ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended his practice of giving money to individuals at public events, saying it reflects a personal obligation to help people rather than any improper conduct.
Speaking at the joint Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Labour Day rally, Browne acknowledged that he sometimes gives small sums of money to members of the public who approach him.
“When you see I leave the platform… and they say they want $100, $200… and I give them… I have an obligation to share,” Browne said.
He framed the practice as an expression of care for citizens, rejecting any negative interpretation of the gesture.
“I have an obligation to care… to love the people of this country,” he said.
Browne said his actions are rooted in empathy and his connection to ordinary people, noting that he and members of his administration come from working-class backgrounds.
“We are product of you,” he said, adding that he remains committed to supporting people in tangible ways.
The prime minister’s remarks come amid ongoing political debate about the appropriateness of such gestures in public life.
His comments formed part of a wider Labour Day address in which he outlined policies on wages, working conditions and social support, while reaffirming his administration’s focus on improving the lives of workers and vulnerable groups.
Browne said he will continue to assist people where he can, describing it as part of his responsibility as a leader.
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Bird people sold their birthright, futures, and self-respect for 2 hapenny, pathetic!
Who says the people he gives money to vote for him or the ABLP. If there is no agreement being made as a result of the transfer of money, its unconscionably to say because he is in public office he cannot share or assist persons in need.
Can you imaging someone coming up to him for assistance and he has to say, “Sorry, I cannot help you, because I am the Prime Minister”.
Giving cash to supporters!!!
How on earth is this political manipulation allowed? And the Prime Minister doesn’t see anything wrong with this immoral and devious stratagem!
If we Antiguans do not change our grabby grabby mindset towards freebies for votes, then this country will spiral out of control so fast that the chances of ANY opposition party coming to the forefront because they cannot compete with the growth if a something for nothing culture.
THIS BEGGARS BELIEF!!!
The OECS or any other independent body seriously needs to investigate these types of underhand and manipulative practices.
HOW IS THIS ALLOWED IN A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY?