From Non-Profit Visionary to Political Contender: Meet Regis Burton

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
Burton

From Non-Profit Visionary to Political Contender: Meet Regis Burton

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary politics, new faces often emerge, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. One such individual gaining attention is Mr. Regis Burton, a prospective Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate in All Saints West (ASW), poised to shake up the political scene. As a proud born-and-bred Labourite with a background in community service, organizational management, and a clear vision for the future, Burton’s potential candidacy is generating considerable interest among constituents and political analysts alike.

But who is this newcomer to local politics? Regis Burton was raised in Lightfoot, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of everyday Antiguans and Barbudans. On one hand, his mother’s family roots are deeply grounded in the Salvation Army Church and its generational legacy with the ABLP. On the other hand, he is the son of a Dominican Kalinago (Carib) who instilled in him the importance of Caribbean unity and collaboration towards personal and national success. As a proud countryman, he has been fortunate to experience many opportunities locally, regionally, and internationally and considers himself a product of his environment, choices, and sacrifices.

Although new to politics, Regis Burton is entering the arena with decades of experience serving his peers, community, and country. He is affiliated with many local and international networks and organizations but is profoundly known for being the visionary and Founder of the Nolan Hue Foundation Inc., which for over a decade has been a Charity positively contributing to the professional and economic development of young people while creating empowerment opportunities for hundreds of youths. Through the Nolan Hue Foundation, he contributed to several successful initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and increasing job opportunities in underprivileged areas. Regis strongly believes that if the youth are empowered, with assistance, they can achieve their full potential and raise the standards of professionalism in Antigua & Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.

In 2016, for his humanitarian contributions to the Commonwealth, Mr. Burton was given a lifetime appointment by the late Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen’s Young Leader for Antigua and Barbuda and was also recognized as one of the top 30 entrepreneurs under the age of 30 throughout the entire Eastern Caribbean by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in 2017.

Professionally, Regis Burton is a proud member of the APUA Family but currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority, a Commissioner on the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda Police Service Commission, a Director of the Antigua Barbuda Cricket Association Board, and the Corporate Secretary of the Leeward Islands Cricket Board.

In January 2024, a mere five months ago, Regis Burton joined the political scene as a viable option for the ABLP in the ASW Constituency to contest the incumbent Hon. Anthony Smith. Although many highly anticipate the battle of the youths, Smith (UPP) vs. Burton (ABLP) in the next general election, Burton’s start in politics has been no easy walk in the park. His will and desire to serve his people has already been put to the test. In March 2024, a Primary was held between Arry Simon, Regis Burton, and Lamin Newton to decide on the ABLP candidate. The results were inconclusive, and the party decided to conduct two independent polls to identify an outright winner. This too was inconclusive, which has now led to the scheduling of another ABLP Primary on Thursday, August 29th, 2024, between Lamin Newton and Regis Burton.

Burton now has the chance to leverage his grassroots connections and business experience to prove to the people that he is indeed the best candidate for the ASW Constituency. His campaign continues to be about the empowerment of people, focused on transparency, accountability, and direct voter engagement. Regis Burton’s political vision is centered on three main pillars: Infrastructure and Community Development, Economic Growth and Employment, and Social Welfare and Community Engagement.

Regis Burton’s prospective candidacy embodies the spirit of hope and renewal in the political arena. With his strong background and clear vision for the future, he represents a promising alternative to traditional political figures. As his campaign unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how Burton navigates the challenges and leverages opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the political landscape. Keep an eye on this space for more on Burton in preparation for the All Saints West ABLP Primary on August 29th, 2024.

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