Prime Minister Gaston Browne has acknowledged that Antigua and Barbuda’s classification as a high-income economy does not mean all citizens are enjoying financial prosperity, admitting that families continue to struggle and some communities remain in need of greater investment.
In his address marking the country’s 45th anniversary of independence on Sunday, November 1, Browne said that while Antigua and Barbuda has achieved significant economic progress, national income figures do not necessarily reflect the everyday experiences of ordinary people.
“Our economy has also achieved a significant milestone, attaining a level of national income that places Antigua and Barbuda among the World Bank’s high-income economies,” Browne said.
“This is an achievement of which we should be proud. But we must never confuse national income classifications with the lived realities of every household.”
The prime minister acknowledged that economic hardship persists despite the country’s progress.
“There are still families who struggle, communities that need greater investment and citizens who deserve better opportunities,” he said.
His comments come as households continue to contend with rising prices for food, fuel, electricity, transportation and other essential goods and services.
Browne acknowledged that the cost of living remains a significant challenge, attributing some of the pressure to international conflicts, higher energy prices and disruptions to global shipping and supply chains.
“The rising cost of living continues to weigh heavily on households,” he said.
The prime minister said the government must take steps to cushion the impact of these pressures, particularly on vulnerable citizens, while strengthening the country’s ability to withstand external economic shocks.
“We must do everything within our capacity to cushion the impact, protect the most vulnerable and strengthen our resilience against external economic shocks,” Browne said.
He also argued that national development should not be judged solely by economic indicators or major infrastructure projects.
“Our progress must therefore be measured by more than the buildings we construct, the infrastructure we develop or the income we generate,” he said.
“It must also be measured by whether ordinary citizens can secure decent livelihoods, access quality healthcare, educate their children and live with dignity, security and hope.”
Browne pointed to investments in education, healthcare, airport and seaport facilities as examples of the country’s development since independence in 1981.
However, he stressed that the real value of those achievements must be reflected in improvements to people’s lives.
The prime minister also identified youth employment and economic diversification as priorities, saying young people need meaningful jobs, rewarding careers and reasons to build their futures in Antigua and Barbuda.
He called for a more productive and competitive economy that creates opportunities across more sectors and communities.
“Our independence must mean more than political sovereignty. It must also mean the economic capacity to determine our future, withstand external pressures and provide a better quality of life for our citizens,” Browne said.
As Antigua and Barbuda celebrates 45 years of independence, Browne urged citizens to focus on building an economy in which the benefits of national progress are more widely shared.
“Let us recommit ourselves to a freedom measured not merely by the sovereignty we won in 1981, but by the quality of life, the opportunities and the successful lives we make possible for our people,” he said.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Gaston Browne acknowledges high-income status does not reflect struggles of every household in Antigua and Barbuda.