Amid mounting speculation about imminent general elections, Senator Lamin Newton, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s designated representative for All Saints East and St. Luke, has declared his state of permanent preparedness for electoral contestation. During a recent appearance on The Morning Point program, Newton articulated his philosophy of constant campaign readiness, emphasizing that he has structured his political operations around this core principle.
Newton revealed that his approach stems from crucial advice received from a political colleague who counseled him to ‘stay ready so you don’t have to get ready’—a maxim he has since embraced wholeheartedly. ‘I can guarantee you that I am prepared if the Prime Minister decides to make that announcement today,’ Newton asserted, indicating his capacity to immediately activate campaign mechanisms upon any election declaration.
Beyond personal preparedness, the senator issued urgent appeals for electoral participation, expressing concern about significant voter registration deficiencies throughout Antigua and Barbuda. Newton reported encountering numerous unregistered citizens who mistakenly believe they can wait until election dates are formally announced. He warned against this potentially costly delay, noting that a compressed 21-day campaign period could disenfranchise those who postpone registration.
‘Go out now, get yourself registered… Don’t wait until the Prime Minister announces the date,’ Newton implored constituents, highlighting the risks of exclusion from the democratic process.
Regarding constituency development, Newton pointed to tangible improvements already underway, including road rehabilitation projects, clinic upgrades, sports facility enhancements, and community cleanliness initiatives. He positioned these efforts as evidence of his commitment to effective representation regardless of electoral timelines. The senator promised significant amplification of these development projects should he secure election as parliamentary representative, assuring constituents that current visible progress represents merely a precursor to expanded future initiatives.