Family dynasty falls as Antigua boots out PM

Prime minister Lester Bird conceded defeat today in a general election that toppled the family dynasty that has dominated Antigua and Barbuda for more than half a century.

Bird’s early concession came as electoral officials were still counting thousands of ballots.

“We will accept the results of this general election. We will give the new government every opportunity to work,” Bird said in a statement.

“The UPP has won the elections overwhelmingly because there was a large number of voters who objected (to the ruling party),” Bird said in giving the victory to Baldwin Spencer’s United Progressive Party.

But he refused to admit that his defeat was caused largely by repeated corruption scandals, that in recent years have centred on the national health insurance, and a sex and drug allegation from a teenage girl.

“I think that the people have decided that it was a time for change. Elections were not contested on issues but on the basis of a time for change,” he said.