It was a celebration like none ever seen in Antigua and Barbuda, since the twin island state attained political independence in 1981.
Shortly after 4p.m. on Wednesday, the official Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda (ABLP) was installed amidst much pomp and ceremony, and its officers given their instruments of appointment. The ABLP one week ago, emerged victorious following highly anticipated and strongly contested campaigning leading up to general elections (June 12). In what has been described as an overwhelming defeat against the former United Progressive Party (UPP) administration – which led the country for 10 years – the ABLP secured 14 of the 17 constituency seats, with the three losing candidates having lost by very slim margins.
Former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who retained the position of Member of Parliament for his constituency, St. John’s Rural West, conceded defeat well before midnight election day, after the fifth candidate for the ABLP was declared. A very sombre political leader of the UPP, in offering brief remarks at the time, gave the assurance that he would work with the new administration for the benefit of Antigua and Barbuda.
Wednesday’s swearing in ceremony, though, was anything but solemn and the excitement from the people of the state was most palpable. After the ceremony at the Government House, Prime Minister Browne along with his wife, First Lady Maria Bird-Browne, and his cadre of candidates made their way to the historic Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG) in an historic celebration ceremony for the people. In a show of support, Prime Minister Browne and his team were accompanied by regional Caribbean colleagues: Prime Minister the Hon Roosevelt Skerritt of Dominica, Prime Minister the Hon Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada and the Hon Dr. Denzel Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.
In offering remarks on behalf of his country, Prime Minister Skerritt spoke glowingly of Prime Minister Browne, describing him as a young, dynamic man. Prime Minister Skerritt noted that when Prime Minister Browne addressed the Delegates Conference of the Dominica Labour Party in September, 2013, he (Skerritt) received a call later that night which lauded the then opposition leader and spoke of the strength he would lend to the development of Caricom. The prophetic words came to pass.
“Comrade, you have gotten your wish; Gaston Browne has been elected Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. I go further to say…no one in Dominica who met Gaston Browne on that visit, or heard his address at that conference was in doubt, that here is a future Caribbean leader.”
The Dominican Prime Minister continued, “I speak for all Dominica this evening when I extend heartiest congratulations to Gaston Browne and his team of candidates in the last general election. And to say how warmly and enthusiastically we welcome you to the mantle of Caribbean leadership at this crucial point in our region’s development. Antigua and Barbuda is a crucial cornerstone in the Dominica Diaspora. It is home to thousands of Dominicans…and therefore, their celebration this past weekend is also a source of great joy to me as leader of their native land.”
The new Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda comprises Prime Minister Gaston Browne as Minister of Finance and Corporate Governance; Hon Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin (Attorney General, Minister of Labour, Immigration and Police); Hon Robin Yearwood (Minister of Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation); Hon Asot Michael (Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy); Hon Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health and the Environment); Hon Eustace Teco Lake (Minister of Works and Housing); Hon E. Paul Chet Greene (Minister of Trade, Commerce & Industry, Spots, Culture, National Festivals and Community Service); Hon Samantha Marshall (Minister of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development); Hon Charles Fernandez (Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade); Hon Melford Nicholas (Minister of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Information Technology); Hon Arthur Nibbs, Barbuda (Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs); Hon Michael Browne (Minister of Education, Science and Technology.)
What Dominicans fail to realize is that, other Prime Ministers or Primiers in the caribbean are looking after their people. Dominica’s PM is looking after himself and dont give a hoot what happens to Dominicans. He have said so himself. When a person goes on national radio and says that no law nor constitution can stop him from doing what he wants, do you expect him to care about the country? NO, his only goal is to remain in power by what ever means and keep you people in bondage. Have you ever seen the new terminal that is under construction in Antigua? Now PM Brown has signed a deal with the Chinese to develop Guana island with five star hotels, so that his people can be gainfully employed. What has PM skerritt done for Dominicans during his term in office? Antigua and other Caribbean islands are filled with Dominicans; yesterday I heard on say that he will never return to Dominica. He left Dominica 10 years ago and he will never return. When I hear statement like this, I have to wonder what is going on in Dominica? There is no shame in supporting a party but when your brothers and sisters are reduced to healthy beggars, it is time to ask yourself a question. Domincans stop supporting a color and think of yourselves. Dominica is a perishing country because its leader have not vision. (only for himself)
God is in control. The evil that men plan for you might turn out to be a stepping stone to success. Mr. Skreet has actually driven an important nail in his coffin. My eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the lord.
Skerritt was not in Antigua
Hopeful and Samuel:
I feel your pain and unfortunately, it is going to last for 5 more years!! the UWP has no one right now who can fit into the shoes of the PM. I can see how hard it is to get someone from the UWP to fill his shoes. The man foot is just too big or too small, depending on who is trying them on. Blisters for anyone who try to walk in them.
As for his skin? seems smooth like dasheen leaves when it rains; anything you try to pour on him will easily slide off. The man is good for Dominica and you, even if you try not to acknowledge it; give him his credit.
We are not turning back, we will keep moving up to the Next Level with the PM and the DLP. Dominica is too important for all of us to do anything else.
Non-sense, Domincans were tricked to vote for FREE-LAB in 2000. The circumstances in Antigua are quite different in Dominica. Mr. Skreet disrespects the constitution regardless of its relevance. I am sure Gaston Brown said to “go to hell to his people.” Lennox Linton is of far better substance than the sorry state of a PM that Dominica has now. Skreet must stop pretending behind the face of LABOUR. This is not labour. Do some home work.
Correction: I am sure Gaston Brown did not say GO TO HELL to his people.
That reminds me of Dominicans when they voted the UWP out of office.
I was too small to remember the atmosphere , which i am sure was similar, when the UWP got into office after Mammo 15 year rule.
But let us not get confused, about what UWP think this means for them. The UWP could have had that potential if they had a different team, a different leader, and a different ideology, something to offer Dominicans. A bird in hand is worth 12 in the bush. The UWP has not shown that it is capable, more capable that DLP, Thus there is not logic behind a change. Jumping from the pot into the fire is not a logical decision for change, unless you are looking for a faster death.
Are you dumb?
am a dominican who most of my lived antigua in antigua,and under no circumstance i would ever vote for the antigua labor party .never would i vote for a government who have people like cutie benjamin,molwyn joseph,asot michael,lester bird,and robin yearwood as part of their team..antigua people and most of the foreign born who voted albp you will forever regret your actions. how quickly people forget the corrupt regime who took antigua to the cleaners during lester bird’s reign as prime minister..and why is our pm is so hyped over albp win..the dlp is nothing close to alp in antigua. all labor parties are not the same so why even associate dlp with albp..i am def a dlp supporter but not wished to be associated as a dominican who supports albp.
So Skerrit is in another man’s country congratulating him on his political win as a result of cleaning the voters list for free and fair elections.
But in your country(Dominica) you have hijack the electoral Commission and is preventing it from cleaning the voters list for free and fair elections.
So what is good for Antigua not good for us in Dominica……Clear behavior of a DICTATOR.
The Lord is watching.
Mr. Skerrit, since the Lord seems to be revealing sacred things to you, and now you were able to see Mr. Browne as a Caribbean leader the moment you heard him in Dominica, can you please ask him to help you find answers with the following:
1. Ask Him to help you investigate the true cause of the mysterious death of our deceased PM, Rosie Douglas in 2000?
2. Ask Him to help you investigate the true cause of the Mysterious death of deceased PM Pierre Charles in 2004?
3. Ask Him to helpl you investigate the the mysterious Christmas Day Bombing of GON Emmanuel while both the Mr and Mrs. were in their house?
4. Ask Him to help you investigate the truth surrounding that young man that was caught in Barbados, with a loaded gun, on a plane en route to Dominica?
Sir, these are questions the nation has been struggling to get answers for but until today we had not found someone that heard and carried out instructions from above. So now you have a true Caribbean leader, can you please help us find answeres to these most important questions Hon. Prime Minister?
was there a mystery about the deaths of those two deceased prime minister? If you know something, let the rest of us know or just stop your braying.
@colt, I voted and supported both gentlemen and I have questions regarding the death of both gentlemen. In the case of Rosie, he died less than 24 hrs after he landed in Dominica after a long oversea trip and had no known medical history. Though we heard of Peirro’s medical problems we also heard a lot of rumors as it relates to what caused his death. Were you in Dominica during those deaths? Did you not hear many things? Did you not hear statements made by certain attorneys as to who caused death? Did you not hear that certain members of the opposition were not allowed to attend the funeral? After all, both gentlemen died during the first term of the DLP administration I found it rather strange that the same administration never conducted an independent investigation. While I am not accusing anyone as a son of the soil I would like to know the truth behind both mysterious deaths.
Are you sleeping? Of course those deaths were mysterious? Very mysterious. In a first world country, they would have been thoroughly investigated. May be no one is responsible but may be too one or many are responsible. How about that. Did you ever think of that.
Rumours will remain rumours. UWP had Haitians working in DA for them. I remember the rumour about the two Haitians who lived in St. Lucia, came to Dominica to help UWP. One of them told a fellow passenger who paid them and they said that they could not penetrate in DA because there are lots of people praying in DA.
So, TLTMS, I guess you heard of the bottle that was found on the east coast with “you know who” name written on a paper in it, with some funny stuff too. Maybe you too, heard the rumours and just want us to know. You don’t have to question the PM, just tell us.
Most times when people ask those question they usually have the answers for them.
The electorate of Dominica should take note and a lesson from the defeated party in Antigua. They conceded and declared their willingness to work together for the development of Antigua and Barbuda. On the other hand, UWP, what did they do? Opposite. They cry down DA as best as they could and are still at it. UWP, you will not Win. You have not done any good to your self and for the wider Dominica; oh! Is Lenox back yet?
silly.
How many ministers are there compared to the number in Dominica?
Is Mr. Skerrit going to use His influence with the Antiguan PM to change the way they treat us in the Antiguan airport
I have passed through A/gua’s airport many times and not once was I treated in any abnormal manner.
Conduct yourself appropriately and you will have no trouble at any airport and by no means in Antigua.
Skerrit will have a tough time accomplishing such request because if you study A’gua PM he is very much a like Mr.Linton they have visions for the development for their Island and Skerrit don’t even know what that term means so don’t hold you breath .
Skerro speak for yourself….I see you thaught Gaston the ropes of Necromancy while here in DA. Boy look voodoo in ABLP so called victory…..see who he invited to his swearing in the three most corrupt caribbean leaders…….No doubt the birds are back in the house corruption nah go stop now especially since he have the support of COR-SKER, RUP-MITCH and TTION-DOUGGIE……Tony thank your bejesus that is a boy child you have and there was still a female bird arround for Gassie because they would have pre-arrange yours marriage in Diapers to secure their stay in office if there were no adult birds in the coup.
Just so that all know…PM Skerritt was not in attendance in Antigua..his speech was done via a recorded message…he got stuck at the airport in DA…
If that is a fact, don’t you think DNO would have said so? You submission suggests DNO’s headline is misleading.
Oops, LIAT did not take Roosie to Antigua? Hmm.
but wat makes UWP/TEAM DOMINCA think they will win this election…lennox even run away lol….alu not winning this election face reality and come out of that bubble you all livin in
@trueRED…. So why are you not a happy person.
You do not sound HAPPY to me!
I don’t know why Mr. P.M. is harping on the ABLP victory! He continues to bury his head in the sand as an ostrich. Jimmy Cliff sings in the house of exile, ” A drowing man will catch a straw” The song also says’ “Everything in creation must obey a law,Its true in words as it is in deed.You were so puffed up in your pomps and pride You’re exposed you got none to hide”. Mr. P.M, stop fooling yourself and do the right thing. While you are getting richer, Dominicans are getting poorer. We all can do more than our share but not more than our time. The good Lord will hear the cry of his children and deliver them from the eveil snare you have them caught in. The veil will be lifted from their eyes and they will be able to see you for what you are. As long as you contine to disrespect the laws of Dominica, you disrespect its people and you have no love for them.
It is amazing that people like Lennox Linton is getting richer while still unemployed. There are more questions than answers.
you make the most idiot statement over and over again… so sorry for you
It is no wonder you call yourself anonymous, I want you to look up the meaning of the word. It is people like you that have the country the way it is. This is not about which party you support, it is about the high level of corruption that this government is involved in and the way the people are treated. Dominicans were once known to be hard working people, now they have become beggars, depending on the P.M. for hand out. Dominica once fed the entire caribbean with the produce from their land now the lands are abandoned because of lack of access road to cultivate and reap their procudce. Soon those die hard farmers will have to use donkey to carry their bananas and other produce because the roads are inpassable. Come on people open your eyes. The writing is on the wall, if you can;t read it let someone read it for you.
A lot of crap!
The Good Lord will punish you for mentioning his Name in vain and as you spew hatred and tarnish another’s name. He knows that the PM is not wicked as you people claim. You are the evil ones. What you wish for another it will fall on you.
God is the judge! Not you! Therefore, leave God out of your nonsense.
Let’s make no mistake about it; If the UPP had returned to power, Mr. Skerrit and his spinners would have given it a different spin. They would no doubt say words to the effect that the UPP victory is a sign that the people of Antigua believe that it is wrong to replace an incumbent government with an inexperience team. Skerrit knows the ABLP victory was NOT based on color but rather on the FAILURE of the UPP to correct and lay a foundation for economic development. The situation in Dominica is much worse than that of Antigua. As of the week of election, we still had many Dominicans running to Antigua to seek a future. Have you seen any Antiguan run to Dominica? No matter how bad it was with the UPP the fact is, it is 10 times worse in Dominica under Skerrit.
DOM/ANU
So then why is it so difficult for the UWP to realized why they were replaced and may never again see themselves in government? Isn’t the defeated Antigua and Barbuda party leader gracious in his concession speech? Promises to work with the elected government.
If all defeated parties would do the same and work with their country government to uplift their country, that would show everyone they care for the country and the people and not only want to be the government.
Lessons to be learnt for sure.
So you would work with the devil even knowing he is leading you to Hell.
You all keep forgetting the “PARTY” did NOT WIN, the “PERSON” bearing the PARTY’s “NAME” won.
If that is what you all BELIEVE, you all DESERVE WHAT YOU GET.
IF parka moutay morne….the reality is labor won and they will continue to win accross the caribbean including dominica.
SORT.
Life is what you make of it. It is your life. Some people see the good in others. Others like you see only evil. It is all imbedded in your heart and mind.
Do not put it on the PM. Make your life a happy one. Do not hate and encourage others to do so. Cease your criticisms. Only then will you live a happy and peaceful life and be appreciative.
Dominicans please take note. The wife of the country’s PRESIDENT is called the First Lady. When there is no Presidents wife, the Prime Ministers wife is referred to as the First Lady. So Dominica’s First Lady is Mrs. Savarin.
Where is Roosevelt’s wife? He is the Prime Minister and he is married, is he not? Therefore, HIS WIFE is the FIRST LADY of Dominica.
She is NOT because we have a presidents wife idiot.
I think that’s an error. I am certain that the Governor-General’s wife is the first lady. I would like someone correct me if i am wrong. Perhaps Mr Honeychurch can help us correct this error. The reason for that is because the Governor-General of Antigua & Barbuda is the head of state of the twin island state and Mr Gaston Brown in his capacity as Prime Minister is head of the Government of Antigua & Barbuda. If i am wrong please correct me.
@ Lapo Layzar: the Head of State of Antigua and Barbuda is Queen Elizabeth II. Dominica, like Trinidad, has a President as Head of State because we are republics. The wife of the President is the First Lady. It’s now becoming common for the wife of a PM to be referred to as First Lady in the absence of a President. Daughters of Presidents have played that role in the absence of a wife.
Does our constitution make provision for a first lady? Somebody please educate me becaus I am not able to find it. To my knowledge this first lady thing comes from the US, it sounds nice so everybody is now on the bandwagon. Even the churches now have first ladies LOL…
“It is home to thousands of Dominicans…and therefore, their celebration this past weekend is also a source of great joy to me as leader of their native land.”
Is either Skerrit does not seem to be able to interpret the writing on the wall, or like a drowning person, he will try to hold to any straw that he sees. What we see in Antigua was a FAILED incumbent UPP, seeking a third term in office and was rejected by the electorates while the ABLP, that was rejected in 2004 because of CORRUPT was reelected. In Dominica the situation was the reverse. Here it is the DLP after 14 yrs, that has been VERY CORRUPT and has totally destroyed the economy, and failed to create employment for its people. As a result, Skerrit CANNOT win in Wesley, Marigot, Salibia, Castle Bruce, Morne Jaun, La Plaine, Roseau Valley, Roseau North, St. Joseph, Roseau Central and Salsbury. These are 11 very SURE UWP seats, while they are very much in play in Mahault, Roseau South, Soufriere and I will not rule out Pitite Savanne. The same Mr. Wickham that gave the ABLP 14 seats win is the same Wickham that gave Skerrit 8 seats in Dominica.
where?
Dominica contninues to go down a slippery slope economically and socially with the opportunity of an international airport lost for 14 years even with our relationship with China. That airport would have put us on a sound footing of economic growth with a boost to employment from the construction, tourism, agricultural and services sectors. Only now on the eve of an election, the Government trying to fool people about an airport they do not know when and where they are going to construct it.
Instead of getting rid of a truely unqualified and incompetent oversized cabinet and their bunch of lazy, “no ideas”, dishonest and unethical red cohorts, we are singing their praises. Future generations will hold us responsible for this reckless behavior where we allow a few “Johnnies come lately” to bleed our country’s scarce resources for the benefit of a select few while they fool the rest of us with a “yes we care” program and a red clinic derived from their begging. God is good, he will flash a light in the voting booth to open the eyes of those who “have eyes and yet do not see”.
When you hate, you will always interpret everything wrong.
Parry, I would ask Prime Minister Skeritt to have a serious meeting with the Prime Minister of Antigua in order to find out how is he able to operate his country of approximately 90,000 people with only ten members in his cabinet. How was Antigua with a larger population then Dominica was able to clean up the voter’s list and used I.D. cards for voting. How was he able to get one billion dollars from the Chinese in comparison to the approximately $500 million given to Dominica by the Chinese.
So it appears that the Birdsstill run things under the prime ministership of Gaston Brown………not surprising!!
how you figure that?
he is married to a Bird
sigh
Red in Antigua red in DA red all the way
@preacher, If you study your bible especially the Old Testament, you will realize that some of the wickedest political leaders had there own priests, prophets, and preachers. You sure sound like one of those preachers that stand for unrighteousness, ungodliness and what is devilish.
Red really make this country come dread
wise up. people dont vote colour
Do not get them angrier.
Well done Antigua Labour Party
It will soon be our prime ministers turn and this time labour is taking all 21 seats
@ preacher, by the way, most of those so called priests and prophets that served and supported wicked kings in the OT were once prophets and priests of God who were bought by wicked kings. I hope you are not one of such preachers
Let’s all hope and pray that the Dominican electorate will emulate the Antiguans and Barbudians by voting in a new and dynamic leader who is capable of leading Dominica into the next period.
Prime Minister Skeritt and his team need to be replaced to allow Dominica to move forward in a transparent and honest way!
Mr Sketitt and his administration need time out to regroup.
I hope Dominicans will take this opportunity to replace the Labour Party and elect candidates who are suitable to lead Dominica forward.
Hopeful; Who is the new and dynamic leader your are talking of who is capable of leading Dominica on the UWP side? Mr. Browne has had parliamentary experience; No or Yes?
Which one of the UWP parliamentarians is the Leader of the UWP?
Also note that Skerrit had NO Paliamentary Experience and he is talking like a kindergarten child
Dear Doubting Thomas
Our incumbent PM does not display the attributes of someone who has has ministerial experience, so I am sure that whoever succeeds him will do a better job.
I hope that the correct decision is taken at polling time.
Best wishes