

    2026 saw a new, dynamic candidate who is affable, humble, hardworking and reachable. He made it his personal business to connect with the people. Alex just made noise on loudspeaker. He lacked the support of his leader, his Chairman and his party. It was clear from the jump that he was going to lose. His demeanor was one of defeat and laziness.

    The people of St. Phillips North have spoken loud and clear to Alex and the UPP. They better wake up and smell the bush tea

  2. I’m never bothered by the noises and disrespectful responses of others. It speaks more to their character, level of rationale and their ability to have a civil discourse.

  3. ANR Dave’s out of the closet so why hide others opinion. Even schools have their opinions on how their students should dress and behave. Not everyone wants their children to look up to the gay crowd for guidance.
    Why don’t he insist that Chet Greene and the ABLP call their annual convention, to see where Gaston and Chet stand with their comrades.
    ANR stop been discriminatory.
    Gay Ray our boys need men as examples for them to grow up as and not him to s’him.
    Boys to men are what we are singing and not boys to antimen.

  4. I think I’ll take a leaf out or Dr Dave Ray’s playbook and leave the Antigua (especially if the ABLP wins the next General Election) and continue being a mouthpiece from abroad – and just visit on the odd – or even regular occasion.

    Very appealing indeed Dr Ray.

    I realise that there’s something about having a cushion away from all the country’s trials and tribulations from afar, whereas living and witnessing is a totally different political ball game.

    Hmmmm … 🤔

  5. Sad to say,im a Alp supporter,but we all gonna regret when this General Election call next year January. We are to blind and too dumb to see all the shit thats taking place all around us. Upp had a close call for winning that election a few years ago,but only if a few things had been put in place. Upp take too long to campaign. Most of its candidate dont show support in their constituency. Questions would be asked what does X do for us in the community??? Gaston Browne is a smart intelligent man and nobody can take that from him,he has his good and bad. But needs to focus more on poor people. Chinese,Serians and whites get things easy easy in this Country while the black man have a hard time fighting. Lets talk about the increased license fee,late pension,sickness claim,maternity,back pay promises and promised increased wages,water issue. I can go on and on,but i tell you the people of this Country its gonna get worser and worserer for us in this Country. Mark what I say.

  6. Sad to say,im a Alp supporter,but we all gonna regret when this General Election call next year January. We are to blind and too dumb to see all the shit thats taking place all around us. Upp had a close call for winning that election a few years ago,but only if a few things had been put in place. Upp take too long to campaign. Most of its candidate dont show support in their constituency. Questions would be asked what does X do for us in the community??? Gaston Browne is a smart intelligent man and nobody can take that from him,he has his good and bad. But needs to focus more on poor people. Chinese,Serians and whites get things easy easy in this Country while the black man have a hard time fighting. Lets talk about the increased license fee,late pension,sickness claim,maternity,back pay promises and promised increased wages,water issue. I can go on and on,but i tell you the people of this Country its gonna get worser and worserer for us in this Country. Mark what I say.

  7. Well said dave. I suspect they also got a wake up call, when alex himself got seriously ill. The atfitide of some upp suporters to sir robins situation made them look heartless.Anyway Dave considering the time you spend in antigua, isnt it time to come back home? I attend events and yiu are right there. The us president has made clear that persons your color are not welcomed.

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