PM Encourages Nationals Living Abroad To Return And Contribute To Nation Building

Prime Minister Gaston Browne is urging members of the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora to return home and play a role in the country’s development.

Speaking Saturday on the Browne and Browne show, he underscored the importance of harnessing the talents and expertise of nationals living abroad, suggesting that their return could significantly contribute to the economic and social development of Antigua and Barbuda – especially in light of the world’s current sociopolitical climate.

“Last week I would have said – quoting my dear friend Mark Brantley in Nevis – that Antigua and Barbuda might end up with a brain gain rather than a brain drain,” said PM Browne. “Those who have skills, we would want to encourage some of them to come back home and to help us to build the country.”

Prime Minister Browne highlighted the contrast between the living conditions in Antigua & Barbuda and the challenges currently faced by some Antiguans and Barbudans living overseas. He emphasized the benefits of residing in Antigua and Barbuda from a tax standpoint, while also referencing expenses such as mortgage, childcare, and transportation costs to support his argument.

“The United States, generally speaking, is far more expensive – especially when it comes to healthcare and so on – its far more expensive than living here,” explained the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the reality that some nationals living in the diaspora are becoming burdens on the social services systems of other countries, as they are not making efforts to be productive members of society. He hinted that this has played a role in shaping the policies of the current U.S. administration.

“This kind of behavior is just totally inappropriate. They are the ones that are making it difficult for others who are seeking opportunities in the United States who would like to reconnect with their family members and so on,” said Browne.

“I want to encourage our citizens, those who will continue to migrate to the United States – be it temporarily or if they resume the permanent visa system – that they become productive citizens”.

He encouraged those who have become unproductive while overseas to return to the nation, which he asserts will not only serve their own interests but also contribute to the well-being of the Antiguan and Barbudan community as a whole.

“Rather than to stay in the United States and to be unproductive, come home and build your country,” said the PM. “Many of them can do better here.”

“We don’t want them to struggle, we want them to come back home, we want them to do well. We want them to control the commanding heights of our country’s economy along with those that are living here.”