Newly elected St. Philip's North Member of Parliament Randy Baltimore delivered his maiden speech in the Lower House on Friday, framing his by-election victory as a mandate to deliver stronger representation, improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities for constituency residents.
According to Antigua News Room, Baltimore addressed Parliament for the first time following his swearing-in, thanking constituents for what he described as a decisive endorsement at the March 16 poll, where he secured 924 votes.
"The people of St. Philip's North spoke with clarity, conviction, and purpose," Baltimore told the House. "And I am honored by the mandate they have given me to serve."
His address blended personal reflection with political messaging and a forward-looking agenda, as he credited his victory to collective effort and community support. "This victory belongs to every volunteer, every supporter, every prayer lifted, and my campaign team," he said, adding that constituents were seeking "renewed energy, renewed public service, and stronger representation, and real results."
Baltimore succeeds long-serving MP Sir Robin Yearwood, whose decades of representation he acknowledged during his remarks. He also paid tribute to former parliamentarians Eustace "Teco" Lake and Sir Molwyn Joseph.
The new MP was clear that his path to Parliament was one of determination. "I did not come here by chance… I came here by conviction, by service and by the will of the people of St. Philip's North," he said.
Baltimore used the occasion to outline the priorities raised by his constituents, including community safety, road infrastructure, drainage, environmental conditions and economic opportunities. "They want safer communities, better infrastructure, greater opportunities and representation that is visible, accessible and accountable," he said.
He also pledged a hands-on approach to leadership, emphasising that representation must extend well beyond election cycles. "They want leadership that does not only appear at election time, but leadership that remains present, engaged and effective," Baltimore told Parliament.
The MP committed to advancing development across the constituency, encompassing cleaner communities, youth empowerment initiatives and continued advocacy for public works improvements. "We will continue to advocate for better roads, improved drainage, cleaner surroundings, stronger community development, and the resources necessary to uplift every corner of St. Philip's North," he said.
Baltimore closed his address with a firm signal of his intentions as a parliamentarian. "The people did not send me here to warm a seat. They sent me here to work… and to ensure that the voice of St. Philip's North is heard loudly," he said.
The maiden speech marks the formal beginning of Baltimore's tenure as St. Philip's North's parliamentary representative, coming just days after his emphatic by-election victory.
