Sir Robin Yearwood enters the Parliament Chambers this morning for the special sitting to commemorate his 50th anniversary as a Member of Parliament.
Sir Robin first entered Parliament on February 18, 1976, representing the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party under the leadership of Vere Cornwall Bird. His victory marked an important moment in the nation’s political story as Bird returned to public office after the party’s loss to the Progressive Labour Movement in 1971.
Sir Robin Yearwood (photo by state media)
For fifty years, Sir Robin has held his seat in every election, becoming the longest-serving elected parliamentarian in both the Caribbean and the wider Commonwealth.
His legacy will likely be debated for years, but there’s no denying the milestone itself. Half a century of public service is historic.
Moments like this remind us that democracy is ultimately about the will of the people. Eleven elections later, the people spoke consistently.