Government in Talks to Import Workers from DR to Address Labour Shortage in Antigua
Minister Rawdon Turner is currently engaged in negotiations to bring skilled workers to Antigua and Barbuda as the country faces a critical labour shortage in key sectors. So says Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
This effort is part of a broader initiative to support the island’s expanding economy, particularly in hospitality and construction.
On Saturday, Browne highlighted the dire need for workers, stating that the rapid economic growth and increased construction activities, fueled by foreign investments, have created a significant gap in the labour market.
“We’re experiencing shortages in sectors such as hotels and construction, which has led us to import workers,” Browne noted.
The ongoing national housing programme has been particularly affected, with construction stalling due to insufficient labour. In response, Turner is negotiating with the ambassador of the Dominican Republic to secure workers who can help alleviate the strain.
“It’s essential for us to bring in skilled labour to keep our development projects on track,” said Turner.
Browne emphasized the unprecedented nature of this move, recognizing the critical role foreign workers will play in sustaining momentum in various development projects across the nation. As the government aims to navigate these challenges, both leaders remain optimistic about the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/03/31/government-in-talks-to-import-workers-from-dr-to-address-labour-shortage-in-antigua. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Comments (10)
Concern citizen March 31, 2025, 6:16 AM
Unruly One March 31, 2025, 11:59 AM
Donna March 31, 2025, 6:59 PM
We don’t have factories, so why does the government need to outsource for cheap labour?
This summer coming up, we will be having thousands of students leaving secondary school, college, UWI, ABIIT, ABICE, and ABHTI looking for jobs in the different fields of employment.
Anonymous March 31, 2025, 6:24 AM
Donna March 31, 2025, 7:08 PM
Juju Bee March 31, 2025, 9:08 AM
Stone March 31, 2025, 9:22 AM
FedUp April 1, 2025, 9:09 AM
Luka Johnson March 31, 2025, 11:11 AM
AAB March 31, 2025, 9:05 PM
……..Or is it that The Ones They Require MUST SUPPORT THIS ADMINISTRATION IF THEY WANT WORK??? …….THIS ADMINISTRATION has done NOTHING To TRAIN Skill Workers in ANY FIELD That Is Needed Locally for ALL OF ITS YEARS IN ADMINISTRATION……. SHAME SHAME SHAME ….. …… ASK THEM WHAT ABICE HAS BEEN DOING ALL THE YEARS OF ITS EXISTENCE …….WHAT of the Programs Carried out by our Antigua State College for Years???? ……. I am Sick and Tired of How THIS Administration PULL WOOL Over The Eyes of The People In THIS Nation in Its Bid to work AGAINST Our Local and OECS NATIONALS ……! Maybe except the Ones who SUPPORT The SITTING ADMINISTRATION!!!! …….. WHY???? What is The REAL Agenda Here???? Why go to the Dominican Republic….. The Language Barrier Just might make it EASIER to get persons into the PARTY that SUPPORTS The Present Administration….. Let Us be UPFRONT And CALL A SPADE A SPADE…… We All Know that Many Persons from THIS COUNTRY (Some Quite FALSELY) Claim Antiguan Heritage …. BINGO!!!!!! ……. LOOK Under The TABLE People!!!!
WISE UP …… 🌻😇🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿😭