The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) recognised five long-standing members for their years of dedication and service to the organisation at its party convention held Sunday at the People's Place on Nugent Avenue. According to Antigua.news, the ceremony formed a centrepiece of an evening that also saw the party ratify all 17 of its candidates for the April 30 general election by unanimous acclamation.
Leonard Aaron, Conrad Simon, Christine Anthony, Phillip Isaac Sr and Robertine Desilva each received plaques from ABLP political leader Prime Minister Gaston Browne and party chairman E.P. Chet Greene, in recognition of their contributions to the party over the years.
The plaques read: "In recognition of your unwavering loyalty, dedicated service and steadfast commitment to the advancement of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. Your contribution embodies the spirit of renaissance, a new era of greater prosperity, opportunity and cultural confidence."
Aaron, described during the ceremony as the party's "resident historian," was the first to be called to the stage. Convention host and newly installed Public Relations Officer Angelica O'Donoghue praised his longstanding work in preserving the party's institutional memory. "Popcorn, we appreciate everything you do," she told delegates, using his popular nickname. Aaron was joined on stage by his son.
Both Prime Minister Browne and Chairman Greene used the occasion to emphasise the importance of honouring the party's legacy while advancing what they described as the party's "renaissance" agenda for the country.
The convention was held ahead of the ABLP's manifesto launch, scheduled for Monday, April 20, at the AUA Conference Centre.
