Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivered an extensive and politically charged address in Barbuda, telling supporters that electing Kendra Beazer would finally place the island at the centre of national decision-making through direct representation in Cabinet.

Speaking before a large and energetic crowd, Browne repeatedly returned to what he framed as the central issue in the upcoming election — access to power — arguing that Barbuda has been sidelined because it lacks a consistent voice at the executive level.

“We need somebody in Cabinet,” Browne said, drawing loud applause as he stressed that real authority lies where policies are shaped and resources allocated.

He made a clear commitment that a Beazer victory would be followed by his appointment to Cabinet, telling supporters that this would ensure Barbuda is no longer “on the outside looking in” when national decisions are made.

“Beazer can go all the way”

Browne went beyond a standard endorsement, presenting Beazer as a leader with national potential.

He told the rally the candidate “can go all the way,” signalling confidence that Beazer could rise to the highest levels of political leadership in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Prime Minister argued that Barbuda should not settle for symbolic representation but should instead elect someone capable of influencing national direction.

Representation and results

Throughout his address, Browne linked political representation directly to development outcomes, insisting that Barbuda’s progress depends on stronger alignment with central government.

“You need a voice at the table,” he said, adding that without that presence, the island risks being excluded from critical decisions on infrastructure, investment and national planning.

He framed the election as a practical choice, telling voters that electing a government-aligned representative would ensure smoother execution of projects and faster delivery of benefits.

Development agenda: infrastructure, tourism, energy

Browne outlined a broad development programme for Barbuda, pointing to investments in infrastructure, tourism expansion and renewable energy as key pillars of future growth.

“We are bringing investment, we are bringing development,” he said, arguing that these initiatives would create jobs, stimulate business activity and improve living standards.

He stressed that these projects require coordination at the highest level of government, reinforcing his argument for Cabinet representation.

Land issue: “We will consult”

Turning to the contentious issue of land, Browne sought to counter criticism of his administration’s approach.

“We are going to consult with the people of Barbuda,” he told the crowd, insisting that no major decisions would be taken without engagement.

At the same time, he maintained that development must continue, arguing that economic progress and land discussions must move forward together.

Criticism of current leadership

Browne also used the rally to criticise the current Barbuda leadership, accusing it of failing to attract investment and deliver meaningful development.

“We cannot continue like this,” he said, suggesting that a lack of cooperation with central government has contributed to stagnation.

He contrasted this with the Labour Party’s approach, which he described as focused on partnership, planning and results.

Youth, jobs and opportunity

A significant portion of the speech focused on young people and the need to expand opportunities within Barbuda.

“We have to create opportunities for our young people,” Browne said, linking government investment to employment, education and entrepreneurship.

He argued that development must translate into tangible benefits for residents, particularly the next generation.

Election framed as decisive moment

Browne repeatedly framed the April 30 election as a turning point for Barbuda, urging voters to make what he described as a strategic decision about the island’s future.

“This election is about the future of Barbuda,” he said, as supporters responded with chants of “Beazer!”

The Prime Minister closed by reinforcing his central message: that electing Beazer would move Barbuda from the margins of governance into the core of national leadership.

“With Kendra Beazer,” Browne said in substance, “Barbuda will have a voice where decisions are made.”