Former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer reflected on his time in office as the United Progressive Party (UPP) celebrated the 20th anniversary since he was elected Prime Minister back in 2004.
The UPP, over the weekend, celebrated 20 years since the party first took control of the government in March 2004, and 35 years since its founding leader, Dr Baldwin Spencer, was first elected as a representative for St John’s Rural West.
Speaking at an event held at Pensioner’s Beach, the former Prime Minister highlighted the work of his Party during its ten years in office between 2004 and 2014.
“It is not just a question where it was a one-man show; I never operated like that, and so while it is true that I tried to influence and take the lead, it was always done in a manner that demonstrated that we were together,” the former Prime Minister said to attendees at Saturday evening’s event.
The former Prime Minister was first elected to office in 1989, as MP for St John’s Rural West, and was one of the founding members of the UPP, as one of the leaders of the political parties which merged to form the Party in 1992.
The former Prime Minister went on to spend 30 years representing the people of St John’s Rural West as an MP until his retirement in 2018.
“I feel proud to have served this nation with a dynamic team of men and women who were committed to uplifting the lives of our citizens,” he said.
He added that “we were not a perfect government, but we left a legacy of implementing people-centred initiatives, many of which remain intact today.”
Meanwhile, former UPP Political Leader Harold Lovell also gave remarks at the Pensioner’s Beach celebration, recounting the work of the former Prime Minister and his leadership style which has seen the Party last more than 12 years as an opposition force to the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).
“I can recall the time he spent in Parliament when he was the only voice in opposition, and he did it with distinction, and he did it with courage, and he kept the United Progressive Party together, and he gave 25 years of unbroken service as leader of the UPP,” Lovell said.
Current MP for St John’s Rural West, Richard Lewis lauded the work of the former Prime Minister in how he represented the constituency, presenting him with a lifetime achievement award.
Yesterday at a church service, MP Lewis said that Dr Spencer’s “leadership was characterized by an exceptional quality that advanced the socio-economic development of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
“He fostered the spirit of unity, progress and resilience that steered Antigua and Barbuda towards a future bright, with promise and prosperity, and his journey is a testament to his steadfast commitment and visionary leadership,” Lewis said.