Gaston Browne said a safe and secure environment is essential for economic growth, telling supporters that Antigua and Barbuda ranks among “one of the safest places in the world.”

Addressing delegates at the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party convention after being returned unopposed as leader, Browne linked national security directly to the country’s economic performance. “You cannot grow an economy in an unsafe environment,” he said.

He credited law enforcement for maintaining stability, thanking members of the security services for their role in protecting the country. “At the end of the day… Antigua and Barbuda is one of the safest places in the world,” Browne said.

The ABLP leader framed security as a key pillar of his administration’s development strategy, arguing that sustained growth depends on maintaining stability and public confidence. He warned voters against any shift in leadership that could threaten those gains.

“Our people should not risk putting the governance of this country into incompetent hands,” Browne said, positioning the upcoming general election as a decision about preserving both economic progress and national security.

He also drew a contrast with political opponents, describing the electoral choice as one between “certainty and confusion” and “progress and paralysis.”

Browne urged party supporters to actively promote the government’s record in the campaign ahead, saying continued development depends on strong leadership and a secure national environment.