Prime Minister Gaston Browne says reducing the cost of living will be one of Antigua and Barbuda’s highest priorities when regional leaders gather for the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia this week.

Speaking on his weekend radio programme, Browne revealed that Antigua and Barbuda will advocate for an extension of the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on selected goods while also pushing for broader regional measures aimed at lowering food prices and expanding trade with Latin America.

The Prime Minister said the Government wants CARICOM to extend the suspension beyond the current annual arrangement and broaden the list of goods eligible for duty relief.

“We have to continue looking for ways to reduce the cost of living for our people,” Browne said.

He noted that Antigua and Barbuda is also exploring opportunities to source cheaper goods from countries including the Dominican Republic and Colombia, arguing that increased competition and diversified supply chains would benefit consumers.

According to Browne, Antigua and Barbuda’s expanding port infrastructure places the country in a strong position to become a regional distribution hub for products entering the Eastern Caribbean.

He also stressed the importance of increasing local food production to reduce dependence on imports, while encouraging citizens to adopt healthier eating habits by consuming more locally produced foods.

The Prime Minister said discussions on regional food security, trade and inflation are expected to feature prominently during the CARICOM summit.