WATCH: MPs Across the Political Divide Deliver Marathon Tributes as Sir Robin Yearwood Ends 50 Unbroken Years in Parliament

MPs Across the Political Divide Deliver Marathon Tributes as Sir Robin Yearwood Ends 50 Unbroken Years in Parliament

In a sitting marked by reverence, reflection and rare bipartisan unity, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House delivered extended tributes to Sir Robin Yearwood, honoring his 50 consecutive years in the House of Representatives before formally adjourning the special session.

The proceedings followed the order of speakers, each adding a layer to the portrait of a parliamentarian whose career began on Feb. 18, 1976, and spanned independence, political transitions and 11 consecutive electoral victories in St. Philip’s North.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne opened the tributes, describing Yearwood as “a titan of life, a steadfast servant of the people, and a living pillar of democratic tradition.”

“Through it all, he has remained a constant, calm in moments of crisis, wise in moments of decision, and grounded in service above self,” Browne said.

He reminded the House that Yearwood’s career stretched from the pre-independence era through Antigua and Barbuda’s independence on Nov. 1, 1981, into what he described as a “confident, young, developing nation with a strong voice on the world stage.”

Yearwood’s leadership, Browne said, was “rooted not in spectacle but in substance, not in rhetoric but in results.” He emphasized that constituents knew him not simply as an MP, but as “an affable, down-to-earth neighbor,” adding that his home in Willikies functioned as his constituency office.

“Sir Robin never formally operated a constituency branch office,” Browne said. “His home was accessible to all.”

The prime minister outlined Yearwood’s ministerial roles — agriculture, aviation, public utilities, finance — and his tenure as deputy prime minister and leader of the opposition.

“Our nation is stronger because of Sir Robin’s service,” Browne said. “Generations have benefited from his contribution.”

He confirmed Yearwood’s retirement after reaching the milestone, saying the decision did not diminish the record but rather crowned it.

Attorney General: “Excellence. Dedication. Devotion.”

The Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin followed with what he described as an emotional reflection, opening with scripture: “This is the day that the Lord has made. So let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

He framed Yearwood’s legacy in single-word declarations: “Excellence. Dedication. Devotion. Love of people. Love of Nation. Selflessness.”

“Fifty years is more than a milestone,” he said. “It’s a lifetime of dedication.”

He reminded colleagues that Yearwood was present in the first Parliament of independent Antigua and Barbuda and credited him with strengthening legislative processes and reinforcing public trust.

He also spoke of mentorship.

“Love your people, he says. Respect them, he says. Work with them every day of the year, he says. You’ll be elected every time,” he recalled.

Quoting Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, he said Yearwood had “achieved greatness through his personal efforts,” adding, “On behalf of this grateful nation, I say thank you.”

Leader of the Opposition rose next, noting that half a century ago “I wasn’t even thought of.”

He reflected on entering Parliament in 2018 as the lone opposition member, describing himself as “young and green to politics.”

“It was Sir Robin’s advice from time to time, when we meet outside in the hallway, that would have helped to guide me,” he said.

He stressed respect beyond party lines.

“Whether or not we are on the same political side, just being in politics alone is a major task,” he said. “And for Sir Robin to endure 50 years, we must say thank you.”

He thanked Yearwood’s family and wished him “long life, good health, strength.”

The Member for St. Mary’s North grounded his tribute in electoral history.

“These are not years given by anyone except the people who voted,” he said. “They voted voluntarily for 50 years.”

Reading from the 1976 election declaration, he recounted that Yearwood received 756 votes to 375 for his opponent, marking the start of a career that would outlast nearly all of his contemporaries.

“How could a politician be so successful?” he asked. “What did he do that caused the people to embrace him?”

He suggested the answer lay in accessibility, recalling that constituents walked freely in and out of Yearwood’s home.

He used the moment to challenge both sides to reflect on political conduct, asking whether the tone of the day could represent “a new beginning.”

The Member for St. Paul described the anniversary as “a moment of profound national significance.”

“Today marks the golden anniversary, golden milestone, of 50 years to the day,” he said.

He called the tenure “testament to an enduring and extraordinary ability of trust and devotion,” arguing that such longevity was built on work, not chance.

The Member for St. John’s Rural East, one of the younger MPs, reflected on watching Parliament as a child.

“I recall the days in our classrooms in primary schools back in the day when we had to know the names of each minister and the portfolios they held,” she said.

She said Yearwood was one of the faces she grew up seeing and learning about, calling his record proof that experience and longevity still matter in modern politics.

“To get to where we want to go, we have to know where we are coming from,” she said. “And we must respect all and their contributions.”

She credited the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party for valuing institutional memory and creating space for younger members to learn from veterans like Yearwood.

The Member for All Saints West highlighted the generational breadth of Yearwood’s career.

“My parents were children when he was first elected,” he said, emphasizing the rarity of a public career that predates the birth of current legislators.

He described Yearwood’s life as one of dedication to service and commitment to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

Another speaker shared a personal story from a Cabinet meeting, recalling how Yearwood — despite his seniority — quietly ensured refreshments were placed for the prime minister before he arrived.

“He was still humble enough to serve the leader,” the MP said, describing it as a small but powerful reflection of character.

After hours of tributes, a motion was moved to adjourn the special sitting.

“With those pleasant words … I now move a motion that this session comes to an end,” one senior member said.

The motion was seconded and the Speaker declared the special sitting adjourned.

In closing commentary after the session, it was confirmed that Yearwood had formally submitted his resignation, stating it was time to pave the way for “a younger, more vigorous representative,” with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party caretaker Randy Baltimore expected to succeed him.

Across nearly three hours of speeches, lawmakers returned repeatedly to the same themes: accessibility, humility, mentorship, electoral trust and institutional memory.

Fifty years after first taking the oath, Sir Robin Yearwood leaves Parliament not only as its longest-serving member, but as a figure whose career MPs from both sides agreed helped shape the democratic fabric of Antigua and Barbuda.

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