PM Browne says Antiguans and Barbudans possess an indomitable spirit

Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlighted the remarkable resilience of the twin island nation in his stirring Independence Day address, emphasizing that despite numerous challenges, the people’s strength exemplifies what he refers to as an indomitable spirit.

Reflecting on the harrowing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—a catastrophe that paralyzed numerous economies and shattered lives worldwide—Browne proclaimed, “We stood firm.” He commended the swift and decisive actions taken during this crisis, which allowed the nation to save lives and safeguard livelihoods.

While many countries struggled under the weight of the pandemic, he noted proudly that his government was able to reopen the economy with remarkable speed and effectiveness, achieving a recovery that outpaced most of its regional counterparts.

Browne revealed that the nation’s economy boasted an impressive growth rate of 7.8% in 2023, placing it second only to Guyana in the Caribbean region. He conveyed optimism for 2024, suggesting that the economic performance will be comparably strong, a testament to the nation’s leadership in recovery and resilience.

This extraordinary achievement, according to Browne, was made possible through a collective effort infused with unwavering faith and determination from the citizens.Prime Minister Gatson Browne says despite various setbacks, the twin island nation has shown

“Undoubtedly, there have been political bickering and the usual political claims that sought to divide our communities, but our society as a people remained faithful to our common goals of uplifting our nation and strengthening it to meet every challenge,” according to Browne.

But even as the country celebrates its achievements, “we know that there is still much work to be done,” he said

He vividly recalled that a decade ago, our nation was grappling with a tired and outdated socio-economic infrastructure. ]

Our schools and public buildings were crumbling, the roads were riddled with potholes, curbs and drains were in desperate need of repair, and our water systems were inefficient, “ Browne said

Adding, that the electricity grid was unreliable, and internet broadband services were painfully slow, leaving many areas disconnected from the digital world.

At that time, he said residents and the entire country were ensnared in a web of unsustainable debt, experiencing a troubling economic contraction.

The streets were plagued by high levels of crime, unemployment rates soared, and many businesses faced failure, while widespread poverty cast a shadow over our communities he recalled

However, Browne said his government approached these daunting challenges with unwavering resolve, tackling each issue head-on with dedication and hard work.

While the journey is far from complete, PM Browne believes it’s evident, that the situation has remarkably improved in various aspects.