Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to increase the number of young people appointed to statutory boards, framing the initiative as a deliberate strategy to cultivate the next generation of national leaders.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne outlined the plan during an appearance on the Browne and Browne programme, saying the appointments would give younger Antiguans and Barbudans direct, hands-on experience managing public institutions and resources.
"We will take the option… [to] provide a number of board appointments for young, bright people, blooding new leadership for the future," Browne said.
The prime minister stressed that the initiative is designed to build leadership capacity through practical exposure rather than academic preparation alone. He argued that real governance experience — working within government departments and ministries — is essential to developing competent future leaders.
"So if we can give them the opportunity now to serve in these various departments in government and ministries in government, I think that that is a good way to expand the leadership competence of our young people," he said.
Browne also reaffirmed a standing commitment to youth representation in the Senate, stating that at least one person in their twenties would receive a Senate appointment following each general election.
"With each successive election, we are committed to create at least a single space… at least one person in his or her 20s who will [be] appoint[ed] to the Senate," he said.
The prime minister described the broader objective as ensuring leadership continuity by identifying and nurturing talent early, adding that exposure to decision-making roles now will better position young people for senior responsibilities in the years ahead.
