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Prime Minister Gaston Browne
The ambitious initiative to revitalize the deteriorating homes in Booby Alley has been a long-standing commitment of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, spanning an impressive 25 years.
His overarching aspiration is to gather sufficient resources to eradicate poverty nationwide.
On Monday, the government officially launched the groundbreaking ceremony for an ambitious EC$50 million urban renewal project, generously funded by the People’s Republic of China.
This significant endeavor comes after years of hurdles, including protests, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and various legal obstacles.
Despite these setbacks, Prime Minister Browne has remained unwavering in his vision for the community’s transformation.
The project aims to tear down and replace 130 crumbling wooden structures, many of which have been neglected for over 40 years.
For Prime Minister Browne, this urban renewal effort is not just a project; it symbolizes the core proposals he has championed for his constituency since embarking on his political journey in 1999.
His dedication to revitalizing Booby Alley and uplifting its residents reflects a deep commitment to improving the living conditions and future prospects for all.
“I have always remained optimistic and determined to fulfill my promises to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. I believed this would come to fruition. Initially, I proposed the redevelopment of this area and sought funding from R. Allen Sanford, who agreed to invest several million dollars. However, after our government lost power in 2004, the project fell through,” he reminisced.
When the ABLP returned to power in 2014, PM Browne was able to collaborate with the People’s Republic of China on redeveloping Booby Alley.
“There was a vision established in writing 25 years ago, and tonight you heard Maurice Merchant, the master of ceremonies, refer to the document I created, outlining my pledge to redevelop this area. This is not politically motivated; it’s a sincere commitment to the people,” he emphasized.
According to PM Browne, having grown up in severe poverty fuels his disdain for it. “Even now, my biggest concern in politics, despite facing criticism and falsehoods, is witnessing pockets of poverty in the country. It troubles me no matter where it exists,” he noted.
The Prime Minister expressed a desire for the government to have the resources to eradicate all poverty in the nation.
Nevertheless, he holds onto hope that poverty will eventually be eliminated, even if it doesn’t occur during his tenure.
Kudos to PM Browne in this endeavor. Keep on keeping on;however, be mindful that it will be a much harder hurdle to overcome the poverty mindset. Employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, social services such as counseling; access to adequate health care, affordable nutritious food and clothing all have to be addressed and sustained. It can and must be done with dedicated tax dollars from businesses that are thriving in our twin island nation. These businesses must be made to pay their fair share as well as provide employment opportunities for our citizens. The government must also provide training and employment.