t
this time when there’s been so much tragedy in the Caribbean due to
hurricanes, Council Member Larry Seabrook and the entire City Council
wanted to highlight something that can be celebrated: the electoral
victory of Baldwin Spencer as the new Prime Minister of Antigua and
Barbuda. It brought to an end the political dynasty of the Bird family,
which dominated Antiguan politics for more than half a century.
To
honor that watershed moment in the island’s history, at the last City
Council meeting a proclamation was presented to Prime Minister Spencer
and the new government of Antigua and Barbuda. As Seabrook explained,
the Prime Minister himself had intended to be there to accept it;
however, he was unable to do so because he was in Miami attending to the
concerns of his countrymen who were victims of the hurricanes that
ravaged Florida. Therefore, Harold Lovell, the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Tourism, International Travels and Trade for Antigua and
Barbuda was there in his place.
As the proclamation describes, in March of this year, Mr. Spencer and
his United Progressive Party won a landslide victory in the nation’s
general election. Voter turnout was higher than 90% in some
constituencies, which reveals that the country was ready for a great
change politically.
[columns/ad_middle.htm]A lifelong labor
activist, Baldwin Spencer’s political and social philosophy was forged
in the working-class community of Green Bay where he was born. With his
commitment to fighting corruption, reducing unemployment and making
education a priority, as Prime Minister he is now poised to do great
things for the entire population.
"With his dynamic and insightful leadership," the proclamation reads,
"Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer continues to enrich and expand the
opportunities for the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and he is a true
credit to all people of West Indian heritage. Now, therefore, be it
known that the Council of the City of New York honors the Honorable
Baldwin Spencer for distinguished service to his country."
When asked to say a few words, Harold Lovell spoke of the "ties and
bonds of friendship between our small nation and this great City." He
noted the fact that there are over 50,000 Antiguans and Barbudans living
in New York City and in the tri-state area. "What is significant to us
is the fact that more than 25% of Antigua’s population is an immigrant
population, and we know that New York is a city of immigrants also," he
continued. "I believe you have demonstrated to the world the enormous
creativity and dynamism that can come when you have a melting pot of
cultures. To that extent, we take a great example from you."
Lovell concluded by thanking the City Council for the proclamation,
which he will present to the Prime Minister on its behalf.
