Villa Primary Students Get Leadership Lessons During Visit with PM Gaston Browne

Students and teachers from Villa Primary School were given a firsthand look at national leadership on Tuesday when they paid a special visit to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for an engaging and educational exchange.

Despite a packed national schedule, Browne welcomed the young visitors for what turned into an interactive session focused on civic responsibility, education, and the inner workings of government in Antigua and Barbuda.

Addressing the students, the Prime Minister emphasized the value of education, encouraging them to take their studies seriously and to begin preparing now for their future roles in society.

“Your education is the foundation for whatever you want to become,” he told the group, urging them to remain disciplined and focused.

The discussion evolved into an impromptu civics lesson, with Browne outlining the structure of the country’s parliamentary democracy. He explained the three branches of government — the Executive (Cabinet), the Legislature (Parliament), and the Judiciary (the courts) — and how each plays a vital role in ensuring balance and accountability.

The Prime Minister also described how political parties contest general elections and form the government, noting the significance of party symbols and colours during election campaigns — a detail that sparked curiosity among the students.

The visit carried special meaning for Browne, who reminded the group that he himself once walked the halls of Villa Primary School.

“I sat where you are sitting,” he shared, reflecting on his own journey from primary school student to national leader.

Teachers expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the session as both informative and inspiring for the students.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to expose young people to civic education and leadership, reinforcing the importance of active participation in national development from an early age.