Prime Minister Gaston Browne praised the senior members of the United Progressive Party who attended the annual

Thanksgiving Service at the St. John’s House of Restoration Center on Sunday.

This annual event brings together members of the government, parliament, and various community members to reflect on the past year and express gratitude to God.

PM Browne emphasized that the event is nonpartisan and deserves respect from all attendees.

He highlighted that 2024 was an exceptionally good year for Antigua and Barbuda, marked by significant improvements in the government’s fiscal performance, a 6% economic expansion, and a thriving banking sector.

Browne noted that just a few years ago, the banking sector was the worst performer in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

He expressed gratitude to God for providing his government with the vision to enhance the banking industry in Antigua and Barbuda.

“We had bank failures to include ABI Bank, we had an insolvent CUB that resulted in hundreds of millions in losses…in 2024, we saw a significant improvement in the fortunes of our bank, in that the three domestic banks posted a profit in excess of one hundred million dollars”, he said

Meanwhile, where issues of development are concerned Browne said there are still gaps to plug but “I am pretty sure in 2025 we will make significant progress and will take this country to a new level of development. “he said

Browne also thanked all those who made a contribution to nation-building in 2024.

“And even those who did not put their shoulders to the plug, in 2024, you have an opportunity to renew your commitment and make your contribution to nation-building. I call on all of us, to increase your ambitions in all aspects of our development, environment, social, economic, even the spiritual aspect of our development,” he said

Browne stated that his government has already established the ambitions necessary to move forward with improved plans for the country.

Deputy Leader of the United Progressive Party, Sherfield Bowen, attended the event with a sense of reverence.

He reflected on the importance of expressing gratitude within the house of the Lord.

He talked about his appreciation for the contributions made to the country throughout 2024, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging the blessings and achievements that had shaped the nation during that year.