Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been sworn in for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office, pledging to "work harder" for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and vowing to advance living standards across the twin-island nation.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the commitment following his swearing-in ceremony on Friday, days after his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) secured a commanding 15–2 victory in Thursday's general elections.
"I give you a commitment that I will work harder… that I will do all in my power to continue to work unrelentingly to advance the living standards of the people of Antigua and Barbuda," Browne said.
The Prime Minister described the election result as "extremely humbling," saying it had strengthened his resolve to serve. He credited voters with rejecting what he characterised as misinformation and false narratives spread during the campaign.
"You have spoken with clarity… you have spoken with truth," he said, warning that the spread of misinformation had the potential to damage the country's reputation internationally.
Browne expressed hope that the outcome would foster a more civil political environment, calling on politicians across party lines to "stand on the truth" and demonstrate greater loyalty to the state. He also urged the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) to reform, stressing that Antigua and Barbuda benefits from a strong and capable opposition.
"We want a strong opposition… individuals who have the competence to continue to hold us accountable," he said.
National unity emerged as a central theme of his address. Browne called on all citizens — including those who did not support the ABLP — to play a role in nation-building.
"This is a great opportunity for us to unite our nation… and to lift every single person in every community," he said.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that his administration would govern inclusively, insisting that opportunities would not be restricted by political affiliation, background, or social standing. "We are an inclusive organisation… anyone who wishes to make a contribution to nation building should have the opportunity to do so," he said.
On governance, Browne promised that the trust placed in his administration would not be betrayed, and that he would personally hold Cabinet members to high standards of integrity. He was direct in outlining his expectations for public officials.
"They'll be appointed exclusively to serve the people… not to discriminate, not to divide the country, not to steal public resources, but to be good stewards," he said.
Looking ahead, Browne outlined a broad development agenda encompassing infrastructure strengthening, environmental improvements, and the enhancement of the country's cultural and social fabric. He invoked the spirit of collective effort, calling on citizens to take pride in their surroundings and contribute actively to national progress.
Echoing the words of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, he said: "Each of us now has to ask ourselves what we can do for our country, not what our country can do for us."
Browne added that Antigua and Barbuda is positioning itself to become "the epicenter of a Caribbean Renaissance" and a model for regional development. He urged citizens to seize available opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and skills training, pointing to the University of the West Indies Five Islands campus and various national training programmes.
He also highlighted access to land for Airbnb development and funding through national programmes, cautioning that inaction could allow outside interests to benefit at the expense of locals. "The last thing I want to know is that you're left behind… we're creating these opportunities primarily for you," he said.
In a notably reflective moment, Browne acknowledged that his past rhetoric may have caused offence and promised to be "more responsible" in his public statements going forward. "I do love all our people… and I will continue to fight for you," he said.
The Prime Minister closed his remarks by reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the electorate. "I will never betray your trust… and my team and I will work unrelentingly and exclusively for your advancement," he said.
Browne's fourth term begins backed by a strong parliamentary majority and a renewed mandate, setting the stage for what he has described as an ambitious period of national development.
