Richard Lewis has mounted a strong defence of his parliamentary record and called on voters in St. John's Rural West to return him to office, declaring that the constituency must "stay the course" under his leadership.
According to Antigua News Room, Lewis made the remarks during the United Progressive Party's campaign launch on Sunday night, where he pledged to continue representing the constituency "with added determination, dignity, and honor."
"I will continue to fight for you against any form of injustice. I will continue to fight on your behalf so your lives and livelihoods can be improved," Lewis told supporters.
The incumbent Member of Parliament framed the upcoming April 30 general election as a choice between continuity and what he characterised as a failed experiment in political change. Lewis pointed to the constituency's 2018 election result as a cautionary tale.
"The people of Rural West experimented in 2018 and it was a resounding failure… no more experimentation. We're done with that," he said.
Lewis reminded supporters that voters had already moved back toward the UPP in the 2023 election and urged them to hold that course. "Wisely, we return to our roots in 2023… we're staying the course with Richard Lewis and the United Progressive Party," he said.
Drawing on his personal ties to the community, Lewis told the crowd, "I love and respect you," before urging them to cast their ballots for the party on polling day. "Come April 30th, when you go to the polls, put your X beside the sun," he said.
Lewis spoke following an address by UPP leader Jamale Pringle, who outlined the party's national platform. Pringle's proposals included measures targeting cost-of-living relief, water access, and public accountability.
Lewis positioned his continued representation as part of the UPP's broader push to improve conditions for residents across Antigua and Barbuda, while maintaining what he described as stability within the Rural West constituency.
The St. John's Rural West seat is expected to be closely contested, with both major parties intensifying their campaigns ahead of polling day on April 30.
