In a momentous parliamentary session marking his golden jubilee of service, veteran statesman Sir Robin Yearwood has formally resigned from his position as representative for St. Philip’s North. The historic announcement was delivered Wednesday by House Speaker Osbert Frederick, who read the resignation letter dated February 18, 2026, during a special sitting honoring the legislator’s extraordinary career.
Sir Robin’s political journey represents one of the most enduring tenures in Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic history, having first entered the House of Representatives on February 18, 1976. His electoral resilience saw him returned to Parliament through eleven consecutive elections, maintaining his constituency even during periods when his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party lost governmental power in 2004 and 2009.
Throughout his distinguished service, Sir Robin occupied multiple high-profile ministerial portfolios including Finance Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and ministries overseeing agriculture, aviation, and public utilities. His administrative purview extended across numerous government agencies and statutory bodies, positioning him as a foundational architect of the nation’s development trajectory.
In his valedictory communication, the statesman reflected on his party’s role in forging what he characterized as a ‘proud, sovereign and resilient nation.’ He expressed particular satisfaction in contributing to building a nation that leads Caribbean regional rankings in human development indicators.
The veteran parliamentian extended heartfelt gratitude to family, constituents, religious community members, and political supporters whose steadfast backing enabled his five decades of service. Acknowledging the natural progression of political leadership, Sir Robin articulated his belief that the moment had arrived to ‘pass the baton to a younger and more vigorous representative,’ describing the fiftieth anniversary as an ideally symbolic transition point.
His immediate resignation triggers constitutional procedures for selecting a new parliamentary representative for St. Philip’s North, marking both the conclusion of an unprecedented political era and the beginning of a new electoral chapter.