ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC—The ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is marking its 10th anniversary in government on Wednesday. Prime Minister Gaston Browne promised citizens he would never betray their trust and look to “continue to work unrelentingly for your empowerment.”
In a nationwide radio and television broadcast, Browne said that the country has made significant strides after facing “severe economic downturns” highlighted by high unemployment, considerable business closures, unsustainable national debt, and rampant crime and violence, including rapes and homicides.
“The economy came to a screeching halt with the government defaulting on its IMF (International Monetary Fund) loan, and it couldn’t even pay for fuel, electricity, and water, owing suppliers of these devices over EC$200 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) without any formal credit terms.”
Browne told the nation that several projects “stand as stark reminders of those turbulent times,” compounded by over two billion dollars in borrowings and an overwhelming reliance on the IMF, “further strained our public services and the overall economy.”
But he said that under his government’s leadership, “we have acquired ownership of critical assets like the West Indies Oil Company and our water supply, securing them for the public good.”
He said that the government has also recovered 10 acres of beach property, valued at $27 million, that had been sold to a foreign entity by a previous government for one dollar.
Browne said that during the last decade, his administration has made Investments in infrastructure, significantly reduced unemployment, fostered a thriving tourism sector, and enhanced the educational systems with the establishment of a University of the West Indies campus to rapidly expand our nation’s intellectual capital.
“This journey of revival was made even more challenging by the global COVID-19 pandemic, yet through courageous leadership and prudent financial management, we did not succumb to the crisis,” Browne said, adding that “this resilience resulted in unprecedented post-COVID growth of 7.5 percent per annum, further cementing our path to economic development and social improvement”.
He said Antiguans and Barbudans now earn more per head of population than most countries in the region without paying personal income tax.
“Our people are working; our economy is growing at a rate second only to Guyana in this hemisphere. Investment is increasing; Antigua & Barbuda today enjoys one of the Caribbean’s highest foreign investments per capita.”
Prime Minister Browne said internationally, Antigua and Barbuda had led critical dialogues and initiatives, being at the forefront of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the UN Alliance for Small Island States, advocating for issues critical to survival and prosperity.
“Our efforts to establish a Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index are changing how the world recognizes and supports small island states with concessional funding.
“Additionally, we are using international law to seek justice for the damages our nation suffers due to climate change, proving that even our small nation can stand mightily on the global stage,” Browne added.
He said that despite the socio-economic success over the past decade, Antigua and Barbuda cannot afford to become complacent, adding, “We should refrain from gambling with the governance of our country and its future.
“As we face the next decade, let us remain committed to the values of productivity, cooperation, unity, and perseverance that have brought us thus far.
“Together, we will continue to build a safe, resilient, prosperous, and inclusive, making Antigua and Barbuda a nation of progress and a testament to the power of collective determination,” Browne said.
and then  is marking its 10th anniversary in government on Wednesday){kind=link}