Marshall Senior and Sir Robin Honored for Contributions to Antigua and Barbuda through ABLP.

Antigua and Barbuda Labor Party (ABLP) and the Antigua Trades and Labor Union have awarded Hugh Marshal Senior and Sir Robin Yearwood for what they describe as their exceptional contributions to the nation’s progress and development.

They were awarded at today’s Labour Day celebrations this morning

The event was attended by Prime Minister and ABLP Leader Gaston Browne, along with cabinet members, and it was an absolutely momentous occasion.

Marshall Senior was honored for his unwavering dedication to national and political development within Antigua and Barbuda.

Marshall, who served in Parliament from 1976 to 1991, was lauded for his instrumental efforts in rescuing Antigua from hazardous and horrendous leadership and governance during the 1971 period.

“I am thankful to the almighty God for bringing me out of poverty and living to see affluence in my country”, he told the hundreds gathered for the event

The atmosphere was electrifying as Marshall emphasized the transformative impact of key initiatives such as housing projects and the University of the West Indies on lifting communities out of poverty.

“I am only a storyteller these days. I tell the story as I lived it. Mr Prime Minister, I am thankful to the almighty God for bringing me out of poverty and allowing me to live to see affluence in my country,” he said

“I tell everybody that the housing project and the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus are the most important constructions that will lift us out of poverty…I remember the days when we didn’t have 24 people with us marching on Labour Day…but we fought on and we will continue to fight,” he said

He received a resounding applause, marking a poignant moment in the nation’s history.

The event celebrated the collective efforts of the Antigua Trades and Labor Union and the ABLP in building and shaping the nation.

The ABLP/AT&LU also honored Sir Robin Yearwood, who remains active in politics.

Sir Robin Yearwood KGCN is a politician from Antigua, and a member of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP).

He was first elected to Parliament in 1976, and has held the seat of St. Phillips North ever since.

Yearwood served as the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries in the ALP administration until 1987, when he took over Vere Bird Jr.’s portfolio for Aviation, Public Information, and Public Utilities in a cabinet reshuffle.

Despite a failed attempt to oust the Prime Minister, Yearwood retained his position as Minister of Aviation, Public Information, and Public Utilities, and later became Deputy Prime Minister in 2002, followed by Minister of Finance in 2003.

After the ALP lost the 2004 election, Yearwood became the Leader of the Opposition, but was replaced by Steadroy Benjamin in 2006.

During his tenure as the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Yearwood led the construction of a new agricultural research laboratory, using equipment donated by China under a 1983 economic and technical cooperation pact.

He also retained his position as Minister of Aviation, Public Information, and Public Utilities after the 1984 election, and spearheaded a grant of $2.8 million to LIAT airline to help with its recovery.