Prime Minister Gaston Browne has declared that a safe and secure environment is fundamental to economic growth, telling party delegates that Antigua and Barbuda stands among "one of the safest places in the world."
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks while addressing delegates at the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party convention, where he was returned unopposed as party leader. He drew a direct connection between national security and the country's economic performance. "You cannot grow an economy in an unsafe environment," he told supporters.
Browne credited law enforcement with maintaining national stability, thanking members of the security services for their contributions. "At the end of the day… Antigua and Barbuda is one of the safest places in the world," he said.
The ABLP leader framed security as a central pillar of his administration's broader development strategy, arguing that sustained economic growth depends on preserving stability and public confidence. He used the occasion to warn voters against changing course ahead of the upcoming general election.
"Our people should not risk putting the governance of this country into incompetent hands," Browne said, casting the election as a choice between protecting economic progress and jeopardising national security.
He also drew a sharp contrast with political opponents, framing the electoral decision as one between "certainty and confusion" and "progress and paralysis."
Browne closed by urging party supporters to champion the government's record during the campaign ahead, insisting that continued development requires strong leadership and a secure national environment.
