Sir Robin Yearwood with Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin and Prime Minister Gaston Browne at special sitting of Parliament (photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
Prime Minister Gaston Browne gave his tribute to MP for St Philip’s North, Sir Robin Yearwood’s record stood as a testament to a career defined by service.
Addressing the House of Representatives during a special tribute commemorating his 50 unbroken years, the Prime Minister said Sir Robin’s record stood as a unique milestone, a first not only in Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic history but across the Caribbean and the Commonwealth.
“Our nation is stronger because of Sir Robin’s service,” the Prime Minister said. “Generations have benefited from his contribution. Our democracy has been enriched by his steadfast presence in Parliament for five decades.”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne speaks at special sitting of Parliament to commemorate Sir Robin’s 50th year of service (screenshot of state media)
Sir Robin first entered the House of Representatives on February 18, 1976, and has since served 11 consecutive terms as a Member of Parliament.
The Prime Minister described Sir Robin’s legacy as one recorded not only in parliamentary records but in communities across the country.
(photo by Robert Andre Emmanuel)
“His legacy is not only written in Parliamentary records but in communities strengthened, young people encouraged, policies shaped and institutions reinforced,” the Prime Minister said. “He has helped build a democratic foundation upon which present and future leaders stand.”
Tributes also came from the Member for St. John’s Rural West, Richard Lewis who placed the achievement in its regional context.
“Sir Robin stands alone…. one wonders, every election, what is it that the people of St. Philip’s North know that they keep re-electing Sir Robin, and it is something for all of us as politicians to study,” Lewis said.
MP Richard Lewis speaks at special sitting of Parliament to commemorate Sir Robin’s 50th year of service (screenshot of state media)
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the manner in which Sir Robin conducted his work among his constituents, noting that Sir Robin never formally operated a constituency branch office with his home serving as an open and accessible point of contact for residents throughout his career.
“Constituents have long known him not simply as a representative in Parliament but as an affable down-to-earth neighbour who lived among his people his entire life,” he said.
Serving 11 consecutive terms is something most politicians can only dream of. That speaks to trust from his constituents. It takes commitment and strong leadership
Whether you support his politics or not, 50 unbroken years in Parliament is extraordinary. That level of continuity means he has seen governments rise and fall, policies shift, and generations grow up under his representation. That kind of institutional memory is rare.
I find it fascinating that through all the political shifts since 1976, the people of St. Philip’s North kept choosing him. There must be something in that connection worth studying.