Prime Minister Gaston Browne is urging young people to embrace hard work and humility at the start of their careers, telling students at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) that success often begins with taking whatever opportunity is available.
Speaking during an engagement with students and faculty, Browne stressed that young people should not wait for ideal circumstances before entering the workforce.
“Even if you… may not get your ideal job, it doesn’t matter. Take whatever is available until you can get what you want,” he said.
The prime minister underscored the importance of building discipline and a strong work ethic early, describing productivity as a key trait for personal and national development.
“The key issue is to be a productive citizen,” Browne told students, encouraging them to develop habits such as punctuality, consistency and commitment.
Drawing on his own experience, Browne shared how his career path began with a job far removed from his long-term ambitions.
“When I left school… I took a job at St James’s Club as a waiter,” he said, explaining that he worked there temporarily while awaiting responses to job applications.
That early decision, he said, reflected a mindset of responsibility rather than entitlement.
“I recognized… that I needed to work,” Browne added, noting that his circumstances at the time made employment a necessity.
He told students that such experiences can lay the foundation for future advancement, pointing to his eventual transition into banking and later leadership roles.
“Eventually, I had… airlines and a bank that offered me a job. I chose a bank job,” Browne said, describing how that opportunity led to a successful career in finance.
Beyond individual success, the prime minister linked work ethic to broader national progress, urging young people to contribute actively to the country’s development.
“We weren’t put on this earth to be… slothful,” he said, encouraging students to remain active and persistent even in the face of setbacks.
Browne also cautioned against turning down opportunities while waiting for preferred roles, warning that inactivity can hinder long-term growth.
“Rather than staying home and doing nothing, be a productive citizen,” he said.
The address formed part of a wider discussion on education, employment and leadership, with Browne encouraging students to combine academic achievement with discipline and practical experience as they prepare for the workforce.
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