Statement by Lester B. Bird, Leader of the Antigua Labour Party on the Results of the 2004 General Elections in Antigua and Barbuda.

 

From the results that are coming in, it appears the majority of the electorate in Antigua and Barbuda has spoken.

The United Progressive Party it appears has received their support to form the next government.

Let me first thank the thousands of people who continued to keep faith with the Antigua Labour Party and who shared with us the belief that we could continue the work of developing our country.

Their support has meant much to us, and we will continue to keep alive for them the torch of the Labour Party which must burn as brightly in opposition as it did in government.

Let me also congratulate Mr. Baldwin Spencer and those UPP candidates who have won the support of several constituencies and who will now form the government.

Ours is a democratic nation, and over the years the Labour Party has worked steadfastly to uphold democracy in the face of intense provocation.  Therefore, we will accept the result of this general election with the tolerance and forbearance with which we accepted virulent opposition while we formed the government.

For us, the process of democracy and the upholding of the rights of the people are paramount above all things.

We will give the new government every opportunity to work, but we shall monitor closely the fulfillment of their manifesto pledges and we will hold them to their implementation.

Although the UPP appeared to have won this election, they have not done so overwhelmingly.  There are many who have rejected them, and who have spoken against them by either voting for, or electing, Labour Party representatives.

We are the voices of that large number of people.  They will speak through us, and we will ensure that their voices are heard.

I call upon all those people now, who I know must feel a great sense of disappointment, not to be despondent.  I call upon them to accept the result of the general election which manifests the will of the majority.  I call upon them to go to their homes and to keep the peace.

This country belongs to all of us who dwell within its shores.  Our first duty must be to do everything in our power to preserve it, to protect it, and to advance it.  To do so, we must keep it peaceful.

There is much that we must do in the months ahead to ensure that the structure of progress built by the Labour Party are not destroyed by poor government.

Let us rest now, and reinvigorate ourselves for the task that lies ahead – the task of being watchful of the national good.

I end by again thanking our supporters and friends for their loyalty, their devotion and their strength.

May God bless you all, and guide our nation in the months to come. (Ends)