Back Without the Birds: Antigua & Barbuda Gets A New Government
The island of Antigua. Photo by Daniel Wendell, used under a CC license.
On Thursday, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) won the country's general election by 14 seats to three, defeating the ruling United Progressive Party, which was attempting to win a third consecutive term in office. ABLP leader Gaston Browne was yesterday sworn in as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. It is the first time that the party will form the government without being led by a member of the controversial Bird family.
Lycie Jollygirlsailor Riley voiced her enthusiasm about the win on Facebook:
It's not Black Friday in Antigua & Barbuda it's Red Friday!!!! Ok tired now from all the jamming and celebrating gonna crash mind at ease ready to rebuild #ABLP
Once the results broke, discussion about the elections continued online, especially on Twitter:
The Antigua Labour Party has won, defeating the United Progressive Party 15-2. Only Baldwin Spencer and Wilmouth Daniel won their seats.
— hamletmark (@hamletmark) June 13, 2014
Some users were thrilled about the results of the polls…
Congratulations to the Antigua Labour Party for taking back POWER of my island! #Change #Future
— Jaime Newell (@JaimeNewellPT) June 13, 2014
Congratz to our new Prime Minister Hon Gaston Browne
— ♥Tanya Dorsette♡ (@Cancer91Diva) June 13, 2014
…while others still needed to be convinced that the ABLP's victory was a positive development for the country:
I weep for Antigua… I hope Gaston and Labour prove me wrong…
— Triz (@Optimus_Primus_) June 13, 2014
The ABLP campaigned on key issues affecting the island nation: the economy, escalating crime, public health facilities, and education – and netizens were eager to see the party make good on its promises:
Dear Antigua Labour party, does this mean we will actually get the taxes lowered and more jobs?
— Dr. Evil (@Sithvere) June 13, 2014
The Twitter feed for the Antigua and Barbuda elections is here.
