Prime Minister Gaston Browne has delivered a stern message to his newly sworn-in Cabinet, declaring that underperformance will not be tolerated as his administration embarks on a new term following its commanding victory in the April 30 general election.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne addressed ministers directly during Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony, linking the government's sweeping mandate — 15 of 17 parliamentary seats — to a heightened duty to deliver results for the Antiguan and Barbudan people.
"You have been given a tremendous responsibility," Browne told the assembled ministers, urging them to "honour that trust" and warning that they must not "betray the people" who cast their ballots in their favour.
The Prime Minister left no ambiguity about his expectations. Excellence, he said, must define the administration's approach to governance. "There must be no mediocrity," he stated, making clear that ministers are expected to execute their duties at the highest possible standard.
Browne framed public office as a duty rather than a privilege, calling on Cabinet members to govern with discipline, integrity and a sharp focus on results. "You are here to serve the people of this country," he said, cautioning that any failure to do so would erode the public confidence the administration has earned.
Unity among ministers was another central theme of his address. Browne stressed that collective effort would be critical to achieving the country's national goals. "We must work together in unity," he said, encouraging cross-ministry collaboration to drive development priorities forward.
The Prime Minister cast the new term as one of transformation, pointing to ongoing and planned initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving living standards and positioning Antigua and Barbuda for sustained long-term growth.
Browne reinforced his core message by returning to the theme of productivity, emphasising that national progress would require concerted effort not only from government, but from society at large. "You cannot accept mediocrity," he repeated, underscoring the administration's commitment to delivering tangible outcomes in response to its electoral mandate.
His remarks signal a results-driven tone for the administration's fourth term, with a clear zero-tolerance stance on complacency as the newly constituted Cabinet prepares to begin its work in earnest.
