– Advertisement –
Former Minister of Education Dr Jacqui Quinn has categorically denied speculation that she is considering replacing Algernon “Serpent” Watts as the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for St George in the next general election.
“I’m not running,” Quinn told Observer media on Wednesday. “The main reason why I retired from politics was for health reasons. As a cancer survivor now 13 years in remission, it would be medically foolhardy for me to expose myself to the rigours and stressors of a political campaign.”
The St George constituency has been represented by Watts since the 2023 general election, when he defeated the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s candidate and then incumbent, Dean Jonas.
Dr Quinn’s denial was in response to rumours circulating on social media and other media websites suggesting that she was being lined up to contest the St George seat for the UPP.
The speculation also peddled unverifiable claims that MP Watts has suggested that he would not seek re-election. Observer media asked MP Watts whether he’d made such claims, to which he responded simply “great question!”
Dr Quinn served as Member of Parliament for St George from 2004 to 2014 and held the Education, Information and Public Administration ministerial portfolio in the former UPP administration.
The speculation follows a recent announcement from the UPP that its former leader Harold Lovell would be returning to frontline politics as caretaker for the All Saints West Constituency.
About The Author
– Advertisement –