ALP Selects Candidates for 2013 Barbuda Election

Details

Politics

Tuesday, 21 August 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua, St. John's - Two newcomers are among five candidates who will represent the opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) in the March 23, 2013 Barbuda Council election.

One of them Bernie Newton secured 82 votes, the most in the primary held Sunday night at the ALP's Jam City headquarters.

The other newcomer is Elvis Burton who received 57 votes.

Rounding off the five are incumbents Calvin Gore (75 votes) and Tyrone Beazer (63 votes). Former council member David Shaw received 67 votes.

The two incumbents are expected to resign 10 days before the election to be eligible for the election.

"We've always maintained we want to be the early bird catching the worm and force the BPM (Barbuda People’s Movement) to come out with its candidates," said head of the ALP's Barbuda branch Arthur Nibbs.

A Nation Grappling with Litigation When Sir Novelle Hamilton Richards, Statesman, Diplomat and author wrote the National Anthem [1967], through patriotism, foresight and words of wisdom... read more

Elections are held every two years on Barbuda with candidates voting each time for four and five members alternatively. This ensures there is always a quorum to carry on the duties of the council.

The ALP currently has four members serving on the Council while the ruling BPM has seven. Two of those BPM members are serving by virtue of being the parliamentary representative and the Barbuda senator.

"I feel very strong that our chances are very great,” Nibbs said. “It seems this is the last time for the BPM to have the majority in the country."

The council has been predominantly controlled by the BPM since the first election was held around 35 years ago. The ALP gained control for a brief period in 1996.

BPM Political Leader Trevor Walker is off island and could not be reached for comment.

The state of the sister isle's economy is expected to be a major issue in the upcoming election.

• < Prev
• Next >