Antigua & Barbuda: Gaston Browne sworn in as Prime Minister following election victory

Gaston Browne was on Thursday sworn in as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda for the 2nd time, following his landslide victory in Wednesday’s general election.

According to preliminary results, Browne’s Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) defeated the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) 15 to 1, while the Bermuda People’s Movement (BPM), secured 1 seat.

After a brief ceremony at Government House, Browne told reporters that the ABLP had a very good campaign in the run-up to the polls. He also urged the UPP to assume a greater level of responsibility in Parliament.

“We recognize that there should be some level of opposition representation. We found that the previous opposition had become personal, they had become extremely rabid and were focused on tearing down the image of several persons including myself. Unfortunately, this strategy did not work.”
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin was also sworn into office.

He told reporters that he intends to get the ball rolling on all the plans outlined in the party’s manifesto.

Other members of Cabinet are scheduled to be sworn in later.

“The whole idea is to put them to work immediately,” the prime minister said, adding that “My charge to them is just serve the people and give it their all.” -(CMC)