Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for bold action to establish direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean, describing connectivity as the “most urgent priority” for deepening ties between the two regions.
Speaking at the 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, Mr Browne said that despite progress on trade and cooperation, the absence of regular air and sea links continues to hold back integration. “Without air and sea bridges, our vision will remain little more than words,” he told fellow leaders.
He proposed that governments consider subsidising at least one weekly flight, arguing that the symbolic and strategic value would outweigh the cost. “That single flight will carry not only passengers but the promise of expanded trade, cultural exchange, tourism, and investment,” Mr Browne said. “It will link families divided by history and reconnect communities across the Atlantic.”
The Prime Minister suggested working with African carriers such as Ethiopian Airlines, Ghana Air and Air Peace, noting that the Caribbean had the political will to support such an initiative. He said even a modest start would demonstrate the determination to move “beyond rhetoric to concrete action.”
Connectivity, he argued, is the linchpin for advancing other areas of cooperation, from preferential trade to student exchanges. Without reliable transport links, he warned, plans for deeper economic and cultural integration would remain unrealised.
The summit, which brings together leaders from both regions, also examined opportunities in trade, youth development, and reparations for slavery and colonialism. But Mr Browne insisted that establishing physical connections across the Atlantic must be the immediate priority.
“Excellencies, the cost of inaction is far higher than the price of a subsidised route,” he said. “Let us act with urgency and make this the moment when Africa and the Caribbean choose courage over complacency.”
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Look dey!!! Our Prime Minister could easily have sent someone else to represent him here to attend this summit.
Browne should have stayed at home to try and resolve the growing gun related gun crimes and other criminal activities plaguing the island at present. and held an EMERGENCY summit meeting right here in Antigua,and calling all the movers and shakers together to try and cut-out this cancerous abhorrent abomination amongst us.
We Antiguans are not only concerned about this, but also we also wonder why the reluctance from the ABLP, the police authorities and head-honchos to address a worried and distressed nation.
Even their diehard supporters aren’t showing any real concern, unless it’s anything to do with the Honourable Harold Lovell’s return into politics.
ONE DAY THEY’LL PULL UP BROWNE & CO
Brix. You are an anti-progress and anti-better for Antigua and Barbuda. This is a Heads of Government conference and Gaston Browne has led the Caribbean charge for closer ties with the motherland. Maybe based on your suggestion, he could have sent Pringle. You are the most insular person blemishing ANR.
@ Truth Seeker (isn’t your moniker an oxymoron?😉), surely you want your elected government to tackle the HOMEGROWN issues that is currently troubling the country.
Whilst people like you take plenty time and effort to TRY and castigate concerned messengers like myself. Sadly you’ve shown that the growing crimes in Antigua is not.
I LIVE HERE, DO YOU?
Furthermore, we all know someone who at some point has suffered some sort of crime or misdemeanor.
You keep burying your “ABLP” head in the sand.
Thanks for showing the readers what you really cares about – Gaston Browne and NOT the solutions to criminality that’s engrossing Antiguans.
Now who’s being insular …
@Brix.
Stop wasting your time with these idiots. It’s only a fool would disagree with anything you just said. All you made was a worthy suggestion, but these fools has no clue about constructive criticism, they are just blinded by party layolty, and fail to see that Antigua is going to shits.
But be proud of yourself Brix..continue to fight the good fight for your place of birth.
I respect you sir.
I hear you @ Islandman26, but it’s fools like @ Truth Seeker that are keeping Gaston Browne in power (and sadly there are many many more like him).
But I will continue to highlight the falsehoods and broken manifesto promises (even though some sort of effort is now being made after 10-11 years of government neglect).
The potential is immense in this country, but unfortunately we have a leader who is more interested in the lobbyists and the money men to the detriment of hardworking Antiguans whose pockets remain on the whole EMPTY …
…and much respect to you as well.