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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended his government’s decision to partner with Global Ports Holding, arguing that the collaboration is crucial for enhancing Antigua and Barbuda’s cruise tourism sector.
Despite opposition, the administration maintains that the agreement has delivered financial benefits and significant improvements to port infrastructure.
Browne noted that under previous arrangements, the government struggled to recover its investment in cruise facilities due to stagnant head taxes and limited financial returns.
The deal with Global Ports Holding, he said, has alleviated financial strain while modernizing the nation’s cruise infrastructure.
“The reality is that without this partnership, we would have been unable to secure the necessary capital to improve our cruise facilities,” Browne said.
“This agreement has not only reduced our debt obligations but also positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a premier cruise destination.”
As part of the arrangement, Global Ports Holding has invested millions in infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of the fifth berth.
The partnership also allowed the government to pay off a loan previously owed to a consortium of banks, further reducing financial liabilities.
Critics have questioned the long-term implications of the agreement, arguing that the government has ceded too much control over national assets.
However, Browne has insisted that the deal ensures Antigua and Barbuda remains the primary beneficiary, with revenue from port rentals contributing to national development projects.
Tourism officials have also pointed to improvements in visitor experiences and spending, crediting the upgrades for attracting more cruise lines and boosting local business opportunities.
The government remains confident that the partnership will continue to drive economic growth while strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s position in the regional tourism market.
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The real challenge will be ensuring that local communities see tangible benefits from the agreement.
Honestly, PM Browne’s defense is understandable.
I think more transparency on the specifics of these partnerships would ease public concerns.
How you gonna give way your main industry
You see smoke is not cook they cooking, now who ever global port personnel are now have key port for moving their shipments on the tourist boat direct to their markets, the st John’s development corporation has the perfect chairman character buffered by ambassador status for diplomatic immunity, the recent barricade of heritage cay at nights to move goods, this global port nomenclature standing in for these mafias behind the scenes is making money.