PM Defends Local Opportunities Amid Criticism From Overseas Antiguans
Prime Minister Gaston Browne pushed back Saturday against criticism from overseas Antiguans who argue that opportunities at home are limited, saying such claims ignore economic realities and undermine national progress.
Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne programme, Browne compared the cost of living abroad with conditions in Antigua and Barbuda, arguing that salaries overseas are often offset by higher taxes and expenses.
“If they make 60,000 U.S. dollars, half of it is going to the government in taxes,” Browne said, adding that many overseas residents must also cover high costs for housing, health care, child care and transportation. “By the time they finish, they’re not seeing anything.”
Browne said some members of the diaspora portray life abroad as more prosperous while dismissing improvements at home. He encouraged skilled Antiguans living overseas to consider returning, saying many could do better locally.
“Those who have skills, I want to encourage some of them to come back home and to help us build a country,” he said, noting that economic conditions have improved significantly over the past decade.
He said immigration has played a key role in sustaining economic growth, as foreign workers fill labour shortages created by expansion in construction, tourism and other sectors.
“Practically anyone who wants a job and is not too fussy about what job they do can find a job,” Browne said, adding that immigrants are arriving regularly to take up available positions.
Browne also criticised what he described as “disloyal rhetoric” from overseas critics who, he said, regularly disparage the country while benefiting from life abroad.
“You don’t want to come back to Antigua, no worries,” he said. “But just kindly keep your criticisms to yourselves.”
He said national development requires loyalty and participation, whether citizens live at home or abroad, and argued that Antigua and Barbuda has advanced far beyond outdated perceptions held by some overseas nationals.
“People are doing significantly better than decades ago,” Browne said, pointing to rising incomes, expanded education opportunities and improvements in housing and health care.
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GASTON BROWNE,YOU ARE SURELY LIVING AN IMAGINARY DREAM IN AN IMAGINARY WORLD.DO YOU REALLY KNOW.HOW THE POOR MAN/WOMEN ARE FEELING AND SUFFERING.NO,YOU DO NOT.YOU AND YOUR MERRY MEN AND CONCUBINES COULD JUMP ON PRIVATE JETS TOMORROW,IF YOU HAVE A HEART BURN.CAN THE POOR PEOPLE OF THE NATION DO THAT? I SAY,HECK NO.THAT RADIO STATION IS GOING TO BE YOUR WATERLOO.
Gaston simply put you chatting fuckery.
This Prime Minister is still a sandwich short of a picnic basket.
He mentions about the Americans high costs of living; expensive health care, housing; and how the US government takes so much in taxes.
However, what he INTENTIONALLY ignores with the above, is when it comes to health care, the treatment is one of the best in the world – can we ssy the same for Antiguan?
Housing in the US is also in abundance, and on the whole decent to live in (my auntie can attest to this). Antigua’s Housing program leaves a lot to be desired. Remember, Maria Bird-Browne’s hasn’t hit her targets since coming into office. Fact!
And finally, yes, the Americans (pre Trump) do pay higher taxes, but who can argue that they don’t see any tangible evidence how their taxes used. Especially on infrastructures.
I’ve read the previous comments from the diaspora on why they wouldn’t return to Antigua, because they also cannot see how our taxes are used in Antigua.
As I mentioned earlier, Prime Minister Browne is a sandwich short of a picnic basket.
BTW, where is our new Diaspora ambassador Dr Dave Ray in all this kerfuffle?
HE GONE QUIET EEE …
What he resign already 🤣🤣🤣
You can’t even supply reliable water, strong internet connections, proper health care and cost of living is through the roof. If you think I am lying ,check most antiguans paying APUA bills. They can only afford partial payments. They cannot pay in full and feed their families. You think you are speaking to the ABLP minions that believe every backward statements you make? We are smarter that the kool aid drinkers in your party. What percentage of Antigua’s population making livable wages? What is our national debt? Do you and your ministers truly neutralize our health care system? Smh!
There are zero opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda. Even the ABLP leaders block you and even come on here lying about there reasons to block you. Some incompetent idiots being paid to blog and whose job is dependent of their party winning because of how dunce, corrupt and unproductive they are. There are 0 opportunities for people in Antigua and Barbuda while their incompetence gives a lot of opportunities for criminals to kills, rob, and victimize good people. ABLP PM Gaston Browne is a selfish, greedy and tyrannical leader whose incompetence is clear within the last few years.
You ever saw a leader who were provided information to stop hardship and suffering before it occurred but still made it occur when it was all avoidable and predictable?
Check their phone message to see my messages warning them of these matters before they occurred but they literally ignored to the detriment of a nation and individuals.
😂. GB, my days of working 9-5 is over, I’m in business now, but my son who was born here (29) is a software engineer and have operations to explore the Caribbean and mainly the island of his parents birth (Antigua).
Are you saying you have comparable salaries in Antigua for his in his career field?
You said $60k, but that’s not skilled professionals salaries you are quoting there sir, we are talking upwards of $175-250k salaries, and that’s US we talking about.
Are you saying that you have such opportunities in Antigua? If that was so, my goodness even I would take a shot at your offer. Even luxury car sales people here in the US will laugh at you $60k quote, and even many RN’s that are on demand in the Caribbean will laugh at your number.
And I’m talking here in Florida that doesn’t even have the highest paid professionals.
So please do your homework and stop the foolishness. Not unless you are referring to people who are bus drivers and calling that ” skilled workers”. I’m not looking down on anyone, but even truck drivers here on the states makes twice that foolish number you spit out, and some of their personal rigs are twice that.
So stop your foolishness sir..stop comparing Antigua to the US and stay in your lane..No wonder the white house has turned it’s back on you, because you keep talking crap and further detriment the your own people with your dumb loudmouth self.
Work on fixing Antigua you joker, and stop worried about the US, but we all know that’s not your strong suit either, it’s talking crap you are good at.
Stop the hate of the diaspora, and focus on those who are home. The kids in your small island are wasting away, focus on them, create jobs for them..that’s your job you fool.