The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has issued a formal condemnation of conduct displayed by United Progressive Party (UPP) members during a parliamentary sitting that included a tribute to retiring politician Sir Molwyn Joseph. According to Antigua News Room, the ABLP expressed deep disappointment over the behaviour, which it says undermined the solemnity of the occasion.
The sitting was intended to honour Sir Molwyn Joseph as he steps away from active politics following decades of service to Antigua and Barbuda. The ABLP described his tenure as a Member of Parliament as one defined by wisdom, statesmanship, oratory excellence, and dedicated leadership.
Sir Molwyn served across several ministerial portfolios during his political career, including Tourism, Health, and the Environment, contributing, the party says, significantly to national development and regional leadership.
The ABLP noted that parliamentary tributes — particularly those marking retirement from public life — traditionally transcend political divisions. Such occasions, the party stated, demand dignity, maturity, and respect for the individual's contributions to the nation. It maintained that the conduct of UPP members fell short of those expectations and diminished the decorum of Parliament.
The ABLP extended its gratitude to Sir Molwyn Joseph for his years of public service and wished him continued success as he transitions from active parliamentary politics, while acknowledging his enduring role as a respected voice in national development.
