Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party leader Gaston Browne warned voters against what he described as the risks of inexperienced leadership, while touting his administration’s record and urging support for continuity ahead of the April 30 general election.
Addressing supporters at the party’s national convention, Browne framed the vote as a critical decision for a small island state navigating global economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures and geopolitical instability.
“In such a world, the future cannot be gambled. It cannot be handed over to inexperience,” he said, arguing that leadership choices in small developing countries carry heightened consequences.
He said Antigua and Barbuda’s progress in recent years was the result of deliberate policy decisions, pointing to economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, job creation and rising incomes.
“These are not slogans. These are facts,” Browne told delegates, as he defended the government’s performance and sought to contrast it with what he suggested would be uncertainty under alternative leadership.
Browne also highlighted ongoing and planned investments in infrastructure, including roads, water systems and public services, telling supporters that development would continue beyond the election cycle.
“Our choices must be careful. Our leadership must be steady. Our direction must be clear,” he said, adding that maintaining stability would be key to sustaining economic gains.
He urged party supporters to remain unified and mobilised, describing the election as a moment that would determine whether the country builds on its current trajectory or risks disruption.
The prime minister also pointed to the party’s upcoming manifesto, expected later this month, which he said would outline the next phase of national development, including expanded opportunities for youth, improved social services and continued economic growth.
Browne did not name political opponents directly but suggested that the country could not afford policy missteps, particularly given its size and exposure to external shocks.
The convention, held at the party’s headquarters, also saw the ratification of candidates and a series of presentations ahead of the election, with party officials encouraging supporters to ensure their voter identification cards are in order.
Antigua and Barbuda heads to the polls on April 30 in what is expected to be a closely watched contest between the ruling party and opposition groups seeking to unseat it.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Inexperience leads to experience and it will take a while for the inexperience to catch up with the cronyism being done with ABLP’s experience.
Labour Party had their National Convention, now what of UPP’s onvention? Will they VIOLATE their own CONSTITUTION?
ANR David will crush goliath. So blocking comments in support of UPP cannot stop the UPP Momentum.
Every person was inexperienced at some time or the other they use this nonsense to keep down others. Oh! Maybe Gaston and his Cabal were born with experience but I’m still waiting to see what it looks like
I am writing to you with deep concern about the Gaston Browne administration. After just two and a half years, a snap election was called, citing economic instability, but in truth, this is a betrayal of our trust. Licenses went up, promising road repairs, yet our roads are worse, destroyed by heavy machinery. Small businesses struggle under crushing duties, while ministers, using their own trucks on sites, enrich themselves through kickbacks.
We also had an amnesty for guns, yet a man caught with a gun and silencer received only one and a half years after having his sentence reduced —a lenient sentence that undermines justice While Crime surges. we recently mourn the loss of two teenagers to gun violence, and still no one has been held accountable. But A young woman’s killer was swiftly charged, but others evade justice. Bus stops remain broken; debris stays for weeks. After eight years, we still lack water, despite being surrounded by it. Our hospitals fail us—people must go abroad for vital care, even for cancer treatment, once promised here but now caught in controversy.
Worse still, the Minister of Tourism, Max Fernandez, uses his position to promote his own motorbike tours on cruise ships—a blatant conflict of interest. This is all driven by corruption—no trickle-down effect, just kickbacks for the well-connected, while everyday people struggle. This CIP program broke our ties with the United States—now a bond is required just for a visa. Once, people traveled to New York weekly for business; now they are left behind. And our healthcare—once relied on—now forces people to go to Colombia. All of this is a failure of leadership. Healthcare must be our top priority—no amount of money can buy back health.
We must demand better. Join me in holding this government accountable. Our future depends on it.
I am willing to bet every person running on Gaston and ABLP ticket have more experience in skullduggery than any one on the Jamal/UPP ticket. That bet I would take up with ANR
Excuse me sir, but in all you gumption please show the People of Antiga and Barbuda where is the ministerial experience of Michael Joseph, where is the experience of Michael Freeland, Kiz Johnson, Lanin Newton, Dwane George Randy Baltimore, Kendra Beazer, what the hell even Dr. Benjamin? So as you continually squirt from your pie hole hamf your cabinet would be without experience. Give me a break.
Comments are closed.