Prime Minister Gaston Browne used Tuesday’s V.C. Bird Day wreath-laying ceremony to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the social and economic advancement of every citizen in Antigua and Barbuda.

Addressing a gathering of government officials, diplomats, students, and union representatives at the Father of the Nation’s bust on Lower Market Street, the Prime Minister said his government remains focused on strengthening key sectors that shape national development.

Browne told the audience that his administration is determined to ensure progress reaches all corners of society. He highlighted agriculture, health care, and education as central pillars of the government’s growth agenda, noting that investments in these areas are critical to safeguarding the nation’s long-term stability.

“In agriculture, we will continue to increase investments to secure food sovereignty and strengthen food security,” the Prime Minister stated. He added that significant upgrades to the health sector remain a priority, including the introduction of a national health insurance scheme next year aimed at providing wider and more affordable access to medical care.

Education, he said, stands at the heart of Antigua and Barbuda’s transformation. Browne announced that the government will advance every level of the education system—from early childhood to university—and confirmed a major US$200 million expansion of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus beginning next year. The goal, he said, is to empower Antiguans and Barbudans to compete confidently on the world stage.

“We want to ensure that our people stand toe-to-toe with anyone globally,” he said, emphasizing that a strong education system is key to building a skilled and resilient population.

The Prime Minister also pointed to ongoing support for entrepreneurship, noting that the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurial Fund continues to create opportunities for small business owners and emerging innovators. So far, he said, more than $7 million has been loaned through the programme, with additional funding expected in the coming year to help citizens pursue new ventures.

As the nation celebrated the legacy of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, Browne closed his remarks by underscoring the government’s responsibility to build on the foundation laid by the country’s founding leaders. He said the administration’s goal is to create lasting avenues of growth so that all citizens can share in Antigua and Barbuda’s progress.