The two-day celebration of the “Sunshine Legacy” of the UPP administration began on Saturday March 23rd with a Community Social at Pensioner’s Beach.
This idyllic setting boasts some of the best views on the western coast of the island, and was the perfect setting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the election of one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most revered Prime Ministers.
Guest arrivals began at sunset and many explored the indoor-outdoor venue, enjoying cocktails, local cuisine and music, and electrifying performances from the Halcyon Steel Orchestra, Queen Ivena and the Kaution Band.
Born and raised in the St. John’s Rural West Constituency, Dr. Winston Baldwin Spencer served as the first Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) for 25 years.
He was first elected Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West in March 1989 and served for six terms, two of which he also served as Prime Minister.
Hon. Richard Lewis, the current MP of St. John’s Rural West, presented Dr. Spencer with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding service to the community and the nation.
A protege of the former Prime Minister, MP Lewis praised Spencer’s deep love for, and commitment to the people of St. John’s Rural West and Antigua and Barbuda.
“Mr. Spencer has fostered a spirit of unity, progress, and resilience, that steered Antigua and Barbuda towards a future bright with promise and prosperity. He has left a legacy of ‘people-centered’ initiatives, many of which remain intact today. His leadership was characterized by exceptional qualities that advanced the socio-economic development of the people,” MP Lewis said.
In accepting the award, Spencer expressed pride in his Party’s accomplishments and philosophy of putting people first. “I am honored to have made an impact in improving the lives of residents and citizens of Antigua and Barbuda. We introduced a wide range of initiatives that brought relief to the people, including the Millennium Act that helped to regularize the status of many non-nationals,” Spencer said. He urged the audience to “reflect, reconnect and re-energize to redeem Antigua and Barbuda once again.”
Former Political Leader of the UPP, Mr. Harold Lovell, described Dr. Spencer as Antigua and Barbuda’s best Prime Minister, and praised him for restoring the country’s reputation on the international stage, after years of scandals and mismanagement.
Chairman of the UPP Branch of the St. John’s Rural West Constituency, Mr. Chevaughn Benjamin, read congratulatory messages from several regional leaders and influencers, including former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. P.J. Patterson.
On Sunday March 24, Mr. Spencer was honored during the morning worship service at the Green Bay Moravian Church. He was well received and congratulated by constituents, and was presented with a gift basket of locally crafted products by members of the Constituency Branch.