ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Less than 48 hours after Prime Minister Gaston Browne told voters to be prepared for a general election within 90 days, a senior member of his cabinet has signalled his intention to bow out of active politics after more than 40 years.
In a letter sent to the chairman of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), Health Minister and Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s North, Sir Molwyn Joseph, says he will not contest the seat at the next general election.
“After careful consideration, I have decided not to offer myself as a candidate at this time. This decision was not made lightly, but comes after many years of dedicated service and careful reflection on personal commitments and responsibilities. In the best interest of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party,” Sir Molwyn wrote in his March 20, 2026, letter.
He said it had been a “profound honour” to have served under the ABLP, “working collectively to advance the principles of progress, unity and empowerment for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
Sir Molwyn, who last Friday night received a standing ovation from ABLP members when he announced the decision not to contest the upcoming elections, said that the decision was his and that he was not coerced or pushed by the party’s or the government’s leadership.
He told supporters that he had committed to his constituents that the 2023 general elections would be his last, and that while recent polls showed he was ahead of the other would-be ABLP candidates, his wife and his daughter played a role in his decision-making.
“When I decided to return to Antigua after living in the United States and doing well. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but I had a sense that I had to come back to Antigua to serve and offer guidance to our young people.
“What I did not realise was that this decision would result in over 40 years as a career politician. Throughout those forty-plus years, I have not only gained experience, but I also have a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishments,” he added.
Last weekend, Prime Minister Browne, speaking on his radio programme, told the nation that the general elections would be held within 90 days and urged supporters to get ready for the early poll.
“I have asked all of the Labour Party candidates who will contest the next general elections to utilise the next few weeks to go door-to-door and to get the people out to do the re-registration so that they can have their cards in time for the upcoming general election,” he added.
Last week, the Barbados-based regional pollster and analyst, Peter Wickham, said he would advise Prime Minister Browne to consider calling a snap general election to capitalise on what he describes as significant momentum for the ABLP following the party’s decisive victory in the by-election last Monday.
The party’s candidate, Randy Baltimore, maintained the St. Philip North seat that had been held for the past 50 years by Sir Robin Yearwood, who had earlier this year announced his retirement from active politics.
Baltimore defeated Alex Browne of the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), amassing a total of 924 votes compared with Browne’sBrowne’s 406, representing approximately 69.5 per cent of the votes cast compared with 30.5 per cent for Browne.
In the last general election held on January 18, 2023, the ABLP won 9 of the 17 seats, the UPP won 6, and the Barbuda People’s Movement won 1. An independent candidate won the remaining seat.
But the UPP increased its majority following the murder of opposition legislator, Asot Michael, with its candidate Rawdon Turner winning the by-election, followed by UPP legislator, Anthony Smith, joining the ABLP and becoming the Minister of Agriculture.
Regarding his future, Sir Molwyn, who is in his mid-70s, suggested that Prime Minister Browne indicated he may be called upon to serve in an advisory position in a future government.
For his part, Sir Molwyn said he intends to take up farming more seriously, adding that he is alarmed by the food choices many people make.
“As the Minister of Health, I believe that I have a responsibility to eat properly and to ensure that those around me do so as well,” he added.
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