From Community Collaboration to Global Gains:’
Independence 43 Message
My fellow Antiguans and Barbudans:
As the sun rises over our beautiful twin-island Nation on this 43rd anniversary of Independence, we celebrate not just the day we broke free from colonial chains, but the spirit of a people who have weathered every storm with unwavering courage.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “From Community Collaboration to Global Gains.” Yet, as we look around this country, we are forced to ask if this truly captures where we are.
If we are honest with ourselves and each other, we will admit that we are not.
Without meaning to be controversial, I have to wonder on what, exactly, our communities have been asked to collaborate. And where, exactly, are these global gains we are asked to celebrate?
Rather, on this 1st day of November, 2024, what most communities are experiencing is the regression of our local gains.
Water is life, and electricity is the heartbeat of a modern society. Yet, far too often and for too long, our taps are running dry and our homes are cloaked in darkness.
It is unacceptable that, 43 years later, we are still grappling with challenges that can be overcome with collective will and strategic action.
We should have been able to turn this year’s abundant rainfall into a blessing.
Antigua and Barbuda must invest in sustainable water solutions—rainwater harvesting, desalination technologies, the rehabilitation of our dams, and the integration of storage tanks that are still unused – 10 years later.
Still unused, as well, are the solar farms that should have brought us cheaper energy. Had we harnessed the renewable energy with which this country is blessed—solar, wind, and geothermal—we would have been able to illuminate every home and power every dream without burdening our environment or our pockets.
Our roads are more than mere asphalt; they are the veins through which commerce flows and communities connect. Poor maintenance hampers not just our daily commute but our economic growth. Had infrastructure been a priority, the way would have been paved for businesses to thrive and for our people to access the opportunities they deserve.
It is past time for our Government to commit to a national overhaul of our infrastructure; and it should do so using local talent to rebuild and maintain our roads, kerbs and drains. This not only improves transportation but creates jobs and stimulates economic growth.
In a land as fertile as ours, it is a travesty that we import the majority of our food. We should have been further on the path to reducing expensive imports by increasing production. Dependency on imports makes us vulnerable to external shocks and deprives our farmers of decent livelihoods.
We must till the soil of innovation in agriculture, embracing modern techniques and technologies to boost productivity. By supporting our farmers with training, resources, and access to markets, we not only feed ourselves but nourish our economy. So let us plant the seeds today for a harvest that our children will reap tomorrow.
Our indigenous small and medium-size enterprises are the lifeblood of our economy. They foster innovation and provide employment across our Nation. Yet, they face mounting challenges from large foreign investors, who threaten their viability and our financial independence.
The United Progressive Party remains steadfast in its commitment to promote and support local businesses. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect their interests, so they not only survive, but thrive in a competitive global market.
We recognize that empowering our own entrepreneurs is the way to build a resilient economy that benefits all citizens and residents. So, let us think local and “buy local” in order to protect and advance our homegrown investors.
The time is now to cultivate the land, illuminate our homes, and forge pathways that lead to a brighter tomorrow.
True independence is more than a date on the calendar; it is the ability to shape our destiny, to feed our families with the fruits of our own labour, and to build a nation where opportunity is not a privilege but a right.
The challenges we face are not insurmountable mountains; rather, they are hurdles we can overcome with unity and determination. The future we desire is not a distant illusion but a horizon within reach.
Therefore, let us rekindle the flames of patriotism that burned bright in 1981. Together, we can write the next chapter of our nation’s story—one of triumph over adversity, of prosperity born from perseverance.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us do so with a renewed commitment to the ideals that define us. Let us remember that independence is not a gift bestowed, but a promise we keep alive through our actions.
My fellow citizens and residents: We are descendants of strength. Born from the struggles of ancestors who endured the yoke of slavery and colonialism, yet emerged unbroken. Their dreams of freedom and self-determination still pulse through our veins. It is upon their shoulders we stand, and it is their vision we are called to fulfill.
So let us be the generation that not only dreams of change but makes it a reality. May we rise, like the resilient sugarcane that once fueled our economy, bending but never breaking under the weight of adversity.
Together, we can transform our challenges into stepping stones to a future where each citizen and resident can endeavour and achieve. …
I am Jamale Pringle, Leader of the Opposition and Political Leader of the United Progressive Party, wishing All a Happy Independence Day.
May God redeem and bless Antigua and Barbuda.
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Your Most Honourable Jamale Pringle, your message to the nation was so good, I read it twice.
Antigua has recorded high rain falls this year, yet the country still struggles with retaining and then supplying it to its citizenry. You’ve also mention numerous power cuts that still happens way too often here, and so embarrassing when you have to explain to family and visitors from abroad when they visit.
As I’ve mentioned time and time again to those who live on this beautiful Isle, is that if we block out the noise from Gaston Browne, and then observe with our own eyes, we’ll witness that there is so much still to be completed and accomplished. Embarrassing!
A truly wonderful message sir … I think I’ll read it once more.
UPP 🟨🟦🟨🟦 Stronger Than Ever ✊🏾
using our independence for your political hogwash
Community Advocate in All Saints West found teleprompter. Prime Minister found teleprompter. ABS is available to the opposition leader. Is there a reason why his message is only in written format? What if the elderly folks who live the party and cannot read? Should they not hear what the opposition leader have to say? I am wondering why. I know the reason however I will never say that it is because he cannot read with fluency.
My Brother stop making people see through you. If the task is beyond you give it up. Antigua and Barbuda needs to be redeemed. You are not the one to lead that redemption. It is too much for you. Do not allow yourself to be used. People are seeing through you. Tell the nation why you didn’t make use of the available teleprompter at ABS to give your independence message.
Certainly, Antigua deserves much more than you are giving and can give. Step aside gracefully!!!!!!!!
Written by D.GISEL ISAAC. Does this Guy think for Himself ? Chuptz.
Pringle get rid of Isaac. Speak your dialect and speak from your heart.
Forget about all the elitist language. Just use your normal everyday lingo and deliver.
Be yourself….be true to yourself …speak within your means….you cannot and will not please everyone.
An honest, delivery written by you and coming from you may be criticized, but appreciated if the content is meaningful and on point.
GET RID OF ISAAC PRINGLE, SHE IS RECREATING HERSELF THROUGH YOU. THAT IS YOUR MAIN CHALLENGE.
ONE GISELLE IS ENOUGH FOR ANTIGUA TWO IS DRIVING PEOPLE AWAY FROM YOU. MAN UP AND GET A NEW COACH.
I’m in agreement with you @ Hambrin. You’ve made some very valid points.
ABS is, and always has been the propaganda arm and political tool for the ABLP. Period!
In other developed democracies, this would be deemed totally unacceptable; yet however here in Antigua & Barbuda this total political bias is accepted. Why? why? why?
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH US???
I’ve witnessed Gaston Browne conducting interviews with an ABS microphone in hand; and even more disturbing at the last General Election, ABS refused to interview UPP candidates. Utterly disgusting for a so-called democratic country.
And now UPP are being unequivocal and unequally treated by this media outlet that many people residing here, believe every dog-gone word they propagate. Tarl!
Hopefully when UPP come to power, they will either revoke ABS’ license, curtail their out and out bias, or better still open up the private sector for other unbiased media outlets.
CAN YOU IMAGINE ANR TELEVISION? WOW!
Brixtonian always thinking outside the ‘political’ box as per usual …
BRIXTONIAN…You are destroying UPP by supporting WRONG doings. You know Pringle did NOT write or had an input in His INDEPENDENCE SPEECH. According to Damani Tabor , Pringle does even read what is written for Him. The MAN COW turned this Guy into a PUPPET.
We need an OPPORTUNIST party. Where is DNA and Joanne Massiah ? Come forward to our rescue.
mean “OPPOSITION PARTY “
@PETE, I think your use of the word “OPPORTUNIST” in the first instance was correct 😉
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