Browne Reaffirms Commitment to CARICOM but Calls for Fairer Regional Cooperation
Despite his criticisms, Prime Minister Gaston Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to regional integration, but called for a fairer system that ensures smaller states are not left behind.
Speaking on his weekly radio programme, Mr Browne highlighted economic imbalances within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), arguing that smaller economies like Antigua and Barbuda face significant disadvantages compared to larger member states. He criticised what he sees as a lack of genuine commitment to regional equity, stating that some governments prioritise national interests over collective prosperity.
The Prime Minister expressed frustration over the economic imbalances in CARICOM, noting that while some countries benefit significantly from regional trade and investment policies, others struggle to reap similar rewards.
“There are winners and losers in this arrangement,” he said. “The larger economies position themselves to take maximum advantage, while smaller states like Antigua and Barbuda often bear the brunt of these policies without seeing equal returns.”
One of his key concerns is the reluctance of some member states to contribute to the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF), which was created to support less developed CARICOM economies. Mr Browne argued that without equitable financial support mechanisms, integration efforts will continue to favour larger, more industrialised nations.
The Prime Minister also questioned whether some regional leaders are fully committed to CARICOM’s founding principles, stating that economic competition within the bloc is undermining its goals.
“There is too much self-interest at play,” he noted. “If CARICOM is truly a community, then there must be more cooperation and solidarity—especially when it comes to trade, investment, and economic opportunities.”
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions on regional economic policies and trade agreements, with some observers suggesting that tensions between larger and smaller CARICOM nations could shape future policy directions.
While Mr Browne remains a vocal advocate for deeper integration, he has urged CARICOM leaders to take concrete steps toward greater equity, ensuring that all member states—regardless of size—benefit from regional economic initiatives.
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