Chester Hughes is an Antiguan politican and former parliamentarian and Deputy Speaker.

Early life and educaiton

Chester Hughes is a product of St. Mary's, Antigua. He was born in the village of Bolans and grew up in Ebenezer and Jennings to Avonel Samuel and the late Maurice Hughes. As a child, he attended the Jennings Primary School and, later, the Jennings Secondary School. There, he served as a Head Boy, Prefect and Monitor. Chester continued his education abroad attending the George Meany Institute in the United States and continuing his studies at Ruskin College in the United Kingdom.

Career

Following in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, Chester Hughes fought for the rights of working people at the Antigua & Barbuda Workers Union where he served as both an Industrial Relations Officer and President. As President of the Antigua Barbuda Workers’ Union, Chester represented needs of thousands of working-class Antiguans and Barbudans, helping them in a variety of areas including job hunting, ensuring benefits for those who have become unemployed, and negotiating contracts/terms and conditions on their behalf. He is a young leader and a protege of both National Hero, Sir George H. Walter and Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer.

Hughes serves as MP for All Saints East and St. Luke, and Deputy Speaker during the 2009 - 2014 United Progressive Party administration of Balwin Spencer.

During the 12 June 2014 election, Hughes unsuccesfully contested the St. Mary's North seat, losing to incumbent Molwyn Joseph of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).

He unsuccessully contest the St. Philip south seat in the 2018 election. Losing to Lennox Weston of the ABLP.

Personal life

Hughes is also a titular member of the International Union of Foods (IUF). Chester is a strong supporter of young people in this country and works to provide opportunities for them. He is President-emeritus of the Antigua & Barbuda Basketball Association and previously served as an Executive Member of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation. In his free time, he loves watching community football teams play. Chester is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

ELECTION TIMELINE

Year District Party Votes % votes Result Notes 2018 St. Philip South United Progressive Party 459 48.62% Lost to Lennox Weston (ABLP) 2014 St. Mary's North United Progressive Party 1,589 43.20% Lost to Molwyn Joseph (ABLP) 2009 Al Saints East & St. Luke United Progressive Party 1,827 66.36% 1st term

PARLIAMENTARY TIMELINE

Post Chamber Party Date Representative for All Saints East & St. Luke House of Representatives UPP 2009 - 2014

PORTFOLIOS

Post Date Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives 2009 - 2014