Spencer sworn as new prime minister of Antigua-Barbuda

Prime Minister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer (right) 
receiving his Instruments of appointment from 
Governor General Sir James Carlisle
Photo by Skip Lewis 

Thursday, March 25, 2004

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (AFP): Former trade unionist Winston Baldwin Spencer was sworn in Wednesday as the new prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, ending the political dynasty of the Bird family which had led the Caribbean state since its independence from Britain in 1981.

Spencer was swept into power after his United Progressive Party (UPP) won 12 of the 17 parliamentary seats in general elections Tuesday.

The party campaign centered on wiping out corruption, reviving the ailing tourism-dependent economy, stimulating private investment and providing help to the poor and jobless.

"The population now has great expectations I promise then transparency in government and accountability," Spencer said Wednesday. "This is a people's victory and they are fully aware of the challenges," he added.

"We believe we have now created a government in the sunshine so that the people of Antigua and Barbuda have come out of darkness," he added.

Spencer took the oath of office from Governor General Sir James Carlisle.

Also Wednesday Justin Simon was also sworn in as the island's new attorney general, while Errol Court was appointed finance minister.

Spencer said he will start forming a cabinet on Thursday.

A Progressive Party candidate even won in the district held by outgoing prime minister Lester Bird's Antigua Labour Party for years.

Bird conceded by reading a three-minute statement to reporters in the predawn hours at his residence. In response to the lone question he permitted, he said the election was not based on his party's record.

"There is no doubt that the Labour Party performed, but this election was not contested on the basis of issues. It was contested on the basis of 'It's time to give someone else a chance,' and obviously the people spoke," Bird said.

In his victory speech late Tuesday, Spencer said his administration would not embark on a witch-hunt or denigrate members of the ALP, but would ensure that suspects be brought to justice.

"Vanquished political leaders ought not to be disgraced, ... but at the same time, crimes against the people must be punished," Spencer told his jubilant followers, who danced and prayed in the streets.

The twin-island Caribbean state of Antigua and Barbuda, a former British colony in the northeastern Caribbean, has a population of 68,000 and some 43,000 registered voters.

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