ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC -Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating its 43rdannivesary of political independence from Britain, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne saying the country has a “good reason for a deep sense of pride and gratitude.
“Today, we not only celebrate our independence, but we also reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have brought us this far – resilience, belief in our worth as a people, and faith in our capacity to succeed,” Browne said in a nationwide radio and television broadcast.
“Whether you are in Antigua or Barbuda, a student, a business owner, or a member of our diaspora, you have a role to play in shaping the future of our beloved country.
“Let’s commit to protect our environment, lift our communities, and build an Antigua and Barbuda that stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and unity in the Caribbean and the world.
Let us continue to climb the ladder of success,” Browne told citizens “as the country observed the celebrations under the theme “From Community Collaboration to Global Gains.”
He said over the years, Antigua and Barbuda has shown the world that its citizens possess an indomitable spirit, recalling that in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, “a disaster that crippled many economies and devastated lives across the globe, we stood firm.
“Through swift, decisive action and careful management, we saved lives and safeguarded livelihoods. While other nations faltered, we reopened our economy quickly and effectively, experiencing a recovery faster than most.”
Browne said that the economy grew by 7.8 percent in 2023, second only to Guyana in the region, and the 2024 performance will be similar, evidencing that the country continues to lead in recovery and resilience.
“This was possible because we worked together, with faith and determination,” Browne said, acknowledging that political bickering and the usual political claims sought to divide communities.
“But our society remained faithful to our common goals of uplifting our nation and strengthening it to meet every challenge. But even as we celebrate our achievements, we know that much work still needs to be done.”
Browne said that 10 years ago, Antigua and Barbuda functioned on an outdated socio-economic infrastructure, and schools and other public buildings, roads, curbs and drains, water systems, the electricity grid, and internet broadband services were in decay.
“We faced unsustainable debt, economic contraction, high crime rates, unemployment, bank failure, and poverty. But we steadfastly addressed each of these problems and worked diligently to resolve them.”
But he told the nation that the task was not yet over and urged citizens to give thanks for the achievements to date, no matter how small.
He said employment has increased to the point where the country has a labor shortage in crucial areas of its economy, including construction and the hotel sector, further increasing our dependence on imported labor.
He said access to education at all levels and the provision of health services has significantly progressed and is advancing every year.
Browne said that as of next year, the government will spend EC$200 million (One EC dollar = 0.37 cents) to expand the UWI Five Islands Campus, which currently hosts over 1,000 students. This will provide even more opportunities for higher education and ensure that every young person has the tools they need to contribute to our nation’s future.
Browne said there would also be improvements and investments in the health sector and that with the establishment of a 40meg Liquid Natural Gas electricity plant earlier this year, the delivery of electricity has been better than at any other time in the country’s history.
“The delivery of water, though challenging because of the persistent droughts, continues to improve with the expansion and upgrade of our water distribution system. We have expanded the water production capacity from three million gallons per day to approximately 8.5 million per day. This is projected to increase to 12 million per day in 2025, thereby satisfying the full water demand of our population”.
But he said despite the achievements, crime continues to be a problem.
“We are determined to fight the criminals until they get the message and reform their ways. Our message is simply: Crime & Violence will not pay, and those who engage in crime and violence will undoubtedly pay.
“Our goal is to eradicate all crime so that our homes, businesses, schools, and streets are safe. Our people must not only feel safe; they must be safe,” he said, adding that we would continue to be tough on crime.
“At the same time, I encourage those involved in criminal activities to seek alternatives.
There are ample employment opportunities in sectors such as construction and hospitality—so there is no justification to rob and kill.”.
Prime Minister Browne said that Antigua and Barbuda are young nations in the global community, with most countries controlling the world’s economic, financial, and political systems for hundreds of years.
“We emerged as an independent nation into a world where our interests were marginal to their concerns and our rights were neglected. From the outset, we determined we would carve a place of respect in the international community by taking a proactive stance on issues critical to our well-being and survival.
“At times, we marched out on our own, convinced that standing up for justice, equity, and what is right was far better than staying silent or accepting the dictates of others. On other occasions, we took initiatives to create or strengthen alliances.”
He said this philosophy helped to form the CARICOM Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS), and the Commission of Small Island States on International Law (COSIS).
Meanwhile, in extending congratulations, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett said CARICOM looks forward to Antigua and Barbuda’s continued active role in furthering regional integration.
Barnett said that the theme selected for this year’s celebrations “underscores the importance of collective action in achieving our shared goals.
” Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda’s support to the region, particularly in the services sector, for which you have lead responsibility in the Quasi-Cabinet of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, is much appreciated,” she added.
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