Trevor Young at joining the ABLP: “I am not a flip-flopper. I’m a realist”

By Zaya Williams

Politician Trevor Young made headlines last week by officially announcing his decision to join the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), marking a significant shift after a brief stint with the Democratic Alliance and a few years following his departure from the United Progressive Party.

Despite facing criticism from some quarters for what appears to be a pattern of switching political affiliations, Young steadfastly defends his choices. “I am not a flip-flopper. I’m a realist,” he asserted during an interview with Twin Island Media.

Explaining the rationale behind his latest move, Young pointed to Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s stance against corruption, noting that Browne’s commitment resonated with him.

” When I saw Prime Minister Gaston Browne come out against corruption in this country three years ago, he was the only politician who came in sync with the book that I wrote,” Young elaborated.

Young, who previously contested as a candidate for the United Progressive Party in the St. John’s Rural East constituency during the 2019 general elections, resigned from the party in 2021 amid rumors of internal discord.

In 2022, he briefly aligned himself with the Democratic National Alliance before ultimately making the switch to the ABLP.

Taking to Facebook to announce his new political affiliation, Young declared, “you don’t have to light a lamp to look for me… what the patrol harbour Commander says, that’s what he means.”

In response to comments on his post, he cited the ABLP’s inclusive stance toward non-nationals, contrasting it with his experience in the UPP.

Confirmation of Young’s party switch came from Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s office.

Hurst affirmed that Young attended the ABLP’s meeting on Friday and received a warm welcome. “The Labour party functions like a church. We recognize that those who sin against us can always be embraced at a later stage,” Hurst commented, emphasizing forgiveness and unity within the party.