At the close of Nomination Day on Friday, 12 candidates were confirmed to contest the March 26, 2025, Barbuda Council election.

The slate includes two independent candidates, alongside five nominees each from the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).

Representing the ABLP are Bernard Christian, Bonita John-Desouza, and returning candidates Mackeisha Desouza, Orlando Morris, and former government minister Arthur Nibbs. The BPM lineup features Melanie Beazer, Nadia George, Jackie Frank, Wayde Burton, and Nico Antonio. Meanwhile, independent candidates Hesketh Daniel and Jermaine Desouza—who is running under the Saving Grace Party—have also entered the race.

The nomination process, which was covered by the Barbuda Channel, took place at Low School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Independent candidate Jermaine Desouza expressed confidence in his bid, emphasizing his community involvement beyond sports. “I have been working very hard in different areas to support the community,” he stated, urging voters to support him on election day.

Fellow independent candidate Hesketh Daniel also voiced optimism, arguing that the Council should remain non-partisan. “It should be a neutral body that’s working for the benefit of the country and the people.”

independent candidate Hesketh Daniel (photo credit Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission) independent candidate Jermaine Desouza (photo credit Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission)

Labour Party candidate and former Barbuda MP Arthur Nibbs positioned himself as a bridge between the two islands, calling for improved cooperation. “We are one unitary democratic state and there’s been a lot of bickering between both islands for years. So one of the things I want to champion is to bring about a better working relationship between both levels of government.”

His teammate Bernard Christian highlighted their ongoing campaign efforts, including house-to-house visits, to engage with voters, particularly the youth. Similarly, Orlando Morris urged Barbudans to support the ABLP’s vision for progress. “Our mandate is to make certain that we can fix all the infrastructure and hopefully we can lift the standard of living.”

With the campaign intensifying, BPM candidates are appealing to voters to defend Barbuda’s autonomy and resources. Their platform centres on sustainable development and local control of the island’s future.

Incumbent candidate Wayde Burton, a former chairman of the Barbuda Council, expressed confidence in his re-election, crediting BPM’s leadership for restoring stability. “We’ve finally gotten some sort  of  normalcy  in council.  Things are rolling again like an island.  But the  struggle still continues. We need you  as much as you need us.”

Jackie Frank BPM candidate (photo credit Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission) ABLP Candidate Mackiesha Desouza (photo by Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission) BPM candidate Wayde Burton (photo credit Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission)

Jacqueline Frank, a former chairman and council member, is making her return to the political arena, stressing the importance of open dialogue with the community. “The way I explain it is, you’re not voting for me, you’re not voting for any of the other candidates by name, you’re voting for  Barbuda and the preservation of our lands and our way of life and our right to be here because currently they are being challenged by the ALP government but we have to fight because this is a serious fight.”

Political leader and Member of Parliament for Barbuda, Trevor Walker, rallied support for the team, calling this election a defining moment for the island.”This election is going to determine whether or not we’re going to send a signal to the rest of the world.” Are we staying the course we’ve been on since 2018, or are we willing to compromise what we’ve fought for, he questioned.

Meanwhile, the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) confirmed that the nomination process proceeded smoothly.

As part of preparations for election day, polling station workers will undergo a four-day training session starting March 19, led by Returning Officer Lornamay Benjamin-Hughes. Only those who pass the final assessment will be assigned election duties.

Residents are also being encouraged to collect or renew their voter identification cards. Officials have extended operating hours at the registration unit to accommodate voters:

• Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Weekends: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

While temporary ID cards will be available at polling stations, officials advise voters to secure a replacement in advance to avoid delays.

In the lead-up to the polls, Barbuda residents are being urged to collect or renew their voter identification cards. Officials have advised voters to check their card expiration dates and take advantage of extended operating hours at the registration unit.

The unit will now be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekends to accommodate those unable to visit during standard hours. While temporary ID cards will be available at polling stations on election day, voters are strongly encouraged to secure a replacement in advance to avoid delays.