PM Browne Hails ‘Renaissance’ in ABLP Following St. John’s City West Branch Election
St. John’s, Antigua – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described the recent branch election in St. John’s City West as a remarkable shift in Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape, highlighting what he calls a “Renaissance” within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).
Rodney Jarvis emerged as the new chairman of the City West branch, securing 179 votes against Kem Hodge 85 votes in an election that saw an unprecedented level of participation. Vice Chairperson Lisa Christian, Treasurer Anika Lee, and Women’s Development Officer Keran George were among those elected, with hundreds of constituents braving inclement weather to cast their votes.
Browne, speaking on the election results, emphasized the significance of the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by voters. He noted that historically, branch elections attracted only a small number of attendees, but the recent surge in participation reflects a “grassroots movement” taking hold.
“This is just an astonishing development—we’ve never seen anything like this in politics,” Browne stated. “In the past, you might have 30 or 40 people deciding leadership positions at the branch level. But now, the electors are taking control of the process.”
He credited the shift to a newfound political awareness and engagement among younger voters, revealing that 500 new electors were registered during the election process. With a total constituency register of around 2,900 voters, this represents a significant 20% increase in voter registration.
Browne also acknowledged the level of organization among candidates, pointing out that many ran structured campaigns, complete with slogans, paraphernalia, and door-to-door canvassing efforts. He described this development as a sign that new talent and potential future candidates are emerging through the party’s ranks.
As the party continues to build momentum, Browne announced a meeting with both winning and losing candidates to unify the branch and ensure that all participants remain engaged in the political process.
“There are no losing teams here,” Browne assured. “All of them are winners at the end of the day.”
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