Prime Minister Gaston Browne

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By – Hon Gaston Browne – Prime Minister

Yesterday’s commissioning of a new crane, marked yet another defining moment in the ongoing transformation of our maritime sector.

This follows on the EC$500M dollar investment during the past few years to modernize our cargo and cruise.

The commissioning of this new crane is not just an operational upgrade—it is a strategic investment in the future of Antigua and Barbuda.

It symbolizes our commitment to modernization, to competitiveness, and to building an economy that is agile, diversified, and globally connected.

For many years, we have spoken about the need to improve efficiency at our ports.

Yesterday, we took a major step forward.

The new crane will significantly enhance our cargo-handling capacity, reduce turnaround times, and strengthen the reliability of our operations.

These improvements will directly support business facilitation across our economy, ensuring that importers, exporters, and local entrepreneurs benefit from faster and more efficient services.

But this step is also part of a larger vision—our vision of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a premier regional transshipment port.

By expanding our capabilities, integrating modern technology, and strengthening our logistics infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a maritime hub, that can compete with the best in the Caribbean.

A fully operational transshipment port will unlock a new world of opportunities.

It will attract increased cargo volumes as major shipping lines look for efficient, reliable, and strategically located partners.

Greater volumes will, in turn, reduce freight and handling charges, bringing down the cost of doing business and lowering the cost of living for our people.

This transformation will expand government revenues through increased taxes, fees, and port-related services—allowing us to invest even more in national development.

The investment will also stimulate job creation across multiple sectors, offering employment for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young people seeking new career paths.

Beyond the port gates, the impact will ripple throughout the wider economy.

We will see the emergence of spin-off industries such as bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. These are high-value services that will create entrepreneurial opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans who wish to innovate, invest, and contribute to our maritime economy.

A modern port will also strengthen our participation in international trade.

It will open new markets for local producers, making it easier for our goods to reach regional and global destinations. And equally important, it will position Antigua and Barbuda as a gateway for imports destined for other parts of the region, enhancing our relevance in global supply chains.

When you bring all these benefits together—greater efficiency, enhanced trade, increased revenues, job creation, new business opportunities, and expanded markets—the conclusion is clear:
The transformation of our port into a transshipment hub will become a major engine of national growth and a significant contributor to our GDP.

The commissioning of this crane, is more than equipment being added to the port. It is a symbol of progress, of confidence, and of the future we are building together as a progressive people with high ambitions.

We are sending a message that Antigua and Barbuda is not standing still—that we are standing tall; advancing rapidly , investing wisely, and preparing our economy to thrive in a competitive global environment.

Let us continue to work together to realize this vision, as we transform Antigua & Barbuda into an economic powerhouse.

With continued investment, strong, visionary leadership, and the unwavering commitment of the Antigua Port Authority and the people of this nation, we will achieve our goal of becoming a true regional logistics powerhouse.

Let’s continue to chart the course to brighter future for our people.