Prime Minister Gaston Browne has hailed the launch of the ACB Invest Programme/Unit by Antigua Commercial Bank (ACB Caribbean) as a pivotal development for the nation’s financial landscape, arguing that it will open new avenues for ordinary citizens to participate more meaningfully in the investment economy.

Addressing the official launch on Friday, January 17, the Prime Minister commended ACB’s Board of Directors, management, and staff for establishing the dedicated wealth management unit, which he said strengthens the country’s financial infrastructure and provides customers with alternatives to traditional savings accounts that often yield minimal returns.

Browne stressed that ACB Invest should not be perceived as an exclusive service for high-net-worth individuals, but rather as a platform for financial empowerment. He noted that wealth management is frequently misunderstood, but at its core, it is about helping individuals make informed financial decisions to safeguard their earnings, build assets, and enhance long-term security.

The Prime Minister used the occasion to reiterate his longstanding advocacy for entrepreneurship and investment, urging Antiguans and Barbudans to leverage their skills, creativity, and resources to generate sustainable wealth for themselves and future generations. He emphasized the importance of intergenerational prosperity, saying that true nation-building requires a deliberate commitment to passing on opportunities rather than hardships.

Reflecting on his government’s economic strategy over the past decade, Browne said his administration has focused on transforming income into assets, expanding domestic ownership, and fostering what he described as a “stakeholder society.” He argued that this approach is designed to ensure that citizens maintain greater control over key sectors of the economy while reducing reliance on external entities that repatriate profits abroad.

The Prime Minister also highlighted several macroeconomic indicators as evidence that the country’s development model is bearing fruit. He pointed to a significant reduction in the national debt-to-GDP ratio, inflation below three percent, and average annual economic growth of approximately six percent over the past five years. Much of this growth, he said, has been driven by sustained investment in tourism and construction, supported by robust foreign direct investment inflows.

Browne further called on citizens to prioritize financial planning, disciplined saving, and investment literacy as essential skills in today’s economic environment. He also encouraged financial institutions to deepen their collaboration with national development initiatives.

Expressing confidence in the new programme, the Prime Minister said he believes ACB Invest will play a critical role in bridging the gap between savings and investment, channeling capital into productive sectors, and ultimately strengthening families, communities, and the national economy.