PM Eyes Lisa Hanna to Mentor Labour Queen Contestants, Describes Pageant as Symbol of ABLP ‘Renaissance’
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he is considering inviting Jamaican parliamentarian and former Miss World, Lisa Hanna, to mentor Antigua and Barbuda’s Labour Queen contestants — part of what he described as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) ongoing “renaissance.”
Speaking on the Browne and Browne show on Pointe FM following the crowning of Danija Simon as Miss Labour Queen 2024, Browne called the annual event a “platform for national leadership” and praised this year’s contestants for their academic and professional accomplishments.
“I’m thinking about calling my friend Lisa Hanna in Jamaica, if she’s available, to get her to address them and to advise them how they can make that transition from pageantry into governance,” he said. “She’s one of the celebrated parliamentarians in Jamaica. In fact, she almost emerged as the leader of the opposition party there.”
He described the contestants as “intelligent, qualified, well-focused, and talented young ladies,” highlighting that many were pursuing tertiary education, including one currently enrolled in a master’s programme at Florida International University.
“We now have to step up the level of support we give to Queen contestants going forward,” Browne said, adding that many had already benefited from the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Fund. He called for the establishment of a formal group to support their continued development and leadership.
“They have the type of skills to play a significant role in the governance of the country. We have to create a space at the table for them,” he added.
The Prime Minister also praised the pageant’s production, which was held at the AUA campus and reportedly drew a crowd of over 1,500 people, surpassing venue capacity. He noted that attendees were eventually charged $10 for standing room due to overwhelming demand.
“They ran out of chairs. People were still outside trying to get in,” he said. “I have to say that the production last night was international in scope.”
He applauded the event’s punctual start and commended key organisers, singling out Brucella Marsh as “the brain” behind the show and Chanella Govia for her leadership of the committee.
Browne positioned the event as emblematic of broader momentum within the ABLP, describing the party as a magnet for new talent.
“What is happening within the Labour Party today is a true rebirth, a renaissance. We are attracting new, young talent. They are vibrant, creative, and they have energised the party,” he said.
The Prime Minister argued that the party’s appeal among youth reflects its openness to new ideas and leadership development, contrasting it with opposition parties.
“When you attract new talent, it depletes your political opponent and strengthens your own institution,” he said. “This cross-fertilisation of skills is growing the party.”
Browne cited recent bold policy decisions, including the increase of the ABST to 17 percent, as evidence of the government’s resolve despite a narrow parliamentary majority.
“We increased ABST to 17 percent not because we had a large majority, but because we knew it was the right thing to do,” he said. “People can see how we are investing in every area of development.”
He concluded by framing the Labour Queen pageant not merely as a spectacle, but as a meaningful contributor to national development.
“It’s not just a show. It’s a demonstration of the rising capacity of our young women — and our responsibility now is to help them rise even further.”
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So what 5he PM is really saying here is THERE ARE NO ANTIGUAN HERE ARE ABROAD THAT CAN MENTOR THESE WOMEN.
This government is hell bent on always giving Antiguans a foreigner to look up to.
This is why this country is the way it is. Low moral, low self esteem, because no one in this coup have a role model status.
Time to change this mind set and give the youth their own people to aspire. Those ladies who rowed the Atlantic must not be in vain. We are capable.
Lisa Hanna was not just a beauty queen but she is a 4 term member of Parliament. In 1993 she became the 3rd Jamaican to capture the coveted Miss World title. Her contributions to Jamaica including her work on children’s rights and environmental protection have earned her recognition as a mentor and an advocate. She is highly thought of and widely respected, not just in the political circles. I applaud Prime Minister Browne initiative and think that not only the Labour Queens can benefit from her wise council but all young women across the board and even our young men. I rate and respect Lisa Hanna highly.