PM Browne calls for Closer Collaboration between Government and Chamber of Commerce
JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for closer relations between his government and the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the country’s leading private sector organisation.
In an address to a luncheon held on Thursday at the Sandals Grand Resort, where he was invited to speak to the members on the national economy, PM Browne extended a hand to the chamber for there to be a joint public/private partnership to move the country forward.
“I want to use this opportunity to recommit my administration to working closely with the chamber and certainly all business people in this country. We just got a new mandate, and we recognize that we have to bring all in society together. So, notwithstanding our political persuasions, we all have a contribution to make to national development,” he stated.
He noted that the government had established what he termed ‘a lofty vision’ to transform the country’s economy to a viable entity, making Antigua and Barbudan an economic powerhouse in the Eastern Caribbean.
Turning to the economic performance over the last two to three years, the prime minister said there are positive signs to indicate that the country ‘is well on the way.’ However, he noted that while the government can take some credit for the economic performances, the growth would not have been realized without the contributions of the private sector.
“The public sector contributes an average of twenty percent to GDP, the rest of it is private sector driven. So when we speak of growth in the country’s economy, it is the collective efforts of all of us. Yes, it is my administration that is setting the policies promoting growth and development, but at the same time, you too, as private sector and business leaders, should share in the credit and we share the credit with you,” he remarked.
He pointed to the external environment such as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine and their impact on prices and other commodities. Despite these challenges, he said the economy had rebounded ‘spectacularly’ thanks to the combined efforts of the public and private sectors.
PM Browne also issued an appeal for more private sector investment in the economy, urging the business leaders not to be ‘riskaverse’ and to seek opportunities for investment, even beyond their core business operations.
He dismissed suggestions that foreign investments attracted better concessions than locals, noting that the law provides equal levels of concessions. However, he noted that the larger the investment, the more attractive the concessions.
He also made a number of suggestions where they may seek to invest, including taking advantage of CIP-related investments.
In closing, the prime minister called for more regular dialogue with business leaders, noting that he is always available to meet with them to discuss areas of mutual concern and benefit.
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To be fair to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, I’m pleased that he’s still in the country addressing business leaders and the private sector community. Commendable.
Now we also expect the PM to address the nation on matters of State, especially on the rising cost if living, crime; Road infrastructure and the continuing lack of our water supply (even an update would suffice).
Address the money men and the financial community at large by all means, but you’d do well to remember your hardworking citizens and constituents that require guidance, forward thinking advice and updating as well.
LOOK OUT FOR THE AUTOCHTHONOUS ANTIGUANS AS WELL GASTON … I THANK YOU FOR LISTENING 😉
Gaston is looking out for himself and those business persons had to have known he was just saying what they wanted to hear but they never felt it in reality.
I listened to his presentation and was appalled at the talking down, scolding and pure arrogance he displayed on that podium. Gaston has gotten so large that his breeches no longer fit. Antigua has created a monster. He should never get another invitation.
“To be fair to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, I’m pleased that he’s still in the country addressing business leaders and the private sector community. Commendable.”
This is the best compliment that Brixtonian ever gave the Prime Minister. Very commendable I must say.
But he couldn’t resist leaving it by that. But that’s OK.
I was waiting to see if anyone else would be making more comments.
My Prime Minister always amazes me with the manner he can address a crowd of businessmen and women for several hours without looking at notes or having a teleprompter. And that without having PowerPoint presentation as well. He speaks just from the cuff. As if all the numbers just flow out of his head. Very very very impressive I must say. And even when he invites the attendees to ask questions, no one could challenge him with his knowledge of numbers. It shows how well versed in economics and finance he is. I think the PM is far above the rest in this country. Not even bankers in attendance stood up to ask relevant questions. I really think the PM is before his time. He even had to give other examples as to how to use the CIP to acquire finance for investment. I think the PM needs to start a business incubator program in which he personally assists people with the start-up of their business venture. Some people need a helping and guiding hand in order to take that step in life. It’s like when you teach someone to ride a bike, you have to hold them for a while so they won’t fall and when they get their balance of cycling you can let them go. Or when you teach someone how to swim, you keep your hands under them to ensure they don’t go under, until they can find their balance in the water. The way I used to teach my children how to float, I would let them lay on my hand in the water and tell them to relax. And slowly I would remove my hand without them noticing it and they would be floating on the water at so much ease. That is what the PM needs to do with some potential entrepreneurs, which need to be nurtured and mentored in the beginning.
Mr. PM once again marvelous job and please make it a quarterly or semi-annually meeting with the business community.
The question from Sylvester Brown was totally out of style. But what would you expect from a diehard UPP man. Who wrote many of their manifestos.
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