Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith will contest the next general election on the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) ticket, formalizing a political transition that many observers had long anticipated.
According to Antigua.news, Browne noted that Smith has not yet officially requested ABLP membership but is expected to do so shortly. The announcement carries significant political weight, though it comes as little surprise to those who have closely followed developments on the local political scene.
Smith has continued to identify himself as an independent Member of Parliament. However, his actions over the past year have consistently aligned with the governing party. Since parting ways with the United Progressive Party (UPP) in July 2024, he has assumed a Cabinet role as Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, participated in ABLP activities, and supported government positions in Parliament.
