Prime Minister Gaston Browne has vowed to defend Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereignty against external pressure while continuing his administration’s drive to transform the country into what he calls a “lifestyle superpower.”
In his Emancipation Day address, Browne connected the nation’s history of resistance to slavery and colonialism with its present-day efforts to overcome economic and political pressure from powerful countries.
He accused powerful states of using their influence to restrict the policy choices, innovation and development opportunities of small nations. Such practices, he warned, could become modern instruments of “economic recolonization.”
Browne said Antigua and Barbuda would not abandon its development ambitions because of what he described as punitive and exploitative actions by powerful interests.
“We’ll continue to defend our sovereignty, expand economic opportunity, strengthen our democracy and advocate for a world in which every nation, regardless of size, enjoys equal dignity, equal opportunity and shared prosperity,” Browne said.
The prime minister did not identify any country or institution in his address.
Browne said the resilience demonstrated by enslaved Africans and later generations of workers should encourage citizens to remain determined when confronting modern challenges.
He traced the country’s progression from emancipation in 1834 through the labour movement, universal suffrage, associated statehood and independence, saying each advance resulted from sustained resistance against inequality and exclusion.
Browne pledged to continue building a resilient, innovative and prosperous nation that honours the sacrifices of previous generations.
“This is a vision from which we shall not relent,” he said, referring to his government’s “lifestyle superpower” agenda.
He urged citizens not to fear or despair, saying the country should confront external pressure with resilience, courage and optimism while continuing to pursue economic opportunity and national development.
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