ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer remains the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and the United Progressive Party Administration is still the governing party in the twin island nation. The status quo remains following a decision of a High Court Judge declaring as invalid the election of three members of the United Progressive Party – PM Spencer, Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro and John Maginley.
The Judges decision is based on the late start of elections in the country held on March 12, 2009 which she said lead to a number of persons being disenfranchised. Prime Minister Spencer whose government is in its second term of office says that despite the judges ruling, his government is still in command of the affairs of the nation.
“As far as the government of Antigua and Barbuda is concerned we are still functioning, we are still the government of Antigua and Barbuda in charge. It is true that the judge has ruled in a particular way and of course that ruling is subject to an appeal and we have already been granted a stay of execution and so at least we know that as far as the governing of Antigua and Barbuda is concerned, the UPP Government is still in charge of the affairs of this nation,” said Prime Minister Spencer.
“I want to let the people of Antigua and Barbuda that there is no immediate constitutional crisis. The government of Antigua and Barbuda is being led by your humble servant Baldwin Spencer and the United Progressive Party Administration is still in place,” PM Spencer noted.
Prime Minister Spencer working the phones in his office.
The Antigua Labour Party which brought the petitions against the government following the elections last year is expected to make application on April 16 to object to the stay of execution granted today.
The United Progressive Party has already indicated that it will appeal the decision of the judge to rule as invalid the elections of three members of the UPP Government.
