The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the Opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) are in mourning following the sudden and concerning death of St. Peter MP Asot Michael. The Labour Party, in a recent statement, called his death a “significant loss” while Leader of the Opposition, United Progressive Party (UPP), Jamale Pringle remembered Michael as a “patriot and humanitarian”.

In an interview with State Media, Mary Clare-Hurst, General Secretary of the ABLP remembered Michael as being “from the bowels of labour”. She expressed suspicion over the circumstances of his death, suggesting a breach in security might have contributed. “He’s a sitting member of parliament and that ought not to happen …something went wrong,” Clare-Hurst said in an interview with State Media. “The kind of security that he has, he must have contributed basically to that demise because he must have let them in or they probably knew his security system. So, definitely in my opinion it was a breach.”

In remembering Michael, Pringle shared “As colleagues on the Opposition Bench, we will miss his spirited and informed presentations and his fearlessness during debate, and as fellow citizens, we mourn the loss of his future contributions to the building of our Nation. May his legacy of service always be honoured; may his soul rest in peace; and may his family find comfort in his memory.”

Michael, 54, had been a powerful voice in Antigua and Barbuda’s politics for almost 30 years. Though he had formally parted ways with the Labour Party in recent years, he continued to support the party’s values and remained dedicated to the people of St. Peter, who re-elected him as an independent candidate in the 2023 elections.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed shock and sadness over Michael’s passing, describing him as a “brother” with whom he shared many moments and a deep commitment to the nation. Browne highlighted Michael’s early contributions, from serving as Chief of Staff under the late Lester Bird to his role as Minister of Public Works. Michael first won his parliamentary seat under the Labour Party in 2004.

Although they had their disagreements, Browne shared that he and Michael reconciled earlier this year, rebuilding their friendship and even meeting last week to discuss national issues.

The Prime Minister is calling for a thorough investigation into Michael’s passing, pledging the government’s full support to ensure the police have the resources needed to uncover the truth.

What of Michael’s position?

Clare-Hurst said thousands of his constituents who supported him for over two decades will have to learn to move on. “They too have to understand that he is no longer there but with whatever’s left – the memories, what he has done for his constituents, they will go on and move on because the only thing that’s constant is change.”

Following the January 18, 2023 elections, Michael made history by becoming the first independent candidate to win a general election since Antigua & Barbuda’s independence. He won by an overwhelming margin of over 1,000 votes. 

Michael’s passing leaves a vacant seat in the Lower House that will likely require holding a by-election in St. Peters. According to the Antigua and Barbuda Constitution (CAP. 23) Order 1981, a by-election must be held within 120 days of the vacancy unless Parliament is dissolved sooner. This would mark the second by-election since the Labour Party regained power in 2023.

No details have been announced about funeral arrangements and whether the MP will be accorded a state funeral.