By Aabigayle McIntosh

Prime Minister Gaston Browne is taking comfort in his government’s track record and its ability to continue to drive economic growth in the twin island states.

Giving his initial reaction to the 2013 Speech from the Throne, PM Browne said the speech by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams was condensed because he is very confident of his government’s track record and their ability to drive continued growth.

According to Browne significant growth was recorded over the past two years and this will be repeated in the coming year.

“By the end of next year, the country’s economy will be close to EC$6 billion showing that my administration has done well to grow the country’s economy and to provide opportunities for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

“Within the last few days, we have had the announcement of two luxury brands One and Only which will be constructed at the Half-Moon Bay property site as well as a Rosewood which will be constructed in Barbuda,” Browne said in a state media interview.

Another hurdle the government has had to overcome is climate change and its impact on the country’s water supply.

PM Browne said plans are in the pipeline for more significant upgrades in the coming year.

“We are also in the process of raising financing to do a complete re-piping because the pipes that were laid over 100 years ago are old and are not very reliable. So, in essence, we are building out the country’s socio-economic infrastructure so that we can position Antigua and Barbuda for sustained growth for resilient prosperity,” the nation’s leader said.