Members of Parliament

The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda consists of 17 single-member constituencies, with representatives elected to the House of Representatives. The governing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) holds a majority of seats, while the opposition consists of members from the United Progressive Party (UPP), the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), and an Independent member.

St. John’s City West is represented by the Prime Minister, Hon. Gaston Browne of the ABLP. This urban constituency in the capital city is a commercial and administrative center.

St. John’s City South is represented by the Attorney General, Hon. Steadroy Benjamin of the ABLP. This capital city constituency features a mix of commercial and residential areas.

St. John’s City East is represented by Hon. Melford Nicholas of the ABLP, who serves as a government minister.

St. John’s Rural South is represented by Hon. Daryll Matthew of the ABLP, who serves as Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries.

St. John’s Rural West is held by opposition member Hon. Richard Lewis of the UPP, representing one of the few opposition seats in the St. John’s area.

St. John’s Rural North is represented by Hon. Charles Fernandez of the ABLP, who serves as Minister of Tourism and Investment.

St. John’s Rural East is represented by Hon. Maria Browne of the ABLP, who serves as Minister of Housing and Works.

All Saints East & St. Luke is represented by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Jamale Pringle of the UPP, making it a significant opposition constituency.

All Saints West is represented by Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. as an Independent, following his departure from the ABLP.

St. George is held by opposition member Hon. Algernon Watts of the UPP.

St. Peter is represented by Hon. Rawdon Turner of the ABLP, who serves as Minister of Social Transformation.

St. Paul is represented by Hon. Paul Chet Greene of the ABLP, who serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

St. Mary’s North is represented by Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph of the ABLP, who serves as Minister of Health and the Environment.

St. Mary’s South is held by opposition member Hon. Kelvin Simon of the UPP, representing a constituency gained from the ABLP.

St. Phillip North is represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Sir Robin Yearwood of the ABLP.

St. Phillip South is held by opposition member Hon. Sherfield Bowen of the UPP.

Barbuda is represented by Hon. Trevor Walker of the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), reflecting the island’s distinct political identity and interests.

Senators

The Senate is the upper house of Parliament, with members appointed to review legislation passed by the lower house.

Shenella Govia Labour 24 June 2014

Mary Clare Hurst Labour 24 June 2014

Knacyntar Nedd Labour 20 June 2016

Philip Shoul Labour 26 March 2018

Colin O’neil Browne Labour 26 March 2018

Clement Antonio Labour 23 January 2023

Dwayne George Labour 26 October 2023

Michael Joseph Labour 12 November 2024

Lamin Newton Labour 29 November 2024

Vacant Labour 27 December 2024

Jonathan Joseph UPP 26 March 2018

David Massiah UPP 23 January 2023

Alex Browne UPP 23 January 2023

Pearl Quinn-Williams UPP 25 November 2024

Fabian Jones BPM 23 March 2018

Kiz Johnson Independent 23 January 2023

Barbuda Council

The Barbuda Council manages the internal affairs of Barbuda on a day-to-day basis and was established in 1976 by the Barbuda Local Government Act, operating under the central government. The council has eleven (11) members, nine (9) members are elected by the registered voters of Barbuda, with the Parliamentary Representative (MP) Trevor Walker and a Senator who is nominated by the Council as ex-officio members. The Councilors serve for four (4) years with elections held every two (2) years in March. The Barbuda Council administers and regulates the important decisions of everyday life on Barbuda including agriculture, forestry, public health, public utilities and roads and collects its own revenue and taxes to meet expenses incurred in the performance of its functions including training and employment of local people in various departments. There are currently no ABLP Councillors.

Hon. Trevor Walker MP for Barbuda Council

Mr. Devon Warner Chairman of Council

Ms. Shari Cannegieter Secretary of Council

Mr. Fabian Jones Senator

BPM Councilors

Hon. Trevor Walker Finance

Ms. Melanie Beazer Education & Training

Ms. Nadia George Tourism & Culture

Ms. Sharima Myers Sports & Youth Affairs

Ms. Nico Antonio Works

Mr. Wade Burton Health

Mr. John Mussington Agriculture, Fisheries & Lands

Mr. Fitzroy Warner Utilities

Mr. Matthew John Customs

Ms. Hildena Gore Immigration

The Monarch

As a member of the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda recognizes the British monarch as the ceremonial head of state. The monarch and head of state of the Commonwealth is King Charles III, since 8 September 2022.

The Judiciary

The Judiciary of Antigua and Barbuda is made up of the Magistrate’s Court, the High Court and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. The judiciary operates independently, interpreting and applying the law through various levels of courts.

Magistrate’s Court handles minor offenses and a court of summary jurisdiction

High Court handles major offenses, has jurisdiction over constitutional issues, fundamental rights and freedoms and Antigua and Barbuda High Court is the division of the High Court of Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is responsible for administering justice in its member states, including Antigua and Barbuda. The OECS chooses the members of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

Final Court of Appeal The UK Privy Council is the final appellate jurisdiction for Antigua and Barbuda. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is a proposed regional judicial tribunal. The legal system of Antigua and Barbuda is based on English Common Law.

Past Governor-Generals

Sir Wilfred Jacobs – He was the first Governor-General, having previously served as governor of the associated state. He served for 11 years, 221 days (1 November 1981 – 10 June 1993)

Sir James Carlisle – A dentist by profession, his tenure was from 14 years, 20 days (10 June 1993 – 30 June 2007)

Vacant – (30 June 2007 – 17 July 2007)

Dame Louise Lake-Tack – She was the first woman to hold the position. She served from7 years, 28 days (17 July 2007 – 14 August 2014)

Sir Rodney Williams – A medical doctor, he succeeded Dame Louise Lake-Tack. Appointed on August 14, 2014, he is the current Governor-General.

Past Prime Ministers

Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. (ABLP) – Served as the country’s first prime minister upon its independence in 1981. His tenure as prime minister ended with the dissolution of the 9th legislature in 1994. (November 1981 – March 1994)

Lester Bryant Bird (ABLP) – Succeeded his father as Prime Minister. Served as Prime Minister from 1994 to 2004. (March 1994 – March 2004)

Winston Baldwin Spencer (UPP) – Took office as Prime Minister after Lester Bird. His term as Prime Minister ended in 2014. (March 2004 – 2014)

Past Leaders of the Opposition

The role has been held by various political figures who have contributed to the nation’s political discourse. Past leaders of opposition parties in Antigua and Barbuda have included Vere Cornwall Bird and his son Lester Bird led the Antigua Labour Party (later ABLP) to dominance from 1951 until 2004, with Vere Bird leading until 1994 and Lester Bird until 2004, when the party was voted out of power. In the 2004 general election, the United Progressive Party (UPP) gained power under Winston Baldwin Spencer. The Progressive Labour Movement was led by George Walter after 1971 when they defeated the Antigua Labour Party in the general election. Robert Hall later led the Progressive Labour Movement into the 1980 election. The ABLP became the opposition again after the 2004 election, with its leader at that time being Gaston Browne, who eventually led the party back into power in 2014.

Robert Hall (December 1968 – 1970)

George Walter (1970 – 1971)

Ernest Williams (1971 – 1976)

George Walter (1976 – 1979)

Robert Hall (1979 – 1984)

Eric Burton (1984 – 1989)

Baldwin Spencer (1989 – 2004)

Robin Yearwood (2004 – 2006)

Steadroy Benjamin (2006 – March 2009)

Lester Bryant Bird (March 2009 – December 2012)

Gaston Browne December 2012 – June 2014)

Winston Baldwin Spencer (June 2014 – March 2018)

Jamale Pringle (March 2018 – Incumbent)

Speaker

The Speaker presides over the House of Representatives, ensuring orderly conduct during sessions and adherence to parliamentary procedures. As of November 18, 2024, the Speaker is Hon. Osbert Richard Frederick. He was appointed senator by Prime Minister Gaston Browne. After his appointment, he was elected the Deputy senate president in the Upper House of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda.

Past Speakers

The role of Speaker has been held by several distinguished individuals. These individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping the legislative framework of Antigua and Barbuda.

Hon. Denfield W. Hurst Served as the first Speaker of the House of Representatives from (February 27, 1967 – December 5, 1970)

Hon. Cecil E. Hewlett served from (February 11, 1971 – January 31, 1976)

Hon. Casford Llewellyn Murray served from (February 18, 1976 – February 18, 1994)

Hon. Bridget Harris served from (March 21, 1994 – August 26, 2004)

Hon. Giselle Isaac-Arindell served from (August 29, 2004 – May 16, 2014)

Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, KC Held the position from (June 25, 2014 – November 18, 2024)

President of the Senate

Prior to conducting any other business, the Senate must elect a senator to serve as president when it convenes following a general election. The President of the Senate oversees the upper chamber of Parliament, ensuring legislative processes are conducted smoothly. The President is Senator Hon. Alicia Williams-Grant. (25 June 2014 – Incumbent)

Past Presidents of the Senate

While specific records of all past Presidents are limited, the position has been held by various notable figures who have contributed to the nation’s legislative development.

Hon. Dr. Luther Reginald Wynter, CBE (1967 – 1968)

Hon. Clarence Addison Harney (1971 – After June 1975)

Hon. W. Keithly Heath (1976 – After March 1980)

Hon. Bradley Carrot (Before November 1980 – 18 February 1994)

Hon. Millicent Percival (21 March 1994 – 26 February 2004

Hon. Edmond Mansoor (26 March 2004 – 5 January 2005

Hon. Hazelyn Francis (7 January 2005 – 16 May 2014)

Statutory Corporations

Antigua and Barbuda operates several statutory corporations that manage specific sectors and services. These entities play crucial roles in the nation’s infrastructure, education, health, and economic development.

• Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC)

• Antigua & Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA)

• Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)

• Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI)

• Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology (ABIIT)

• Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA)

• Antigua Pier Group Ltd.

• Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB)

• Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA)

• Board of Education (BOE)

• Central Marketing Corporation (CMC)

• Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU)

• Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC)

• Free Trade and Processing Zone

• Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA)

• Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS)

• Merchant Shipping and Shipping Registration

• Mt. St. John’s Medical Centre (MS.IMC)

• National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA)

• St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC)

• Antigua Port Authority

• Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Scheme