Winston Baldwin Spencer is the political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) and former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

Early life and education

Winston Baldwin Spencer was born in Antigua on 8 October 1948 in St. John's, Antigua, the fourth child of Joyce and Martin Spencer. He is a proud product of the Grays-Green community and a graduate of the Green Bay Primary School and the Princess Margaret Secondary School.

He received a diploma in Social Leadership from the Coady International Institute in Canada and Diplomas in Labour and Economic Studies and Labour and Industrial Relation Systems from Oxford’s Ruskin College and Norway’s Oslo University, respectively.

Career

Baldwin Spencer has spent over quarter of a century in labour negotiations, serving in the highest positions in the Trade Union Movement and politics. Most notable are:

• 1st Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU)
• Assistant General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union
• President of the Caribbean Maritime and Aviation Council
• Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives

Spencer entered the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda in 1989 in a successful bid to represent the people of the St. Johns Rural West Constituency. He has been and continues to be a vigorous advocate on behalf of his constituents for over two decades. Over the course of his career in Public Service, Spencer has established himself as an integral part of Antigua’s social fabric. His involvement includes:

• Antigua Football Association
• Antigua Cricket Association
• Antigua Steelband Association
• Halcyon Steel Orchestra (Manager)
• Past Pupils and Teachers Association of the Green Bay Government School
• King George V Restoration Society (Ex-Officio Member and Advisor)
• Empire Football Club (Immediate Past President)

Spencer continues to have special interests in cricket, football, steelband, reading and social interpretation.

On the international stage, Prime Minister Spencer served as the Chairperson of the Grop of 77 and China at the United Nations in 2008. In May of 2008 he also assumed the Chairmanship of The Council for Foreign and Community Relations within CARICOM (COFCOR) and the Chairman of the Caribbean Community CARICOM from July 2008.

In August 2008, Prime Minister Spencer received the African nation of Cote d’Ivoire’s highest honour, Commander of the National Order of Cote d’Ivoire, in recognition of his sterling leadership of the Group of 77 and China at the ministerial level. PM Spencer was also made an honourary hereditary Chief by Cote d’Ivoire in June and was given the title of Nanan Koussai II.

In September of 2008, Prime Minister Spencer became the first leader to receive the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedicated efforts in achieving the MDG’s and advancing the cause of development.

After 10 years in power, the UPP was defeated by the ABLP in the general election held on 12 June 2014. Out of 17 seats, the UPP retained only three; Spencer won re-election to his own seat by a very narrow margin. Spencer accepted defeat, saying that the people had clearly chosen the ALP. He was succeeded as Prime Minister by ABLP leader Gaston Browne on 13 June.

Personal life

A devout believer in God, Prime Minister Spencer is also Chief Pathfinder in the Northern Hemisphere of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He is married and is the father of two beloved children.

ELECTION TIMELINE

Year District Party Votes % votes Result Notes 2014 St. John's Rural West United Progressive Party 1,993 50.38% 6th Term 2009 St. John's Rural West United Progressive Party 2,259 56.31% 5th Term 2004 St. John's Rural West United Progressive Party 2,077 61.18% 4th Term 1999 St. John's Rural West United Progressive Party 1,788 62.61% 3rd Term 1994 St. John's Rural West United Progressive Party 1,608 65.63% 2nd Term 1989 St. John's Rural West United National Democratic Party 1,078 53.03% 1st Term 1984 St. John's Rural West United People's Movement 770 41.83% Lost to Donald Christian (ALP)

PORTFOLIOS

Post Date Leader of the Opposition 24 Jun 2014 - 26 Feb 2018 Prime Minister 24 Mar 2004 - 13 Jun 2014

DOCUMENT LIBRARY

1 November 2013 32nd Independence Day Message presented by Dr. the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 November 2013. 1 January 2013 2013 New Year Address presented by the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 January 2013. 1 November 2012 31st Independence Day Message presented by Dr. the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 November 2012. 1 November 2011 30th Independence Day Message presented by the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 November 2011. 1 January 2011 2011 New Year Address presented by the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 January 2011. 1 November 2010 29th Independence Day Message presented by the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 November 2010. 1 November 2009 28th Independence Day Message presented by the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 November 2009. 1 November 2005 24th Independence Day Message presented by the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 November 2005. 1 November 2004 23rd Independence Day Message presented by the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister on 1 November 2004. 1 November 2003 23rd Independence Day Message presented by the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer, Leader of the Opposition on 1 November 2003.