St. Peter Candidate Turner Credits Direct Job Support for Dip in Constituency Unemployment

Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate for St. Peter Rawdon Turner says targeted, hands-on support for jobseekers has helped reduce unemployment in parts of the constituency, as he campaigns for re-election ahead of the April 30 general election.

According to Antigua News Room, Turner made the remarks during a candidate interview, describing employment as one of his central priorities since taking office just over a year ago, alongside infrastructure development.

"I focused on getting these people employed," Turner said, pointing to what he described as "pockets" of unemployment identified through door-to-door engagement across the constituency.

Rather than relying solely on national programmes, Turner said his approach has centred on direct intervention at the community level. This has included assisting residents with résumés, preparing them for job interviews and connecting them with available employment opportunities.

"Helping them with resumes, helping them with interviews, what you should expect… and I've been able to chip away significantly on the number of unemployed persons within my constituency," he said.

Turner said the strategy has been particularly focused on areas where unemployment appeared more concentrated, though he acknowledged that work remains ongoing. "Still have some work to do," he said, while maintaining that meaningful progress has been made over the past year.

The St. Peter candidate framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen economic participation at the constituency level, arguing that employment support must extend beyond policy announcements to include direct, individual engagement with those seeking work.

Turner added that the approach complements other community-based efforts, including youth development programmes and entrepreneurship initiatives, aimed at expanding economic opportunities across St. Peter.

With the general election approaching on April 30, Turner is seeking a renewed mandate, with employment, housing and infrastructure forming the key pillars of his campaign platform.