Labour Party’s Young Leaders Gaining Momentum, Says PM

Labour Party’s ‘Young Turks’ Gaining Momentum, Says PM

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says a new wave of young leaders is energising the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), marking what he calls a “renaissance” within the governing party.

“There’s a rebirth, a renaissance taking place within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, and when you come to executive on a Friday now, you can see it.”

He credited the injection of youth with revitalising party engagement, especially among younger voters.

“A lot of young people… the new candidates that we brought in, they themselves come with a cadre, a following of young people.”

Among the rising figures, Browne singled out several individuals already making an impact on the national stage.

“So we have Comrade Dwayne George, we have Michael Joseph, we have Randy Baltimore… Comrade Matthew, who is still relatively young, and Comrade Lamin as well. Even Comrade Maria Browne, a young woman.”

He confirmed that one high-profile independent MP is also expected to officially join the Labour Party’s slate.

“At the right time, Comrade Smith will make the transition. He’s a young man too, and he will be a Labour Party candidate going to the next general elections—there’s no doubt about it.”

Reflecting on generational shifts within political parties, Browne said the connection young candidates have with their peers is essential to maintaining relevance and momentum.

“They have greater connectivity to the younger people than people like me and Chet and Melford… There was one point when I was like at the fulcrum of support for young people when I came in in 1999.”

He recalled the excitement he once generated as a youthful candidate, noting that the party is now in transition once again.

“At the time… to see how the young people went wild, because again they had greater connectivity with me than Celeste and so on who had advanced in age. And this is just natural within politics.”

For Browne, succession planning is not just strategic—it’s leadership.

“While UPP continue to curse us and to create all kinds of confusion… we are building an institution for the future. That’s what you call leadership—ensuring that the leadership transition takes place.”

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