Journalist and media personality Azara Lavia has declined an invitation from the United Progressive Party (UPP) to contest the St Paul constituency in the upcoming general elections, according to Antigua News Room.
Lavia, a practitioner at Newsco and founder of Inspire Antigua & Barbuda, confirmed she was approached by the party following the withdrawal of former prospective candidate Wayne Benjamin Marsh. She stated she will not be entering frontline politics at this time.
"At this time, I am not pursuing any political role. My focus remains on my professional studies and responsibilities, and continued personal and academic development," Lavia said.
She added that she intends to continue contributing to national development outside of politics, and that her future path remains open.
Marsh reportedly stepped aside as a prospective candidate due to constitutional requirements related to dual citizenship. His withdrawal left the UPP searching for a replacement in St Paul, and Lavia's decision means that search continues.
