The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has reportedly selected Dr. Philmore Benjamin as its candidate for the St. Mary's North constituency, replacing longtime incumbent Sir Molwyn Joseph. According to Antigua.news, environmental advocate Kendra Beazer has simultaneously been tapped to carry the party's banner in Barbuda.
Dr. Benjamin is expected to be formally confirmed at the ABLP's delegates convention, now scheduled for April 12. The convention is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the ruling party's full slate of candidates ahead of the next general election, constitutionally due in 2028. However, observers say Prime Minister Gaston Browne could call snap elections within a matter of weeks.
The dual selections signal a significant generational and strategic shift for the ABLP as it prepares to face voters.
Benjamin is a family physician who operates Doctor's Clinic in St. John's and brings more than 30 years of medical experience to his candidacy. He crossed from the United Progressive Party (UPP) to the ABLP last year, having resigned from the opposition alongside several other high-profile figures. He was subsequently appointed by Cabinet as a consultant to the country's community clinics, tasked with identifying gaps in primary healthcare delivery and recommending ways to expand services.
Beazer's selection for Barbuda represents the ABLP's latest attempt to challenge the Barbuda People's Movement (BPM), which has dominated the sister island's parliamentary seat under the leadership of Trevor Walker. Beazer previously served as a member of the Barbuda Council under the BPM banner, where he chaired the Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Coastal Protection portfolio, before later aligning with the ABLP. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Policy Design and has been recognised internationally for his climate advocacy work, including a role as Environment Thematic Lead at the Queen's Commonwealth Trust.
The ABLP has not held the Barbuda parliamentary seat since Arthur Nibbs lost it in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma's devastation of the island in 2017. Walker has retained the seat across successive elections since, and the BPM swept all five contested seats in the March 2025 Barbuda Council elections.
