ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Wednesday, said he remained confident that the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) would retain the Saint Phillip’s North constituency after the country’s longest serving Parliament announced his resignation with “immediate effect”.
“I believe that the time has come for me to pass the baton to a younger and more vigorous representative,” Sir Robin Yearwood said in his February 18, 2026, letter addressed to the Speaker, Osbert Frederick.
The Parliament met in a special sitting on Wednesday to congratulate Sir Robin on achieving the 50-year milestone of representing the St. Philip’s North constituency, with both government and opposition praising him for his duty to the country.
In his resignation letter, the 81-year-old Sir Robin wrote that he had served in Parliament since February. 18, 1976, and had been returned to the legislative chamber by his constituents on 11 separate occasions.
Until February 2026, Sir Robin was the longest-serving legislator in the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, and he described his tenure as “long and successful,” adding that he had retained his seat even when the ABLP lost the majority and ceased being the government in 2004 and 2009.
Sir Robin recounted his service in several senior Cabinet roles, including minister of finance, deputy prime minister, minister of agriculture, minister of aviation, and minister of public utilities, with responsibility for multiple government agencies and statutory bodies.
He credited his party’s vision with shaping what he described as a proud, sovereign, and resilient nation, adding that he was pleased to believe that his contribution helped to build a “sovereign, wealthier, prideful, accomplished” Antigua and Barbuda that leads the Caribbean in human development.
He also expressed gratitude to his family, friends, church members, and constituents for their support over the years, saying their backing allowed him to serve with stability and confidence.
Prime Minister Browne said he remained confident that the ABLP candidate for the bye-election, Randy Baltimore, would be successful when the election is held within 120 days of the seat being vacated.
“We look forward to formally receiving Mr. Randy Baltimore – ABLP’s candidate in the upcoming St Phillip’s North by-election, as the newest member of Parliament shortly,” Browne said.
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