Press Releases & Events
GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TO ENHANCE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Innovative partnership to enhance Culinary Arts and Business innovation
July 15, 2024 (TORONTO) – George Brown College (GBC) signed a dynamic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, Antigua and Barbuda today. This significant event marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at advancing technical and vocational training, as well as supporting Culinary Arts and Business Innovation programming in Antigua and Barbuda.
Hon. Daryll Matthew – Minister of Education, Sports and The Creative Industries
As quoted by Hon. Daryll Matthew – Minister of Education, Sports and The Creative Industries, “The development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Antigua and Barbuda is crucial for fostering economic growth and addressing skill shortages in the labour market. By equipping individuals with practical skills and competencies in various trades and professions, TVET programs enhance employability and productivity, contributing to a more dynamic and diversified economy. Furthermore, TVET plays a pivotal role in reducing youth unemployment and poverty, promoting social inclusion, and enabling sustainable development by aligning educational outcomes with the needs of local industries.”
The partnership is part of a broader strategic initiative with the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and George Brown College and will:
Train the Trainer Programs: Implementing capacity-building programs in technical and vocational education areas such as construction, electricals, refrigeration, culinary arts, and business innovation.
Professional Development Opportunities: Leveraging Global Affairs Canada programming and other organizations to support professional development opportunities for faculty from Antigua and Barbuda, enabling knowledge and skills upgrading in Canada and to support enhanced contributions to local economic development in Antigua and Barbuda.
2+2 Articulation Modalities: Establishing pathways for students from Antigua and Barbuda to complete GBC degrees and other qualifications in Canada or through online and hybrid learning, particularly in Culinary Arts and Business Innovation, thus enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial potential of participants.
“George Brown College is thrilled to partner with Antigua and Barbuda to enhance educational and economic outcomes,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President, George Brown College. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to academic excellence and international partnerships. It provides valuable opportunities for growth and development, equipping diverse learners and educators alike with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a global economy.”
The partnership aligns with GBC’s 2026 strategy promoting learner-focused excellence, accountability, diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is aimed at creating a skilled workforce in Antigua and Barbuda by enabling their faculty to upgrade their knowledge and skills in Canada and contribute to their local economic development.
Learn more about the Ministry of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, Antigua and Barbuda
Discover more about George Brown College programs
About the Ministry of Education, Sport and Creative Industries, Antigua and Barbuda
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda is a government ministry responsible for overseeing and implementing policies related to education, sports and Creative Industries in Antigua and Barbuda. The ministry's primary mission is to provide quality education to all Antiguans and Barbudans, from early childhood through tertiary education. This includes developing and implementing curriculum frameworks, providing teacher training and ensuring access to education for all students, regardless of background or ability.July 15, 2024
2024 New Year’s Day Address to the Nation
By the Honourable Gaston A. Browne
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
My Fellow Citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda,
As we stand at the dawn of 2024, I am filled with immense gratitude for the productive journey we have undertaken together.
Equally, I am also filled with great optimism to travel together up the pathway that is illuminated so brightly before us.
Let us begin this New Year by expressing our deepest thanks to the Most High, for the successes of the years gone by.
In the face of adversity, our nation has not only weathered the storm, but has emerged with resilience and strength, demonstrating the true spirit of our indomitable people.
The United Nations Commission on Latin America and the Caribbean reports that our economy achieved remarkable growth in 2023, soaring by 8.5%. This is keeping with the 8.6 percent average rate of growth for the past three years, as reported by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
Looking ahead, the projection for 2024 is equally favorable, with an expected growth rate of 8.2%.
It is noteworthy that, apart from Guyana with its oil and gas wealth, Antigua and Barbuda's rate of growth has consistently outpaced all other nations in this hemisphere.
Our success is not a result of mineral or, natural resource endowments like oil and gas; it is a testament to sound economic policies and the diligence of our business community and workers who have maximized the benefits of our limited resources.
We did not have divine power, but God Almighty surely accompanied us, guiding our efforts, as we turned sand, sea and sun into sustaining jobs and opportunities that are bettering the lives of our people.
I am proud – and deeply honoured – to lead the people I love to this collective achievement, against both external and internal challenges.
And, let me be clear;
I love all my people, including my political opponents and detractors.
In my heart, I search for reason in their arguments, and I rejoice when I find them; for they fill me with hope that we might yet achieve, together, the common objectives that will make our nation better, our people stronger, and our purpose resolute.
Equally, I am disappointed when, in seeking reason in their behaviour, I encounter only irrationality and, sometimes malice, in putting partisan political objectives before national development.
Nothing gives me greater happiness and inner satisfaction, than working with all the people of Antigua and Barbuda to achieve the happiness and advancement we each seek as individuals and that we all desire as a nation.
Ahead of us are abundant employment and business opportunities, resulting from our administration's great success in building investor confidence in our country.
It is no coincidence that our country is ranked among the top nations of the Caribbean that is attracting the highest level of investment.
The attraction of luxury properties lies at the fulcrum of our projected robust growth of more than 8 percent in 2024, that UN ECLAC and ECCB now positively forecasts for our beloved country.
Already vibrant and busy; our construction sector is expected to experience a phenomenal growth rate of 10% in this New Year.
This means the creation of more jobs than our labour market can provide.
Consequently, without threatening any existing jobs for locals, and without denying work to any local person interested in the construction industry, we may have to look for imported short-term labour to help complete our building projects.
In the National Budget Statement in Parliament a few days ago, I detailed many of the Private and public sector projects that will make our country continue to flourish.
I highlight again several of these major investments in hotel undertakings, including the Peace Love and Happiness (PLH) project in Barbuda, which will continue to contribute significantly to economic upliftment and job creation.
Other initiatives, such as the Royalton Chic, Paradise Found, the One & Only Hotel at Half Moon Bay and the Rosewood Barbuda project, will not only provide jobs, but they will also create opportunities for our people, to provide support services from which additional earnings can be made.
Public sector projects, such as the airport rehabilitation, port expansion, and educational facility expansions; will also provide job and business opportunities, even as they form the foundation for our nation's sustainable progress and prosperity.
I believe that we have good cause to be proud of the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC).
I am proud both as a national of Antigua and Barbuda, and as the instrument of the people, that created the strategic investment in WIOC.
From an entity in which we earned a pittance for many years, the present WIOC will continue to contribute to the enhancement of our nation's economic growth.
It will expand further in 2024 into renewable energy and other areas, earning us increased national revenues.
In 2024, my government will scale up investments in water production, road repairs, and agriculture to ensure that all in our country enjoy a better quality of life.
Do not believe for one second that I am not concerned about the inconsistency in the production and distribution of water.
I am.
We intend to make additional investments to increase the reliability of water production and distribution in 2024.
We have indicated to the staff at APUA that we want consistent results and we will be holding them accountable to high standards of performance.
And so, my fellow citizens and residents, 2024 must be a year with a difference.
It must be marked by exciting achievements as we host both the United Nations 4th SIDS conference and several Cricket World Cup matches.
Our country will be buzzing with the preparation and delivery of these important events.
Thousands of people, representing governments, private sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, international financial institutions and many others, will gather here on our shores.
It is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the hospitality of our people, the attractions of our country, and our capacity as a society; to show that we can match major venues in the world.
No one should leave here without enjoying and acknowledging the appeal of our country and the charm of its people.
They must all want to come back to Antigua and Barbuda – these brilliant islands in the sun.
That responsibility falls to all of us.
We must rise to the occasion, as I know we can.
My fellow citizens and residents,
I am obliged on this occasion, as we look forward to a year of continuing progress, to sound a word of caution about increasing incidents of violence involving our youth.
This matter saddens me, as I am sure it distresses all responsible adults in our beloved homeland.
We have seen or heard of how youth violence has spiralled in other parts of the Caribbean, with homicides rising and parents terrified for their children.
This phenomenon must find no welcome here.
All our social and economic advancement could be blighted by the rise in youth violence.
That's why all of us must come together to convert the energy and aspirations of our youth into focussed and disciplined pursuit of better lives.
We must persuade our young people to embrace education and training and to seize opportunities for employment and for honest earnings. Earnings that can buy them property, allow them to invest, and also, to contribute to their families, and their nation.
They must be helped to pursue worthy and productive activities which fill them with pride and by which their nation can honour them.
My Government is providing the education and training opportunities through its investment in schools and scholarships that are open to all.
We have established and capitalized the entrepreneurial development fund with millions of dollars to facilitate entrepreneurship, including youth entrepreneurship.
We are also attracting the investments that create jobs and small business services that earn money.
Considering the myriad opportunities available to our youth; there is little or no excuse for delinquent or violent behaviour by our youth.
To stop growth of this worrisome development, urgent and sustained interventions are required by all stakeholders, starting with parents.
It requires the active participation of all, to stunt it at its root and to redirect the development of our youth in areas that will bring them social acceptance and personal rewards.
2024 can be another pillar of hope and prosperity for all in our nation.
The investment is in place; more employment is being created and business is flourishing.
I urge everyone to take advantage of these gainful circumstances to create a more compassionate, empathetic, and cohesive culture of peace and unity.
In wishing you all a very happy New Year, I urge that we all be guided by Jeremiah, Chapter 29, verse 11:
"For I know the plans I have for you
plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future."
Let us grasp those plans and build our glorious future.
God bless you, and God bless our beloved Antigua and Barbuda.
CARICOM at 50, is cause for celebration and an inspiration to achieve full political union during its next 50 years, says Prime Minister Browne
PORT-OF-SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago – 4th July 2023 — “CARICOM at 50, is cause for celebration and an inspiration to achieve full political union during its next 50 years.”
Those were the words of Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne in his statement marking the 50thh Anniversary of the creation of CARICOM on Tuesday 4th July while attending the 45th Conference of Heads of the Community here.
Prime Minister Browne noted that the occasion must also be cause for inspiring the region to achieve one Caribbean nation, in which lies the salvation of all; as one people, with a common destiny.
“Work remains to be done; let us strengthen our commitment to achieving a robust, resilient and sustainable integration movement that will improve the living standards and self actualization objectives of us all,” he said.
Reflecting on the many successes of CARICOM, Prime Minister Browne said that the aim of the grouping has also been and remain a region united and strong; a region reflective of the one identity of the Caribbean people; and a region that, in the expression of its creativity and innovation, is respected in the world.
He pointed out that during its 50 years, events have occurred that deflected succeeding generations from achieving that ultimate goal of a perfect union.
The 50th anniversary of CARICOM, he said, “Should not be divorced from its place in the continuum of Caribbean striving for the betterment, upliftment and development of the Caribbean region and its people.”
“CARICOM has been a vital vehicle for the deepening of Caribbean integration, and it must continue to be the chariot that we will ride to greater goals in regional transportation – by both air and sea- which are imperative for bonding our one Caribbean homeland.
It must also be the machinery by which we achieve food security; climate security; and the empowerment of all our people by tearing down the barriers to their growth and prosperity, through the creation of a Single Market and Economy,” stated Prime Minister Browne.
We produce below in full, the text of the Hon. Gaston Browne’s statement on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the creation of CARICOM.
Prime Minister Browne is seen with his colleagues of CARICOM, the Prime Ministers of Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Grenada and the President of Guyana. He is also seen in an embrace with former CARICOM Secretary General Sir Edwin Carrington.
Antigua and Barbuda: eligible travellers from 13 more countries now qualify for visa-free travel to Canada
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has now announced the addition of 13 countries to the electronic travel authorization (eTA) program. Travellers from these countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. Effective today, eligible travellers from Antigua and Barbuda can benefit from the program.
Quick facts:
The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need to travel to or transit through Canada by air.
The eTA application is used by Canadian officials to conduct light-touch, pre-travel screening of air travellers. It costs CAN$7 to apply, and most applications are automatically approved within minutes.
To apply for an eTA, travellers need only a valid passport, a credit card, an email address and access to the Internet.
Antigua and Barbuda is one of the 13 additional countries whose eligible citizens may now benefit from visa-free travel.
Over the last 10 years, Canada issued 5,980 temporary resident visas to citizens from Antigua and Barbuda. These individuals, along with current US non-immigrant visa holders, may now be eligible for visa-free travel.
Please see attached for your information an issues note from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Antigua and Barbuda press release that the High Commission of Canada has shared with media outlets.
Issue Note - eTA Expansion 2023 – click to view PDF
Media Release - eTA Expansion - Antigua and Barbuda – click to view PDF
Here are the links to the IRCC news release:
For your information, IRCC, Global Affairs Canada & the High Commission will be sharing an ongoing social media campaign. You can follow IRCC at:
Facebook.com/CitCanada
Twitter.com/CitImmCanada
Instagram.com/CitImmCanada
Caribbean News Global – June 6, 2023 — Antigua – Barbuda welcomes inclusion of nationals on Canada’s non-visa program … Read More
Prime Minister Gaston Browne in handshake with UN Secretary General António Guterres.
Prime Minister Browne holds meaningful dialogue with top UN officials and diplomatic partners during visit to New York
NEW YORK, NY - USA – 30th May, 2023 — Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne held meetings with major diplomatic partners and top officials in the United Nations during his recent trip to New York on a wide range of important matters to include Antigua and Barbuda hosting of a major international gathering of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) next year.
Prime Minister Browne travelled to the United States last week where he joined the former Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg to co-chair the High-Level Panel on the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).
During the busy two days of meetings, he met with the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres and the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, Ms Rabab Fatima.
The UN Secretary General renewed the United Nations support for the conference and confirmed that he will be in Antigua and Barbuda for the Fourth SIDS Conference, likely to take place mid-2024.
Prime Minister Browne also used the opportunity to impress on Secretary-General Guterres the need for United Nations support in building the required consensus and agreement for the MVI to be an effective tool that vulnerable island nations can use in building sustainable economies.
In his meeting with Ms Fatima, the UN official praised the Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister and the team of experts for their diligent work in creating an MVI for small island states, which is a major area of her concentration at the level of the United Nations.
Prime Minister Browne acknowledged to both the Secretary General and the USG the second visit by the United Nations team to Antigua Barbuda, in preparation for the fourth SIDS conference scheduled for 2024. The visit will occur during the week of June 5th and will be headed by the Under Secretary General of the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the Conference Mr. Li Junhua.
Prime Minister Browne also held a bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dame Barbara Woodward.
During their meeting, he expressed his gratitude to the UK for their support on the work of the MVI and its strong and devoted interest in bringing it to reality. Ambassador Woodward indicated to Prime Minister Browne that the UK Government is also taking a keen interest in the Fourth SIDS Conference and will be providing technical and financial support to Antigua and Barbuda in the lead up to the Conference.
Prime Minister Browne also held a bilateral meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations H.E Gilad Erdan, during which they discussed Visa free arrangements between the two countries. The Prime Minister also sought to tap into the possibilities for cooperation in addressing Antigua and Barbuda’s water issues, as well as agriculture technology and health.
In this connection, Prime Minister Browne accepted the invitation from the Israeli government for Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. EP Chet Greene to visit Israel within the next two months to sign off on areas of cooperation.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne in meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, Ms Rabab Fatima.
Photo of Under Secretary General of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and Secretary General of the SIDS4 Conference, Mr. Li Junhua. Mr. Junhua is expected in Antigua and Barbuda next week in preparation for the global gathering of island nations.
Prime Minister Browne, flanked by Antigua and Barbuda's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Walton Webson and Deputy Permanent Representative Tumasie Blair in bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dame Barbara Woodward.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne in handshake with United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dame Barbara Woodward.
Government of Antigua and Barbuda
The CABINET PORTFOLIO
Government announces elimination of work permits for nationals of CARICOM and Dominican Republic
Prime Minister Gaston Browne with his fellow CARICOM colleague Prime Minister Mia Motley of Barbados. Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene’s back turned to the camera. (Digital photo compliments CARICOM)
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – January 7, 2023 — The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, consistent with its obligations under Articles 45 and 46, clauses 2 (iii) and 3 of the CARICOM Treaty, has decided to eliminate the requirement for work permits for nationals of CARICOM Community countries who are gainfully employed in Antigua and Barbuda, effective January 1st, 2023.
The Government has also decided that, in keeping with Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the economic integration of the Caribbean region, the elimination of work permits for persons who are gainfully employed, will be extended to people from the Dominican Republic.
In combination with an earlier Government decision to waive all unpaid work permit fees, which were due up to 31st December 2022, this means that all nationals of CARICOM countries and the Dominican Republic who are now in Antigua and Barbuda and are gainfully employed will not be required to pay for a work permit.
These decisions are an acknowledgement of (i) the role that our Caribbean brothers and sisters have played, alongside native Antiguans and Barbudans, in the development of our country; and (ii) the need for labour as our economy expands.
Antigua and Barbuda is a founding member of CARIFTA, which preceded the establishment of CARICOM. Antigua and Barbuda is also a founder of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, whose nationals already enjoy freedom from work permits. Two of our National Heroes, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird and Sir Lester Bird were committed regionalists, as is a third National Hero, Sir Vivian Richards, who led CARICOM nationals in the West Indies Cricket team – the most integrated sport in the Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda is continuing to live-up to its commitment to regional integration.
2023 New Year’s Day Address to the Nation
by the Honourable Gaston Browne
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
Independence Greeting from the Consul General
to the Antigua and Barbuda Diaspora, Canada
November 2022
Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans,
Happy 41st anniversary of Independence!
On the occasion of Antigua and Barbuda's 41st anniversary of Independence, I am pleased to extend warm greetings to all Antiguans and Barbudans in the Canadian diaspora. This year's independence anniversary celebrations are being held under the theme "moving forward with unity, strength, and stability."
I am delighted also to extend best wishes to all Antigua and Barbuda Associations across Canada. Our Associations continue to nurture a sense of patriotism, pride and community among the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora – community building and connection are integral parts of nation-building.
As I reflect on the significance of this milestone in our nation's history, I am reminded that our Independence in 1981 was a comma, not a period, because nation-building is a continuous process that requires all Antiguans and Barbudans at home and in the diaspora to work together in unity and purpose. Nation-building needs us to inspire and uplift, to use our talents to support development, strengthen socioeconomic growth, to defend and protect the most vulnerable among us, and to preserve our environment. As Hebrew 10: 24-25 says, "let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more, as you see the Day drawing near."
I close as I have done in previous years with a reminder – that we continue to be thoughtful in our words, show kindness, and extend grace to one another. As the saying goes, 'everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, be kind.' Kindness costs you nothing, but it could mean everything to someone else.
May God continue to guide and bless you and your families.
Ann-Marie Layne
Consul General
PM Browne holds audience with King Charles III
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, London – UK – 18th September 2022 — Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne on Sunday held an audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace as world leaders gather in the England for the State Funeral of the Late Queen Elizabeth II who will be buried on Monday 19th September following a service at Westminster Abbey.
Prime Minister Browne expressed his deep condolences to King Charles III on the passing of his dear mother and Queen, Her Majesty Elizabeth II. “Your mother and Queen was a shining example to us as leaders as she represented true commitment to service and love of country. The United Kingdom and the world will miss her dearly,” PM Browne said.
Prime Minister Browne and King Charles III briefly discussed issues of Climate Change and his previous work around the globe through The Prince’s Trust. His Majesty and Prime Minister Browne pledged to work closely on these and other issues in the future.
In Antigua and Barbuda, Monday 19th September, the day of the State Funeral for Her Majesty, has been declared a public holiday and a National Day of Mourning. On Monday at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Governor General’s Deputy, Sir Clare Roberts and Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Steadroy Benjamin will participate in a Thanksgiving Service for the Life and Service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Thanksgiving Service will be followed by a parade through the streets of St. John’s by members of the country’s security forces.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne greeted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London in 2018 (Digital photo compliments PA Images)
8 September 2022 — News of the death today of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Head of State of Antigua and Barbuda, has reached the Prime Minister, the Honourable Gaston Browne M.P.
The Prime Minister expresses his condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family, to the British Government and to the people of the United Kingdom, on behalf of the people and Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Prime Minister notes that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth reigned for seven decades, winning the respect and high regard from every corner of the world. Her Majesty’s leadership of the Commonwealth of Nations has been superb, joining the hands of the English-speaking states across continents and regions.
“Her Majesty’s life personified the simplest of qualities – tolerance and decency. Her ability to inspire and unite has been one of the many remarkable features of her life which we all admire.”
Before being accorded the role of Head of the State of Antigua and Barbuda, beginning 1st November 1981, Her Majesty was shown great affection by the people of our country on her visits, and whenever represented by members of the Royal Family.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has had an impactful reign, during which her relations with my State and its people have remained mutually respectful and unchanging. All flags throughout the State will be flown at half-mast up until the day of Her Majesty’s burial. God save the King!
Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne welcomes erection of Windrush statue in London
KIGALI, Rwanda – 24th June 2022 — Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne has welcomed the erection of a statue at Waterloo Station in London, England in honour of Windrush Day 2022.
Windrush Day was celebrated on June 22nd to mark the 74th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush which brought Caribbean migrants to the United Kingdom in 1948. The ‘Windrush’ generation, as they would become known, was part of the first wave of the immigration of citizens from across the Commonwealth to the United Kingdom to fill existing labour shortages.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister who was speaking from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Uganda, said that the erection of the statue was a step in the right direction as it demonstrates that the once seen insensitivity by officials in high places towards the contribution of immigrants in the United Kingdom was slowly diminishing.
Prime Minister Browne said that the statue, in a prominent place at Waterloo Station in London will be a constant reminder of not only how hard the Windrush migrants would have worked towards the development of the United Kingdom but it also can serve as a symbol of introspection considering the hardships faced by the peoples of the Commonwealth Caribbean who were brought to the United Kingdom.
In 2018, when laws enacted in the UK threatened the deportation of undocumented migrants from the Caribbean affiliated with the Windrush era, Prime Minister Browne said that Britain was a multicultural society built on immigrant labour and that at the end of the day everyone who contributes much have a space in the UK society to live, to grow, and “not to be exploited, and not for their contributions to be denigrated, and not to have them detained and deported.”
On Wednesday, Prince William the Duke of Cambridge, unveiled the statue at Waterloo Station in London, England in honour of Windrush Day. In his remarks, he stated that without the contribution of the Windrush, Britain would not be what it is today. He also acknowledged the past sins of discrimination faced by the Windrush generation which he said weighs heavy on the people of the Caribbean today.
The statue was designed by a Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson and depicts a man, woman and child standing on top of suitcases. The United Kingdom government has said that the statue would create a permanent place of reflection and inspiration and a visible statement of shared history and heritage.
Antigua and Barbuda and Rwanda sign Air Services Agreement
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Trade, the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, the Honourable Dr Vincent Biruta
KIGALI, Rwanda – 23rd June 2022 — Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Trade, the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene and Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, the Honourable Dr Vincent Biruta, have signed an Air Services Agreement on behalf of their respective governments.
According to Foreign Minister Greene, the purpose of the agreement is to allow for the operating of international service routes and to regulate the air transport of passengers between both countries. It will enable the provision of direct flight services between Rwanda and Antigua and Barbuda and will also enable both countries to sell and market international air services either directly or through agents of designated airlines.
Minister Greene in his remarks at the signing ceremony stated that Antigua and Barbuda is an ideal geographic location in the Caribbean to serve as a logistics and transport hub into the region for Rwanda. He stressed the importance of Antigua and Barbuda, and other Caribbean countries, strengthening ties with Rwanda and the wider African continent.
The Ministers discussed other areas for potential expansion to include trade and hospitality and committed to making this Agreement a functional one. Minister Greene was accompanied by High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill and Economic and Trade Attaché Ideka Dowe.
In September 2021 Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister addressed the inaugural Africa-CARICOM Summit under the theme ‘Unity Across Continents and Oceans: Opportunities for Deepening Integration’. During this summit he expressed his desire for there to be greater diplomatic cooperation between CARICOM and the African Union to include the creation of an annual Africa-CARICOM day to be celebrated on 7th September and the establishment of the Forum of African and Caribbean States (FACTS).
Antigua and Barbuda and Kenya Establish Diplomatic Relations
KIGALI, Rwanda – 23rd June 2022 — Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday established formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kenya during a signing ceremony held at the Kigali Conference Centre on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Antigua and Barbuda was represented by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Trade, the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene. Kenya was represented by Ambassador Raychelle Awuor Omamo, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kenya. Foreign Minister Omamo is also Kenya’s candidate for the post of President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between Antigua and Barbuda and Kenya represents a strong commitment by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen its bilateral ties with countries in Africa. Both Antigua and Barbuda and Kenya share a strategic vision to advance the interests of sustainable development, trade, peace and the prosperity of their people. Further, both nations have enjoyed close working relations within multilateral organisations such as the Commonwealth and the United Nations. Currently, Antigua and Barbuda and Kenya are Co-Chairs of the Sustainable Blue Economy Action Group within the Commonwealth.
Minister Greene stated that “the signing of this agreement represents an important milestone in the relationship between the Government and people of Kenya and Antigua and Barbuda”. He further noted that Antigua and Barbuda and Kenya have enjoyed a warm friendship and a shared historical connection rooted in a Pan-African solidarity and identity. He thanked Kenya for its support for Antigua and Barbuda and for championing the causes important to Small Island Developing States like climate change in the multilateral fora.
In September 2021, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Gaston Browne, addressed the inaugural Africa-CARICOM Summit under the theme ‘Unity Across Continents and Oceans: Opportunities for Deepening Integration’. During this summit he expressed his desire for there to be greater diplomatic cooperation between CARICOM and the African Union to include the creation of an annual Africa-CARICOM day to be celebrated on 7th September and the establishment of the Forum of African and Caribbean States (FACTS).
2022 New Year’s Day Address to the Nation
by the Honourable Gaston Browne
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
Fellow Citizens and Residents
As the Old Year ends and the New Year begins; we, the people of Antigua and Barbuda, have much for which we should be justifiably proud.
We have not emerged from the struggles of 2020 and 2021 unscathed; but we are far less wounded than many less fortunate peoples all over the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic injured us in many ways, but it did not kill our national spirit of resilience that has lifted generations of our people from the depths of despair, to the great heights of achievement.
Rallying in support of the measures that your government implemented, we kept our economy afloat, we maintained public sector employment fully, we incentivized the tourism sector and safeguarded private sector jobs in construction and hotel refurbishment.
In addition, we continued to renew and expand our infrastructure in roads, government buildings, ports, water supply and digital capacity.
We moved forward in dire circumstances, where other countries have reversed.
And that is because, together, we reaffirmed the spirit of resilience that has consistently triumphed over adversity and trials.
Yes; there were some who doubted.
And yes; those doubters continue to find new reasons for questioning our capacity to meet our challenges and to overcome them.
But, as a people, we listened to the voice of reason and common sense, acknowledging that, as an Antiguan and Barbudan family, we would rise, or fall together, as one nation, one people, with a common destiny.
We acted on that recognition, unlike those who failed to join the battle against COVID, but instead chose to carp, criticize, and squawk on the side-lines of our efforts.
Showing faith in your government’s leadership, we, the Antiguan and Barbudan people, picked ourselves up and fought our way back; though the road was arduous and the journey long.
And, that is why by the end of 2021, we happily witnessed the fruits of our labour in the revitalization of our tourism industry, the return to work of many of our people, and greater optimism about our future.
This unrelenting fight for a strong recovery, has resulted in economic expansion of four percent in 2021, despite the battering from COVID 19.
Your loyalty to your country’s future; your belief in us as a people; and your determination to support your government’s leadership, has brought us, with God’s grace, out of the worst valleys of darkness, into the bright light of new possibilities.
I thank every Antiguan and Barbudan who was courageous enough, not to surrender to fear; not to succumb to despair; not to listen to the opportunistic voices of division, discord, doom and gloom.
I recall Romans, Chapter 8, verse 31:
“What shall we say about things as wonderful as these?
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”
My Fellow Citizens and Residents,
You will recall the long period when the main source countries, from which our tourists originate, closed their borders, grounded planes and stopped cruise liners from traversing the seas, resulting in our economy declining by 17.3%.
You will recall that Government’s revenues dropped suddenly and gravely by 50 percent in May of 2020.
Yet, we managed to keep all public servants employed, ensuring that families had at least one person, bringing in an income.
We continued to build out infrastructure, providing employment for hundreds, while building for the future.
We completed the Friars Hill and Sir George Walter Highways, and we are close to completing the Factory/Lunar Park roads for several miles up to Willikies.
We have substantially completed the US$95M cargo port, to facilitate transshipments of cargo, positioning the St John’s port, as a vital logistics and shipping hub for the future.
We can be proud of the fact, that we will host the most modern airport and seaport in the region. We should also commend the directors and staff of the Antigua & Barbuda Airport Authority for their achievement, in copping the prize for the best Caribbean airport.
We also maintained investment in education, thereby continuing to give our young people every opportunity to compete with the best in the world, and to contribute to our national growth and development.
Thus, we completed the expansion of the Sir Novelle Richards Academy; and we continue to expand the broadband infrastructure in our schools and enhance the Five Islands Campus of the University of the West Indies.
Among other things; we established an agreement with Harvard University to certify the graduates of Five Islands in certain disciplines and to give them access to the learning material and teachings of Harvard.
My fellow country men and country women,
In the Budget statement that we will present during the course of 2022, we will lay out in detail the complete plan for the country’s further economic and social development.
Our development and investment plan, will not be fanciful promises of mythical investors, sitting abroad on millions of dollars, earning no interest or other return, while they wait for a different government in Antigua and Barbuda.
Those beliefs are unrealistic imaginations – dreamt by loafers, lacking sound judgment; or deliberately weaved by unscrupulous charlatans; whose purpose is to deceive and manipulate the minds of the innocent and unsuspecting.
Here is the reality: no bonafide investor sits idly on money.
All investors want to make money work; giving them interest/profits quickly and continuously.
Instead of trying to sell false promises to our people, your government offers reality in deeds and in accomplishments.
While we engage in diversification of our economy into cannabis, stem cells, block chain and crypto currencies; we continue to strengthen agriculture to ensure food security and food sovereignty.
We are also developing digital technologies, to facilitate digitalization of our economy, to create new jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
We are also recovering our vital tourism industry.
2021 was a year of steady growth particularly in July and August, when air arrivals surpassed our best ever monthly 2019 numbers, for the same period.
Air arrivals from all markets by the end of November 2021 showed strong growth over 2020.
We are estimating 167,000 air arrivals for this year, 2021.
This is more than half of the total number of arrivals by air in 2019.
These figures indicate that tourism is bouncing back, and that our promotional efforts and preparations in Antigua and Barbuda are working.
On the cruise tourism front, at the end of December 77,565 persons visited since cruising resumed in July.
Already, the scheduled calls for 2022 are encouraging, demonstrating the value in the investment we have made.
Our yachting industry has proved to be durable and resilient.
The latest improvements of the industry’s infrastructure such as, the increased availability of potable water, additional berths, and the availability of low-sulphur diesel fuel for the mega yachts; have also improved the attractiveness of yachts remaining in Antigua as a major home base.
Our tourism industry has proven to be resilient, and we will continue to work with our international partners, not only to hold but, to strengthen the place we occupy as one of the most desirable destinations globally.
Over the past 18 months, we incentivised the hotel industry, helping hoteliers to refurbish and renovate their properties so that, as the pandemic eases, they could present our country as a fresh, reinvigorated destination to tourists.
This strategy, together with the patience and endurance of the workers in the industry, is what causes our hotels to be near full capacity now, despite the shadow of COVID that hangs over the globe.
We also increased capital spending, despite the huge constraints, to complete the new cruise tourism berth that will accommodate the Oasis class ships, bringing thousands more tourists to our shores, and greater earnings to our people.
Much was made by self-serving voices of the fact that this month, even though the new pier was ready, an Oasis ship could not call.
No attention was drawn to the fact that we enjoyed as many as five cruise ships on many days this month, because of the new Aosis class pier.
And no reference was made to the fact that, what stopped the Oasis ship from calling, was not that we had not built the fifth pier, but that an unexpected rock formation delayed the completion of the dredging of the space required for the turning apron.
That work is underway and will be completed by March, despite the dark hopes and selfish wishes of siren voices, that would lure ships to crash on rocks, rather than to moor safely on solid shores; bringing not moans of misery but cries of joy.
As our National Hero, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Snr, would have said: “The dogs bark but the caravan moves on”.
Fellow Citizens and Residents
You know for 18 long months, in the most stringent economic circumstances, your government worked diligently and creatively, to keep everyone of us safe from the ravages of the COVID-19 virus.
That was our first priority for spending.
It did not matter who was black or white; who was born Antiguan and Barbudan, or who was not born here, who was young or old, who was rich or poor - we wanted everyone to be defended, to be safeguarded, to be secure.
In our Antigua and Barbuda, we wanted no one to be unseen, no one to be unheard, no one to be unprotected, and no one to be left behind.
That is why our government spent scarce financial resources on building the capacity to fight COVID, including the purchase of ventilators, drugs, protective equipment, vaccines and compensating medical personnel for their front-line work.
It is why we significantly increased our number of hospital beds, to the point where we are among the best in the Caribbean.
It is why we built and equipped in rapid time, the new 17 beds infectious disease Centre; the Sir Cuthwyn Lake Medical Centre; and two modern polyclinics, located in Glanvilles and Villa.
It is also why we renovated and expanded the Hannah Thomas Hospital in Barbuda, and why we are developing a new cardiac unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, and a renal facility at Holberton, to increase and expand our renal and kidney transplant services.
Simply put, the health, the well-being and the lives of all who inhabit this country comes before anything and everything else.
And your government will not play with lives and livelihoods for political gain.
That’s not the Gaston Browne administration way; that is other people’s game.
Our Government is guided by Philippians, Chapter 2, verse 4:
“Let each of you, look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”.
To your government, the interest of the people of Antigua and Barbuda is first, second, last, and always.
Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans
It is because of the vigilance of your government and the support of the people who recognized the wisdom of vaccinations that, of the 4,259 infected cases, 4,060 persons recovered. By any objective measure, the recovery of 95.3% of those persons infected by COVID-19, is a truly remarkable achievement.
Again, I thank the health workers on the front-line of this grand and noble effort.
We will long remember them for their courage, skill and care.
Equally, we will remember with deep regret the 119 persons who died.
We still lament their untimely deaths in the grip of this dreaded disease, and we continue to join their families and loved ones in praying for the rest of their souls.
But, even one death was too many.
That is why, so many of us in our country call upon those who still refuse to be inoculated, to think again.
Think particularly of young children who cannot help themselves and have to rely on the good sense of adults, to protect them and preserve lives, they have only just started to live.
As a father of young children, one of them fifteen months old, I am frightened every day that they might be infected by a disease we know is debilitating and deadly.
Like all other parents, I know the anguish and heart-rending pain that I would feel, if any of my young children were to be struck down by COVID.
I do all in my power every day to protect them and I pray for God’s continued mercy.
Timothy Chapter 5, verse 8 teaches every one of us that:
“if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”.
I understand the fear of the vaccine, but it has killed no one in our country; it has saved tens of millions of lives across the globe.
Is it not better to take the vaccine which has so evidently saved so many lives, instead of risking COVID-19 and its many variants that could more certainly take your life, or the life of children and grandparents?
So, once again as we enter a New Year, I appeal to those, who are hesitant to be inoculated, to join the majority of us who have taken the vaccine in order to protect ourselves and everyone in our community; especially the helpless and the vulnerable.
I also, implore the vulnerable ones among us, to get boosted as soon as possible, in light of the rapid spread of the omicron variant.
My dear friends
While I am talking about the senseless taking of lives, let me deplore the 16 murders our country endured in 2021.
Most of these homicides were the consequence of domestic disputes, jealousies and rivalries.
Our country is too small, and our people too few, for 16 murders to simply be a statistic.
All of us are affected by murder, however it occurs.
None of us can be tolerant of murder in any circumstances.
I will take no comfort in comparisons with other countries, which indicate that we have fewer murders than most.
Every life in our small society is precious.
No one has the right to end the life of another.
Therefore, bright and early in 2022, as your Prime Minister, I will require the Cabinet Ministers responsible for social transformation, gender affairs, law enforcement and education, to construct and launch an expanded and robust conflict resolution and public education programme, to proactively curb crime and violence.
My dear citizens and residents
Barbuda and Antigua are intrinsic and integral parts of our one nation, and our one people.
Barbuda’s development and the welfare of its people may be a political football to some, but to my administration, the interests of the people in Barbuda are as important as the interests of the people in Antigua.
Despite all the financial challenges we have faced, work has continued on the newly paved 6,100 feet runaway on Barbuda to facilitate jet aircraft traffic.
This will help to upgrade the Barbuda tourism industry, bringing jobs and a higher standard of living to our brothers and sisters in Barbuda.
A new solar-voltaic plant and additional battery storage are being installed on Barbuda, to make it the first island community in this hemisphere, powered exclusively by solar-voltaic power.
It will be the cleanest and greenest island in the world.
Again, despite extremely scarce resources, my government has directed external assistance, and its own funds, to repairing and rebuilding most of the homes that were damaged by Hurricane Irma, at no cost to the families that occupied them.
With regard to private sector investment; the PLH/Discovery Land project is currently under construction employing over 500 persons directly.
More than US$120M was expended on this project in 2021, and the spending for the next ten years, is projected to be at least US$150M per year.
My friends, there are those who talk of differences between Antiguans and Barbudans.
They deliberately exaggerate and exploit these differences that they themselves create, without regard for the progress and prosperity that they deny the people on Barbuda.
But, we know this truth – that whatever differences may be conjured up in the minds of some, most of us share the same hopes and vision to transform our nation into an economic powerhouse.
This is a vision from which we shall not relent, despite the existential threats, challenges and COVID setbacks.
We want to empower our children and our grandchildren with a life of prosperity and happiness; built on good healthcare, good education, good quality housing and good opportunities for rewarding employment and expanded ownership.
That is our common bond and our shared purpose.
We will not change from it; we will not abandon it.
Antiguans and Barbudans will grow and prosper together.
My dear people,
Ownership is empowerment.
Therefore, we continue to encourage and support entrepreneurship and ownership among our Barbudan brothers and sisters.
To this end, work is advanced on the development of a land registry on Barbuda, to facilitate the granting of freehold land ownership to Barbudans, starting in 2022.
This will secure real ownership empowerment of our Barbudan brothers and sisters, while displacing the disempowering myth of collective ownership.
There is a housing revolution taking place in our country, with enlarged land and home ownership in both Antigua and Barbuda.
Several housing developments are already obvious in our country.
In 2022, the pace will be accelerated, as the economy builds on the growth that we achieved in of 2021.
With regard to water, we share the desire for greater and more reliable supply.
That’s why we have invested in three additional reverse osmosis plants, that will provide an additional four million gallons of water every day, while subsidising the cost to every user.
As I speak, APUA is in the process of commissioning two of these three reverse osmosis plants, that will become operational in January 2022.
The third water plant will produce 3 million gallons a day and will be installed in Bethesda, later in the year.
And while I am talking about APUA, let me say this:
Very conscious that today’s world - in all its economic and social aspects - is rapidly moving toward digitalized communication, and determined that we, the people of Antigua and Barbuda, will not be left behind and disadvantaged; your government, through APUA, invested in enlarging our telecommunication infrastructure.
APUA is currently investing over $100 M to expand its home and subsea cable infrastructure, to give modern and affordable broadband services to every Antiguan and Barbudan, and to digitalize our nation’s economy.
My dear people,
The image and regard for Antigua and Barbuda in the global community today are rising. We can all take pride in the evident facts that our country is today, treated with regard and respect in the international community.
Good governance is good business.
Whenever and wherever there have been indications of wrongdoing or corruption in my administration, with the support of my Cabinet, I have acted on it.
The evidence is there to prove it, and I thank my Cabinet colleagues who stood with me, to uphold our nation’s integrity and protect its reputation without fear or favour.
I have just concluded the Chairmanship of CARICOM, where I worked to advance the regional interest, particularly in securing much needed vaccines and turning around the belief that we are a region of money launderers.
I was invited to patriciate in, and I contributed actively, to each of President Joseph Biden’s global summits on Corruption, Democracy, Human Rights and Climate Change.
As the Chair of the Alliance of Small Islands States, I oversaw negotiations at COP 26 in Glasgow, pushing for more funding and for compensation for loss and damage, wreaked on small states by Climate Change.
And, I launched with other small island states in Oceania and the Pacific, a Commission to try to invoke international law to hold polluting states accountable for their actions that threaten our nations.
Antigua and Barbuda was trusted by others, with the responsibility to Chair the Commission and to host the Secretariat of the Commission.
Throughout Latin America and in Canada and the US, because of our principled positions adopted and advanced in the Organisation of American States, our country is given regard greater than its size.
Without offending anyone, we have developed close relations with major developing nations such as China and India, securing tangible benefits for all who reside in our country.
My friends,
As I said at the beginning of this message, the COVID-19 pandemic hurt us in many ways, but it did not kill our national spirit of resilience, that has lifted generations of our people from the depths of despair to the great heights of achievement.
COVID has not gone, and the pandemic has not ended.
COVID is still here.
But we have managed it better than most. We have developed the capacity to cope with it, so that we could open our borders and keep them open, rebuilding industry and commerce and getting our people back to work.
It is that knowledge and experience that our country needs, and upon which it relies, to take our people forward, particularly as new variants of the disease emerge.
So, as the New Year dawns, opening new possibilities and challenges, I believe we can build on the progress we've made.
We will have to wear masks for some time yet, as we will have to continue physical distancing and the practice of handwashing and sanitizing.
No people can avoid disease and pandemics or their economic and social impact; but, through leadership, we can choose to overcome the obstacles they present and to turn fear and paralysis to optimism and action.
Proven leadership - the combination of creativity, courage, strength, resilience, strategic thinking, and commitment to people - can lead us out of crisis, create conditions for progress and prosperity, and lift up all the people in our land.
We will leave no one neglected, no one ignored, and no one disadvantaged.
Our nation is ready to resume its egalitarian march to prosperity on which we had so firmly and convincingly set our feet. We can do it. And we certainly will do it.
Let us welcome 2022, and resolve to use the foundations, we have so painstakingly built, to make it a year of revival, recovery, and resurgence.
Happy New Year to you.
God bless you and God bless our beloved Antigua and Barbuda
ABFC Presents 40th Independence Logo and Theme
GOVERNMENT OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Office of the Prime Minister
7 July 2021
STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM)
HON. GASTON A. BROWNE
on
THE ASSASINATION OF HAITIAN PRESIDENT JOVENEL MOISE
I extend the condolences of my Government and the Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the Haitian people, on the assassination of the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, which was reported to have occurred last night, hours after the 42nd CARICOM Heads Regular meeting ended.
All of CARICOM feel the pain which has been inflicted on Haiti by this killing.
Haiti was embraced by CARICOM because of the historic role played by its proud people in 1804, declaring itself a sovereign state, where slavery was brought to an immediate end.
The Haitian State has had an unstable existence, including an invasion by the USA in 1915, and the epoch of the Duvaliers who turned the state into their private fiefdom.
The United Nations and the Organization of American States were petitioned by CARICOM and others to intervene in order to bring stability to Haiti after Jean-Claude Duvalier unleashed violence on the Haitian people. The first democratically-elected President was inaugurated in 1992, but displaced less than a decade later. The instability continued.
The late President was mired in a debate as to whether his term ended months ago, or continues until early next year. This uncertainty, as well as, the presence of armed gangs determined to claim control over parts of Port au Prince, the capital, made governance extremely complex and dangerous.
The assassination of last evening further complicates the jostling for power that has characterized the Haitian state and its future.
My Government and the Governments of the CARICOM decry the violence that has engulfed our sister-CARICOM state.
CARICOM will continue to work in close cooperation with the Haitian people, the United Nations, Organization of American States and the governments of France and the United States, in bringing a reasonable settlement of the state of uncertainty and instability that now threaten the peace and security in Haiti and our Community as a whole.
We continue to press for Haiti’s development and for it to overcome the challenges of the past that have imperiled Haiti’s development.
Honourable Gaston Browne M.P.
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and Chairman of CARICOM
Antigua and Barbuda Nomad Digital Residence Programme
Download the programme information brochure
Antigua and Barbuda has launched a ‘Nomad Digital Residence’ (NDR) programme effective immediately. Under the programme, Antigua and Barbuda offers eligible persons the world over the opportunity to live in Antigua and Barbuda for up to two years.
Applications can be made from anywhere in the world to a dedicated government website at: https://nomad.gov.ag/ui/index.php.
2021 National Budget Statement by the Honourable Gaston Browne Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Corporate Governance and Public-Private Partnerships
St. Johns, Antigua On the 17th November 2020 The partnership between the Antigua Barbuda Science Innovation Park and Spark Niagara will see both entities enter into an official MOU in order to cooperate and focus their efforts on increasing entrepreneurship and economic sustainability.
Spark Niagra located in Ontario Canada, is part of a growing network of industry- specific incubators and accelerators. Their focus is to help companies grow by uncovering business opportunities, retaining / attracting youth and solving local challenges through technological innovation.
Spark Niagra also fosters collaborative ecosystems that focus on the incubation and acceleration of innovative startup and growing companies. From cross-industry opportunities and solutions such as software and mobile apps, education technology, robotics, data analytics, medical technology and more, these novel thinkers create an ecosystem that has developed new resources and a growing network.
It is envisaged that this partnership will create business opportunities which will generate sustainable business enterprises in the areas of innovation, science, blue and green economies and climate change solutions. This will contribute successfully to economic growth in Antigua and Barbuda and have a positive effect on the livelihoods of the citizens though education and training. Spark Niagra along with ABSIP will facilitate collaboration between companies, educators, students, researchers, industry leaders and tenants to enhance and model the modern education experience through our portal. The web based classroom will come online immediately after the launch on the 17th of November.
The Antigua and Barbuda Science Innovation Park and Spark Niagara will form a partnership on the 17th November 2020 . The event will broadcasted on ABSIP’s virtual platforms at 6:00pm that very evening . The event will be also carried by national television station ABS livestream.
Honourable Gaston A. Browne Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
National Independence Address 2020
Prime Minister Browne makes appeal for greater engagement with private sector in addressing the challenges of building back economies after COVID-19 and achieving the SDGs
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 23rd September, 2020…….Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, today during a UN Sustainable Development Goals Business Forum on the impact of COVID-19 on local economies and opportunities for companies to support SIDS priorities for building back better and the role of the private sector in the rebuilding effort, made an appeal for greater engagement with the private sector in addressing the challenges of building back better and achieving the SDGs.
Prime Minister Browne, who will take up the Chairmanship of the Alliance of Small Island States AOSIS in January of next year, outlined that any response to COVID-19 must be done in collaboration with a commitment to a comprehensive global recovery strategy which will ensure that vulnerable countries receive the necessary tools and financing.
“A rapid recovery also requires a shared responsibility with the private sector to deliver more resilient and inclusive societies that will be built back better,” he said.
The country’s leader also told UN officials and members of the US and international business communities that there is the need for urgent action by International Finance Institutions and the private sector to play meaningful roles in the recovery from the pandemic and to develop bespoke and differentiated financial products based on the special circumstances of countries.
He noted that Antigua and Barbuda and other small island states in the Caribbean are facing not only solvency problems, but a liquidity problem as well brought on by the pandemic.
“Unlike large states, SID’s do not have the capacity of quantitative easing to bail out their economies and should be treated differently based on their vulnerabilities. The Caribbean needs the private sector to join the international financial institutions to assist in the recovery by contributing to the special COVID 19 recovery fund which was developed by the United Nations,” Prime Minister Browne pointed out.
He also stated that the private sector also has an opportunity to get on board in the call for an alternative creative financing model. “Whether these are debt swaps, as being promoted by the, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean or a special window for SIDS, or the moving forward of the idea of creating an independent public credit rating agency that will take into account the vulnerabilities of countries,” he said.
“We owe it to future generations to work together and build back better from COVID-19 and base our recovery from the pandemic on a solid foundation. The Sustainable Development Goals are pivotal to this endeavor,” Prime Minister Browne concluded.
As the United Nations continue its High-Level Meetings and meeting of the General Assembly virtually, Prime Minister Browne will next speak on Thursday (11:30 – 12:50 via UN TV) as one of twelve world leaders at a specially organized event of the UN Secretary General. He will also speak on Tuesday 29th at the world leaders meeting on financing to build back better speaking on behalf of AOSIS and all SIDS. He will also be speaking at the forum on the commemoration and promotion of the banning of nuclear weapons.
Prime Minister Browne delivers the National Statement on September 25, during the virtual General Assembly on the theme “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism – confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”.
The Frigate Bird