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PM Defends Import of Dominican Republic Construction Workers Amid Labour Shortage
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended his administration’s decision to bring in construction workers from the Dominican Republic, citing a significant shortage of local skilled labour to meet growing public and private sector demand.
The matter was raised in Parliament on Thursday by St John’s Rural West MP Richard Lewis, who questioned why the government was turning to foreign workers, and whether consideration had been given to sourcing labour from within the OECS where building codes and language barriers pose less of a challenge.
In response, Prime Minister Browne dismissed the concern as rhetorical, stating: “If it is that we do not have enough construction workers and that there’s a high demand for construction—both public and private—what are we to do?”
He explained that National Housing was unable to meet the current demand for homebuilding due to a shortage of skilled labour.
“We want to make sure that we deliver for the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and accordingly we have arranged to bring in some construction workers from the Dominican Republic.”
Browne acknowledged that the government had explored the option of OECS workers but found similar labour shortages across the region. “They do not have the excess labour at this time,” he said.
The exchange took place during Prime Minister’s Questions, with opposition MPs also querying issues ranging from delays in the road rehabilitation programme to concerns about water infrastructure and oversight mechanisms.
The Prime Minister revealed that a $100 million loan for road upgrades is still being finalized, with documentation expected within two weeks.
He said an oversight committee led by the Financial Secretary has already been established to monitor the project and ensure value for money.
When pressed about coordination with water services before roadworks begin, Browne assured the House that there is now “better coordination between APUA and Public Works.”
The session also saw tense exchanges over previous Citizenship by Investment dealings and infrastructure delays, underscoring the contentious political atmosphere as the government navigates economic recovery and development demands.
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If there’s really a shortage, why aren’t more locals being trained and certified?
Why not launch a national construction training programme instead?
Do these workers have proper permits, housing, and protections?
How long will these workers be here? What’s the long-term plan?
Government needs to publish the data on this so we can understand the real demand.
I am all for outsourcing as long as it is done correctly because:
1) The work ethics of locals are HORRIBLE and their attitudes STINK and,
2) Maybe we can benefit from new ideas and new skills
These are also our Caribbean neighbors. When Antiguans went to work I am sure they were welcomed. We can extend the same hospitality.
We don’t want them here!!! If we keep importing these racist child killers then you might as well shut down ABICE or excuse me “Sir Unknown Whiteman itching for a knighthood” Institute.. At least get to the bottom of the Chantal Crump ritualist murder! At least satisfy the local residents as to why this group is entitles to break the local traffic laws with impunity – parking how and when they like on Joseph Lane, for example, noise pollution in residential albeit low-income housing areas, their creation/maintenance of the city’s prostitution centers in and around St. John’s. It is rumored that you Spanish-speaking vagabond government Ministers are anxious to install this low-class strain into the history and development of Antigua, but be prepared to suffer painfully at the polls. Not all of us endorse this level of clandestine prostitution of our hard-fought-for freedom and dignity. Chet, Gaston, we are in observation mode!!! Be warned!!!!
When will bird people get tired of the PM spitting in their face?
I apply since January and still waiting. The office visits and calls are useless. Up to now May still no call but check back cause we soon start.
The G.F.K. and the JILLY GANGS between them have about 100 persons and every day we let folks out jail who sometimes maybe lost his or her jobs due to being inside. not to mention each year we graduate over 600 students out into the harsh world of job seeking. what is evident is lack of CARE FO THE YOUYHS. instead of blaming them for delinquency, carry them to work and pay them minimum way to start, not 50 dalla and sumn fu nyam. real salary and benefits. enough of workers there for the arabs and the political cronies to build stores and apparent all over the island but local government cand workers. I DON’T BUY IT! not every body sleeping but only a few are being listened too. ask me what i think? is all about there money not this country because if suchman not getting a cutback nothing happens in this place no matter how good the plan is.
people home cant find work, others got work to do and cant find workers. it seems there’s a problem here. the minister of labour has the right to sovlve it THATS HIS JOB. The government makes money from labour taxes so theres money to spend. so set up an agency to recieve request from home owners and contractors and just about anybody thats looking for workers to do something and then people looking for work can go in and see what work is available and apply.give id and get the info on the job. a minimum fee for application which the client will pay upon making request for the worker based on the nature of the work(exp. a days pay or no more that a weeks pay) that worker could be given the first day pay from the agency as insurance for both sides. anyways this and more could be done to curb the illusion of unemployment that keeps crime and fear for self preservation and helplessness in the minds of the hard working people of this country. overall Antiguan ppl love to work so just show us what to do and stop pretending we are lazy. and i checked, the youths rather work on site than to go work for the DON.(people who profit off criminal activity) lets try to prevent this from happening to the next generation. IF YOU CARE!
Search jobs available in Antigua…. there are so many skilled people unemployed currently. The prime Minister doesn’t care about providing for Antiguans, it’s better to feed the Dominican
We know the real reason why, we say them labour day. These same people who are being xenophobic to Hatians and others in their country, have no problem exporting their poverty to other Caribbean countries.
What if they were treated like they treat Hatians born in the DR?
If I was in trouble like Gaston brown I do the same and import Santo Domingo workers even after the killing of Chantel by a Santo Domingo girl, because my votes are needed to save me from going to prison. These workers are brought to live, if the USA government was to call for Antiguan to come to the USA to work your bread is butter, why he didn’t look Haitian? Even though I know it’s a lie that we need to import, he is doing it for PLH and other racist project over in barbuda.
The Santo Domingo paramours who’re keeping his secrets must be rewarded by any and all means necessary.
Of course he will defend every dumb move he makes, because he answers to know one.
What this man fail to realize, is that study after study have shown that work migration doesn’t benefits the country that has the work,but the country the workers are coming from.
It’s called ” conflict of interest”.
Most of the money that will be made by these workers, will indeed go back to their country. Not blaming the worker, but that’s just how it is. So bringing in workers has its drawbacks.
It is always better to feed yourself, than to look for someone else to feed you.
The logistics of bringing workers just never pan out well for any country, so it is always wise to find better options within your own country. But still in 2025 we have people in power who cannot see that.
Donald Trump won the general election on those merit’s, why, because the majority of people agree with that simple logic.
I’m not a fan of Trump, but I agree with him on a few of his policies.
By the way Gatson..your words and actions have shown that you have some kind of close ties to the DR..conflict of interest I might say. You defend them with all your might, same as the Nigerians, why? Huuumm!