Turner sworn in as Minister of Social and Urban Transformation after landslide victory in St Peter

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By Robert Andre Emmanuel

[email protected]

Rawdon Turner, the newly elected Member of Parliament for St Peter, was sworn in as Minister for Social and Urban Transformation during a ceremony at Government House on Wednesday morning following his decisive victory in Tuesday’s by-election in St Peter.

The ceremony, presided over by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, saw Turner take the oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy before receiving his instruments of appointment.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Gaston Browne described Turner’s victory as “phenomenal” and said it demonstrated St Peter’s strong alignment with the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP). The win increased the party’s parliamentary majority to 10 seats in the 17-seat parliament.

“The people of St Peter have demonstrated without any doubt that they are fully aligned with the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party,” Prime Minister Browne said. “They have not only returned to the Labour Party but have returned as the garrison – the safest ABLP seat.”

Turner’s new ministry encompasses a broad portfolio including social welfare, urban renewal, community development, poverty eradication, disaster preparedness and vendor management.

He will also retain his position as chairman of National Housing, which Browne said would create beneficial synergies for housing development and urban transformation initiatives.

The ministerial appointment has led to some portfolio adjustments within the Cabinet, including the re-designation of the Ministry of Housing and Works under Minister Maria Browne, and the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs under Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph.

Speaking after his swearing-in, Turner expressed humility at the scale of his victory. “It’s a humbling experience … overwhelming. To have gotten 75 percent of the votes cast and to have gotten the support and love of the constituents of St Peter, it is very humbling,” he said.

The new minister pledged to focus first on understanding his ministry’s operations.

“I have to get to know the ministry and the players in the ministry and see how best we can work together. I intend to listen and learn and see how best I can offer my contribution towards advancing the ministry,” Turner stated.

Minister of Education Daryll Matthew congratulated Turner, noting that his victory demonstrated the ABLP’s successful succession planning.

“If you look at the composition of the Cabinet and our parliamentarians now and the candidates … you will see a trend going towards younger community activists, younger well-qualified persons who can really bring a new level of leadership,” Matthew said.

The victory follows the tragic death of former MP Asot Michael in November 2024. Prior to winning the by-election, Turner served as a senator and ABLP caretaker for the constituency after placing second in the January 2023 General Elections.

Turner announced that National Housing plans to add approximately 800 new homes to the housing stock across various communities in 2025.

“The mandate has been given, and I intend to deliver on that mandate,” he stated.

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