Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivered a wide-ranging address on Monday night as Antigua and Barbuda joined in celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Speaking before dignitaries, diplomats, and government officials, Browne commended China’s meteoric rise on the global stage while highlighting the nation’s tangible contributions to the development of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Prime Minister reflected on his personal visits to China in 2000 and again in 2024, describing them as eye-opening experiences that revealed the extraordinary transformation of the Asian giant.

“What I saw in 2024 was a modern, technologically advanced nation that has defied all odds, overcoming the legacies of fascism and colonialism,” Browne remarked. He said China’s resilience and determination continue to inspire small developing countries, proving that “with vision and unity, great progress is possible.”

Browne emphasized the philosophical alignment between Antigua and Barbuda and China, pointing to shared values of sovereignty, non-interference, mutual respect, and win–win cooperation.

He noted that China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative have been instrumental in creating opportunities for developing nations, including Antigua and Barbuda.

The Prime Minister highlighted China’s benevolence through direct financial assistance, including a recent US$100 million grant dedicated to poverty alleviation and national development.

He also underscored that such generosity stands in stark contrast to the policies of some international financial institutions. “Unlike the World Bank and others, China provides concessional loans on terms that allow small nations to breathe and grow,” Browne stated.

One of the centerpiece projects underwritten by China is the long-awaited Booby Alley housing redevelopment. Browne described it as “a project that touches the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” stressing that the initiative will deliver modern homes and dignified living conditions to families in one of St. John’s oldest communities.

“This project is not just about concrete and steel,” Browne said. “It is about lifting people out of poverty, restoring pride in a historic neighborhood, and proving that no community is forgotten.” He thanked the Chinese government for recognizing the importance of the project and ensuring that it remains a national priority.

Beyond Booby Alley, Browne pointed to a series of transformative projects made possible by China’s support:
•⁠ ⁠The establishment of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, which he described as “a gateway to higher education for our young people.”
•⁠ ⁠The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, which has become a regional sporting hub.
•⁠ ⁠Investments in seaports and airports that position Antigua and Barbuda as a potential transshipment hub and tourism leader in the Caribbean.
“These are not token projects,” Browne emphasized. “They are pillars of our nation’s growth and symbols of what genuine partnership can achieve.”