Gaston Browne has been returned unopposed as leader of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, using his address at the party's annual convention to cast the next general election as a defining moment for the nation's future.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne spoke at the party's headquarters, known as The People's Place, where he told supporters that "the choice before this nation is clear… between certainty and confusion, between progress and paralysis, between tested leadership and the untested ambition of the ignorant."
Browne urged voters not to "risk putting the governance of this country into incompetent hands," warning that the upcoming election would determine whether Antigua and Barbuda continues along its current trajectory or reverses course. He described the contest as being "primarily about the future of the country," adding that "this is not the time for unnecessary risk-taking… to experiment with failed and incompetent leadership."
The ABLP leader levelled pointed criticism at his political opponents, accusing them of being unprepared to govern and driven by personal gain. "They are not ready… they are looking for personal opportunities to enrich themselves," he said.
Browne also highlighted what he described as a generational transition within the ABLP, pointing to younger members being groomed for future leadership roles. "We have competent leaders, young, bright leaders… to ensure future leadership," he said, noting that training was already underway to secure continuity within the party.
Looking ahead, Browne outlined an ambitious vision for the country, describing Antigua and Barbuda as being developed into a "lifestyle superpower," with policies focused on wealth creation and broadening access to economic opportunity.
Among the achievements he cited were tax concessions for homeowners and businesses, investments in education, and expanded access to tertiary education — including plans for a law degree programme at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
Browne also linked national security directly to economic prosperity, telling supporters that "you cannot grow an economy in an unsafe environment," while asserting that the country remains "one of the safest places in the world."
In closing, he called on party members to serve as advocates for the government's record in the campaign ahead. "You are ambassadors… you must defend the track record of this great institution," he said, urging supporters to "carry the message of hope… good performance and good governance."
