Kelvin Craig Simon, also known as "Shugy," is an Antiguan politician and member of the United Progressive Party in Antigua and Barbuda.[1] Before entering politics, he worked as a guidance counselor and basketball player.[2]
Kelvin Craig Simon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the House of Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda | |
| Assumed office 24 October 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Vacant |
| Constituency | St. Mary's South |
| In office 18 January 2023 – 7 June 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Samantha Marshall |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Constituency | St. Mary's South |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | Antigua |
| Political party | United Progressive Party |
| Profession | Politician |
Early life and education
editSimon spent 15 years in the public service of Antigua and Barbuda, where he worked as a guidance counselor at several schools, including St. Mary's Secondary School, Ottos Comprehensive School, and Villa Primary School.[2] Simon holds a degree in counseling and human resource management from the Caribbean Nazarene College in Trinidad, and is a certified personal trainer.[3]
Simon played for the Antigua National Basketball Team.[4]
Political career
editSimon was first elected as the Member of Parliament for St. Mary's South in the 2023 general election. Running as a candidate for the United Progressive Party (UPP), he defeated the incumbent Samantha Marshall of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) by a margin of 199 votes.[5]
In February 2023, a High Court judge ruled in his favor, allowing him to be sworn in as an MP despite ongoing legal disputes over his nomination.[5]
Simon's victory was challenged due to his previous status as a public servant at the time of his nomination, leading to a legal petition against his right to hold the seat.[6] In response to the legal challenges and to ensure the legitimacy of his position, Simon resigned from Parliament in June 2023, triggering a by-election.[7][8] In the subsequent by-election held in October 2023, Simon was re-elected, making him the first candidate to win two elections in the same year.[9] Simon received 1,065 votes against his opponent's 891.[10]
Community involvement
editSimon co-founded "Project Bolans",[when?] an initiative focused on community development through sports tournaments, clean-ups, and food distribution drives. [2]
References
edit- ^ "2023 By-Elections Results St. Mary's South". www.abec.gov.ag. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- ^ a b c "Kelvin Simon - United Progressive Party". Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ "Kelvin Simon Events". United Progressive Party. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ "News – Antigua & Barbuda Basketball Association". Retrieved 2024-06-03.
- ^ a b "Kelvin Simon to be sworn in as St Mary's South MP as judge rules against injunction". Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ "MP Kelvin Simon officially sworn in following October 24 by-election victory". Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ "Hon. Kelvin 'Shugy' Simon Resigns from Parliament Paving the Way for By-Election". 7 June 2023. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ Staff, Times (2023-06-08). "Opposition legislator Kelvin Simon resigns, wants by-election: Antigua". St Vincent Times. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
- ^ "Kelvin 'Shugy' Simon Wins St. Mary's South By-Election, Securing a Historic Second Victory". 25 October 2023. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
- ^ "Shugy wins his 'double or nothing' by-election gamble". Retrieved 2024-06-02.