Prime Minister Gaston Browne has made a direct appeal for greater female representation in Parliament, naming two candidates he believes must be part of the country’s leadership and parliament after the upcoming general election.

Speaking at the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s manifesto launch at the American University of Antigua on Monday, Browne positioned women at the center of his administration’s development agenda.

“To the women of Antigua and Barbuda, you will be essential to this Renaissance, because no nation can rise if its women are left behind,” Browne declared.

He emphasized that women are already leading across key sectors and must now be equally represented in political decision-making.

“Women now hold the most senior positions in the public service, in the banks, and increasingly in the business community… and that is a foundation on which we will continue to build,” he said.

In a notable moment during his address, Browne singled out two female candidates—Kiz Johnson and his wife Maria Browne—as key figures he wants to see elected.

“You have two young, bright ladies on our team… Kiz Johnson and Maria Browne,” he said.

Minister Maria Browne (left) and Kiz Johnson (right)

He then made a direct call to voters:

“As a priority, these two individuals should be in our Parliament after the next general elections,” Browne urged.

Framing their candidacies as part of a broader movement, he added:

“If we are serious about empowering our women, we cannot leave them out of the highest decision-making authority,” he said.

Browne went further, positioning the two candidates as pathfinders for future generations.

“I see them as trailblazers for more women to serve in the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda,” he stated.

Beyond political representation, the Prime Minister outlined wider plans to expand opportunities for women and youth, including increased support for entrepreneurship, leadership development, and access to financing.

“We will strengthen support for women in enterprise and leadership and generally in national life,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of youth empowerment, noting that young people will play a central role in driving economic growth.

“We will widen opportunities for young people… and expand youth entrepreneurship programmes,” Browne added.

The remarks come as both major political parties increase focus on youth engagement and gender inclusion ahead of the April 30 general election, with candidates like Johnson and Browne emerging as prominent faces of a new political generation.