All Saints East and St. Luke candidate Lamin Newton has pledged to deliver a new clinic for Old Road and secure a dedicated ambulance for the All Saints area within his first year in office, positioning healthcare as a central pillar of his campaign. According to Antigua News Room, Newton outlined these commitments during an appearance on ABS Television's 'Know Your Candidates' programme.
Speaking directly to a national audience, Newton made an unambiguous promise on the clinic. "Old Road will receive a brand new clinic," he said. "I make that solemn promise here today on national TV."
The ABLP candidate said the project would be funded through a combination of public money and private donor contributions, and indicated that preliminary work is already in progress. "The drawings and so on for this new facility would have been completed. It's just a matter of finding the most suitable location," he said.
Newton expressed confidence that the one-year timeline is achievable, pointing to conversations he has already held with donors and stakeholders. "What gives me the confidence is that these are conversations that I would have had already, and I would have received the commitments," he said.
Beyond Old Road, Newton outlined plans to upgrade other healthcare facilities across the constituency. Renovations are already underway at the Sweets clinic, including the installation of new air conditioning units aimed at improving conditions for patients and staff alike.
He also committed to the reopening and rehabilitation of the John Hughes clinic, describing it as the most frequently raised concern during his canvassing. "That was the number one issue… every home that I went to, they want back the clinic in John Hughes," Newton said.
On emergency services, Newton pledged to secure a donated ambulance to serve the All Saints area, including the communities of Liberta, English Harbour, Sweets and John Hughes. "I will not stop until I get the ambulance donated," he said, adding that overseas donors have already expressed willingness to contribute.
Newton argued that an ambulance would complement existing emergency infrastructure in the area, including police and fire services, creating a more complete response network for residents.
The healthcare proposals sit within a broader campaign platform that also encompasses road rehabilitation, housing development and education support. Newton acknowledged, however, that delivering on his commitments would depend on access to resources and sustained political will.
His pledges are expected to face scrutiny from voters wary of election-period promises, particularly in a constituency where public services and infrastructure have long been pressing concerns. Newton pushed back against that framing, insisting his proposals are rooted in preparation rather than political rhetoric.
"These aren't just election promises," he said. "These are promises that we will deliver."
