President of the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, Bernard Warner, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for what he described as decisive leadership and genuine commitment to persons with disabilities.

Warner made the remarks following a public consultation at the Sir John E. St. Luce Centre, where the Prime Minister publicly addressed long-standing concerns raised by the disability community.

Warner tells Antigua.news that the Prime Minister gave specific instructions for the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) to ensure that an eighth person living with a disability—once properly verified—would be gainfully employed within a week, by the following Monday.

He also welcomed the Prime Minister’s directive to the St. John’s Taxi Association to create opportunities for persons with disabilities to apply and operate within the sector.

“It is critical that persons with disabilities are not only served, but also empowered to serve,” Warner said. “Those with lived experience understand best how to provide services to people with disabilities.”

Warner emphasized that the broader vision of making St. John’s an accessible city has long been a priority for the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, noting that members have consistently raised concerns about physical barriers and accessibility challenges throughout the capital.

“This is not only about tourists. It is about citizens—people who live, work, and move through St. John’s every day,” he stated. “Accessibility is about dignity, safety, and equal participation.”

Warner said the Prime Minister’s actions have earned his deep respect, describing him as a leader who honors his word.

“From my interactions with the Prime Minister, I know him to be a man who keeps his word. When he commits to something, he follows through.”

He further revealed that Prime Minister Browne personally instructed Ambassador Max Hurst to ensure Warner’s nomination for a national Independence Award—an announcement that Warner described as deeply humbling.

“While the award may be given to me, it is not about Bernard alone. It represents every member of the Association and every individual who has contributed to advancing the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Warner said the recognition symbolizes decades of advocacy, community service, and resilience, adding that national acknowledgement of disability advocacy is a milestone for the country.

“To be recognized and honored by one’s country is an achievement any citizen can be proud of. This recognition tells persons with disabilities that their contributions matter.”

He noted that when the Prime Minister made the announcement, it struck at the heart of the national conscience.

“He made it clear that change must begin with each citizen, and that supporting persons with disabilities is a shared responsibility.”

Warner concluded by expressing optimism for the future, citing employment opportunities, urban renewal, and the transformation of St. John’s into a truly accessible destination.

“I am excited—not just for myself, but for every person who stands beside me in the fight for justice, equity, and inclusion. Together, we are moving toward a society where persons with disabilities can enjoy the same freedoms, safety, and opportunities as every other citizen.”