Randy Baltimore, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s candidate for the St. Philip’s North by-election, has taken his campaign door-to-door across the constituency, reporting a warm reception from residents as he bids to succeed longtime representative Sir Robin Yearwood.

Randy Baltimore will be facing off against the opposition’s candidate, former Senator Alex Browne who resigned from his Senate post on Friday, in a by-election on March 16.

Baltimore said canvassing alongside Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the party chairman Minister EP Chet Greene, and Minister Rawdon Turner elevated the experience on the ground.

“Going house to house, canvassing, the residents receive us very warmly, and I must say that they pledged their support for me going forward for the by-elections,” he said.

Speaking candidly about the transition from supporter to candidate, Baltimore told Antigua.News that given his many years on the ground with Sir Robin as his campaign manager, it was natural.

“I know the people. I’ve been doing it for a number of years, so the transition has been very smooth and easy for me because I am grounded in the community,” Baltimore said, adding that his relationship with the constituency long predates his candidacy.

His campaign team, which spans Willoughby Bay, Seatons, Glanvilles, and Newfield, is heavily comprised of young people.

Baltimore said the team would be canvassing hard across the various villages in the weeks ahead, with a particular focus on voter registration.

Beyond the canvassing push, Baltimore outlined three pillars anchoring his campaign: scholarships across various curriculums to be announced shortly, healthcare improvements at the Glanvilles Polyclinic including the opening of a pharmacy, and economic empowerment through job assistance and business support.

“I will pledge to the constituents that I will work diligently to ensure that these three main pillars are really looked into so that we can bring more comfort to the constituents,” he said.

He tied his empowerment pillar directly to Sir Robin’s legacy, saying the approach of helping residents secure employment and start businesses is one he intends to continue. “For the residents of St. Philip’s North, they are very independent, and they are persons that are resilient,” he said.

Support for Baltimore’s campaign also carries a generational dimension.

Jawan Jackson, a young constituent who works with the campaign team, said he backs Baltimore on the strength of what he has already delivered in the constituency

“I ask that we look at Mr. Randy Baltimore as a new and a fresh individual and we give him account for his achievements,” Jackson said.