PM Browne Warns Ministers Against Phone Use and Inattention During Meetings

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says ministers and government officials who cannot remain attentive during meetings should resign, as he called for stricter standards of discipline and professionalism within his administration.

Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne criticized what he described as distracting behavior by some officials during meetings, including excessive cellphone use and inattentiveness.

“If you want to drop sleep and you can’t keep your head up, then leave it,” Browne said, indicating that individuals unwilling or unable to stay engaged should step aside from public office.

The prime minister said officials are expected to focus fully on government business when attending meetings.

“People come to meetings and they’re on their phones all the time,” Browne said while stressing that public servants and elected officials must remain attentive and productive.

Browne also revealed that he had recently seen one minister playing the card game Solitaire during a meeting.

“I saw one minister playing Solitaire recently,” he said.

The comments formed part of a wider discussion on accountability and governance following the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s decisive victory in the April 30 general election.

Browne has repeatedly said the government must not become complacent after securing a fourth consecutive term in office and has urged ministers and MPs to improve performance and maintain public trust.

The ABLP won 15 of the country’s 17 parliamentary seats in the election, giving the government a commanding majority in Parliament.