Sir Molwyn Joseph on Wednesday used his tribute to Sir Robin Yearwood to call for a change in the tone and direction of politics in Antigua and Barbuda, urging the opposition to help “arrest the degradation and the false information” that he said was undermining the country’s image.

Speaking during a special sitting of Parliament marking Sir Robin’s 50 years of unbroken service in the House of Representatives, Joseph questioned whether the moment could signal “a new beginning for Antigua and Barbuda” and a “new outlook” in the way politics is conducted.

He said members on the opposition benches had an opportunity to halt what he described as the undermining of the state’s public and international image, warning, “We have to stop … because we all will become losers in this country.”

Joseph framed his appeal against the backdrop of Sir Robin’s five decades in office, noting that the veteran lawmaker had been elected 11 times by the people of St. Philip’s North and that those victories reflected the voluntary will of the electorate.

“For 50 years to represent them in this honorable House,” Joseph said, adding that such longevity could not be taken for granted.

He placed Sir Robin’s tenure in the wider history of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, highlighting its record in government since 1976 and crediting what he described as the “76ers” with helping to create political stability and a democratic environment that fostered peace and togetherness.

Joseph also reflected on the official declaration of Sir Robin’s first victory in 1976, recalling that he was declared duly elected after receiving 756 votes to his opponent’s 375.

At points blending humor with tribute, Joseph recounted a personal story about seeking one of Sir Robin’s goats — a promise he joked remains unfulfilled — drawing laughter in the chamber.

But he returned to a serious tone in closing, saying the country faces “some of the most difficult periods in our history as small island states” and urging unity as Antigua and Barbuda navigates global pressures.

“This is a signal moment for Antigua and Barbuda,” he said, calling on lawmakers to seize the opportunity presented by Sir Robin’s milestone to elevate the national conversation and advance the country’s interests.