ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC -Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating its 43rdannivesary of political independence from Britain, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne saying the nation has a “good motive for a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude.
“As we speak, we not solely have a good time our independence, however we additionally reaffirm our dedication to the rules which have introduced us this far – resilience, perception in our value as a folks, and religion in our capability to succeed,” Browne stated in a nationwide radio and tv broadcast.
“Whether or not you might be in Antigua or Barbuda, a scholar, a enterprise proprietor, or a member of our diaspora, you might have a task to play in shaping the way forward for our beloved nation.
“Let’s commit to guard our surroundings, carry our communities, and construct an Antigua and Barbuda that stands as a beacon of hope, progress, and unity within the Caribbean and the world.
Allow us to proceed to climb the ladder of success,” Browne informed residents “because the nation noticed the celebrations beneath the theme “From Neighborhood Collaboration to World Positive aspects.”
He stated through the years, Antigua and Barbuda has proven the world that its residents possess an indomitable spirit, recalling that within the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, “a catastrophe that crippled many economies and devastated lives throughout the globe, we stood agency.
“Via swift, decisive motion and cautious administration, we saved lives and safeguarded livelihoods. Whereas different nations faltered, we reopened our economic system shortly and successfully, experiencing a restoration sooner than most.”
Browne stated that the economic system grew by 7.8 % in 2023, second solely to Guyana within the area, and the 2024 efficiency might be comparable, evidencing that the nation continues to steer in restoration and resilience.
“This was doable as a result of we labored collectively, with religion and willpower,” Browne stated, acknowledging that political bickering and the standard political claims sought to divide communities.
“However our society remained devoted to our frequent targets of uplifting our nation and strengthening it to satisfy each problem. However at the same time as we have a good time our achievements, we all know that a lot work nonetheless must be performed.”
Browne stated that 10 years in the past, Antigua and Barbuda functioned on an outdated socio-economic infrastructure, and faculties and different public buildings, roads, curbs and drains, water programs, the electrical energy grid, and web broadband providers had been in decay.
“We confronted unsustainable debt, financial contraction, excessive crime charges, unemployment, financial institution failure, and poverty. However we steadfastly addressed every of those issues and labored diligently to resolve them.”
However he informed the nation that the duty was not but over and urged residents to provide thanks for the achievements so far, irrespective of how small.
He stated employment has elevated to the purpose the place the nation has a labor scarcity in essential areas of its economic system, together with building and the resort sector, additional rising our dependence on imported labor.
He stated entry to training in any respect ranges and the supply of well being providers has considerably progressed and is advancing yearly.
Browne stated that as of subsequent 12 months, the federal government will spend EC$200 million (One EC greenback = 0.37 cents) to broaden the UWI 5 Islands Campus, which presently hosts over 1,000 college students. It will present much more alternatives for larger training and be certain that each younger individual has the instruments they should contribute to our nation’s future.
Browne stated there would even be enhancements and investments within the well being sector and that with the institution of a 40meg Liquid Pure Fuel electrical energy plant earlier this 12 months, the supply of electrical energy has been higher than at another time within the nation’s historical past.
“The supply of water, although difficult due to the persistent droughts, continues to enhance with the growth and improve of our water distribution system. We’ve got expanded the water manufacturing capability from three million gallons per day to roughly 8.5 million per day. That is projected to extend to 12 million per day in 2025, thereby satisfying the complete water demand of our inhabitants”.
However he stated regardless of the achievements, crime continues to be an issue.
“We’re decided to battle the criminals till they get the message and reform their methods. Our message is just: Crime & Violence won’t pay, and people who have interaction in crime and violence will undoubtedly pay.
“Our aim is to eradicate all crime in order that our houses, companies, faculties, and streets are secure. Our folks should not solely really feel secure; they should be secure,” he stated, including that we might proceed to be robust on crime.
“On the similar time, I encourage these concerned in prison actions to hunt options.
There are ample employment alternatives in sectors similar to building and hospitality—so there isn’t a justification to rob and kill.”.
Prime Minister Browne stated that Antigua and Barbuda are younger nations within the world neighborhood, with most nations controlling the world’s financial, monetary, and political programs for lots of of years.
“We emerged as an impartial nation right into a world the place our pursuits had been marginal to their considerations and our rights had been uncared for. From the outset, we decided we might carve a spot of respect within the worldwide neighborhood by taking a proactive stance on points essential to our well-being and survival.
“At instances, we marched out on our personal, satisfied that standing up for justice, fairness, and what’s proper was much better than staying silent or accepting the dictates of others. On different events, we took initiatives to create or strengthen alliances.”
He stated this philosophy helped to kind the CARICOM Neighborhood (CARICOM), the Organisation of Jap Caribbean States, the Alliance of Small Island Creating States (AOSIS), and the Fee of Small Island States on Worldwide Legislation (COSIS).
In the meantime, in extending congratulations, CARICOM Secretary Normal Dr. Carla Barnett stated CARICOM appears ahead to Antigua and Barbuda’s continued lively function in furthering regional integration.
Barnett stated that the theme chosen for this 12 months’s celebrations “underscores the significance of collective motion in reaching our shared targets.
” Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda’s assist to the area, notably within the providers sector, for which you might have lead accountability within the Quasi-Cupboard of the Convention of Heads of Authorities of CARICOM, is far appreciated,” she added.
Associated
