St. John's -- Sept. 21, 2010 -- "I would like now to turn my attention to a matter that I know has been occupying the minds of the vast majority of Antiguans and Barbudans, and the wider Caribbean, both at home and abroad, for several months now. This has to do with the ruling which we are still expecting from the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal with regard to the election petitions. As you know, my own constituency of St. John's Rural West, as well as the constituencies of St. John's Rural North and St. George, are affected by the earlier decision of the High Court to void the results of last year's election in those seats.

I want to assure the nation that the United Progressive Party will abide by whatever decision is handed down by the Appeal Court.

At the same time, however, the Party and the Government have availed ourselves of the most learned legal advice as to how to proceed in the aftermath of any ruling by the Court.

Let me assure all Antiguans and Barbudans that whatever the Decision of the court, there will be no disruption in the process of our governance of the country. At the same time, you can be assured that any actions that are required to be taken arising from the ruling of the court, will be taken in keeping with the laws and Constitution of our country, and in the best traditions of our democracy.

I am confident that no matter the ruling of the Court, the Government of the United Progressive Party will remain intact, to continue steering the ship of state to overcome the challenges that face our country.

As a result, there is no need for persons to be hesitant, anxious or uncertain about the future of our country and about the stability of our system of parliamentary democracy. Let us instead keep our energies focused on overcoming the current economic challenges and improving the lives of all our people."

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