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Kelvin Simon

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Kelvin Craig Simon
Member of the House of Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda
Assumed office
24 October 2023
Preceded byVacant
ConstituencySt. Mary's South
In office
18 January 2023 – 7 June 2023
Preceded bySamantha Marshall
Succeeded byVacant
ConstituencySt. Mary's South
Personal details
NationalityAntigua
Political partyUnited Progressive Party
ProfessionPolitician

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]

Early life and education

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Simon 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

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Simon 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

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Simon co-founded "Project Bolans",[when?] an initiative focused on community development through sports tournaments, clean-ups, and food distribution drives. [2]

References

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  1. ^ "2023 By-Elections Results St. Mary's South". www.abec.gov.ag. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  2. ^ a b c "Kelvin Simon - United Progressive Party". Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  3. ^ "Kelvin Simon Events". United Progressive Party. Retrieved 2024-06-03.
  4. ^ "News – Antigua & Barbuda Basketball Association". Retrieved 2024-06-03.
  5. ^ a b "Kelvin Simon to be sworn in as St Mary's South MP as judge rules against injunction". Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  6. ^ "MP Kelvin Simon officially sworn in following October 24 by-election victory". Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  7. ^ "Hon. Kelvin 'Shugy' Simon Resigns from Parliament Paving the Way for By-Election". 7 June 2023. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  8. ^ Staff, Times (2023-06-08). "Opposition legislator Kelvin Simon resigns, wants by-election: Antigua". St Vincent Times. Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  9. ^ "Kelvin 'Shugy' Simon Wins St. Mary's South By-Election, Securing a Historic Second Victory". 25 October 2023. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  10. ^ "Shugy wins his 'double or nothing' by-election gamble". Retrieved 2024-06-02.