Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on Antiguans and Barbudans to remain fearless and optimistic in the face of mounting challenges, declaring that the country must stand firm against what he described as discriminatory and bullying practices by powerful interests.

Browne delivered the message in the closing minutes of his Emancipation Day address, using the struggles and eventual triumph of Antigua and Barbuda’s ancestors as a source of encouragement for the modern nation.

“Do not fear. Do not despair. Soldier on in optimism for a brighter future. Do not worry, my dear people,” Browne told the nation.

“Do not fear. We are covered by God’s almighty hand. The challenges that are meant to break us will certainly make us stronger.”

The Prime Minister urged citizens to remember the determination demonstrated by their ancestors, who endured centuries of slavery, exploitation and colonial rule while continuing their struggle for freedom and dignity.

“Be encouraged by the triumph of our forebears, who struggled for hundreds of years, but were courageous and never succumbed to wrong,” Browne said.

He then called on the country to “stand firm against the evil, discriminatory, and bullying practices of the powerful.”

Browne said Antigua and Barbuda must continue its transformation despite the challenges confronting the country.

He reaffirmed his vision of building the nation into what he calls a “lifestyle superpower,” saying the government would continue pursuing economic opportunities, strengthening democracy and defending national sovereignty.

The Prime Minister said emancipation should not only be commemorated as a historical event marking the abolition of slavery.

Instead, he argued that the “unfinished work of emancipation” requires modern societies to ensure that justice triumphs over inequality, opportunity replaces exclusion and every individual is afforded human dignity.

Earlier in the address, Browne traced the journey of Antiguans and Barbudans from slavery through the labour movement, universal suffrage, constitutional advancement, Associated Statehood and finally Independence in 1981.

He said the resilience demonstrated throughout that history should inspire the country as it confronts today’s difficulties.

“Let’s fight on as a fearless nation, with fearless soldiers, and continue to lead the transformation of our country into a lifestyle superpower,” Browne said.

He ended the national address with a prayer for Antigua and Barbuda and a broader appeal for justice and peace.

“May God Almighty continue to bless Antigua and Barbuda. May he guide us in the pursuit of justice, peace, love, and resilient prosperity,” Browne said.