Prime Minister Gaston Browne has struck a conciliatory tone following his party's landslide general election victory, signalling a shift toward unity and inclusion as he begins a new term in office.
According to Antigua.news, Browne made the remarks Saturday night on the "Browne and Browne Show" on Point FM, declaring that his administration will not govern along partisan lines and that opposition supporters will not be excluded from national development.
"The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will remain an inclusive institution," Browne said. "Even those who may not have supported us… they too will have a seat at the table."
His comments come just days after the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party secured 15 of the 17 parliamentary seats — a dominant result that hands the government a strong mandate but also, Browne suggested, a responsibility to bring the country together.
"We want this term to be a more united country," he said. "We want all hands on deck… everyone putting their shoulders to the plough."
Browne urged opposition supporters not to disengage from national life, stressing that contributing to the country's development is not the exclusive domain of those holding political power.
"They should not feel as though that because they have not succeeded in taking the government… they cannot contribute," he said, adding that individuals with skills, resources and ideas should continue to invest in and participate in building the nation.
Drawing on his own experience, Browne noted that meaningful contributions can be made even from outside government. "I recall when I was in opposition, I built over a hundred homes… that was my contribution to nation-building," he said.
The Prime Minister also signalled that economic participation under his administration will not be contingent on political loyalty, encouraging entrepreneurship and private sector involvement across the board. "Those who have skills or resources… make your contribution," he urged, emphasising that national progress depends on broad-based involvement.
In one of the more striking lines of the broadcast, Browne called for lasting reconciliation beyond the ballot box. "Today's brother is tomorrow's comrade," he said, suggesting that cooperation must replace conflict in the next phase of governance.
Browne also hinted at a more statesmanlike approach in his fourth term, expressing a desire to move away from the sharp rhetoric that has characterised previous political cycles. "I don't think that there is any need for the kind of rancour and divisive rhetoric that we have seen before," he said, adding that unity will be essential as the country faces future challenges.
With a commanding parliamentary majority now secured, Browne said the focus must shift from politics to performance — one that includes all Antiguans and Barbudans, regardless of how they cast their vote.
