Maria Browne Receives Overwhelming Praise from Colleagues

Maria Vanessa Bird-Browne has garnered overwhelming support and praise from her colleagues

According to Sir Molwyn Joseph, her notable impact has been evident since her appointment as Minister for Housing, Works, Lands, and Urban Renewal and Minister of State in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety, and Labour.

Her diverse portfolio of responsibilities within the government is quite impressive, according to him

Looking back at her portfolio, it may be fitting to mention that controversy seems to have followed her ministry under every administration, from protests by quarry workers to demonstrations by dissatisfied staff; the ministry has certainly faced its fair share of challenges.

Sir Molwyn said he is certainly impressed with her performance

He said her articulation, brilliance, and sense of reasoning are perhaps why work has bolstered within her ministry, and workers seem to be getting along better than before.

“I am fortunate because I have been in many Cabinets. She [Maria] has a very sharp intellect; people must not underestimate that talent. This young lady is a rare talent and is mature beyond her age. She is articulate; she can present her argument well. It is important because we must begin to groom young leaders in this country. She has tremendous capacity at all levels…” he said

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Browne the husband of Maria, said the culture has changed since she took over the Ministry of Lands and Housing

“I find that the workers are giving her better support than they had given the other ministers. She understands the nature of the job. She is very methodical; she takes notes, and at every Cabinet meeting, she delivers presentations in terms of what she has and what she needs. She has really grown significantly,” he said

In 2018, she made history by becoming the youngest lawmaker in Antigua and Barbuda and the youngest female member of parliament across the Commonwealth.

Notably, she is part of a distinguished political family, as both her grandfather, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr, and her uncle, Sir Lester Bryant Bird, were influential prime ministers of the country.

In addition to her political endeavors, Bird-Browne is the first lady of Antigua and Barbuda, and her husband, Gaston Browne, is the current prime minister.

Her educational background includes attending Christ the King High School and obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.