Antigua and Barbuda: Gaston Browne swears in as the Prime Minister, Caribbean leaders extend congratulation

Antigua and Barbuda: The leader of Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), Gaston Browne, was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda for the third consecutive term following a victory in the general elections of 2023. The elections were held on January 18, 2023 (Wednesday). According to the announced result, ABLP secured a thin majority victory in the general elections by winning nine (9) out of seventeen (17) seats.

During the ceremony, Steadroy Benjamin was sworn in as the Attorney General of the country. After swearing as the prime minister of the nation, Gaston Browne was interviewed by a local media channel. PM Browne expressed that he is honoured and humbled that the residents and people of the country have shown love, support and trust towards him and his political party. He stated, “I am glad that the people of Antigua and Barbuda have reposed such trust in him to extend his third term as Prime Minister.”

“I recommit to the empowerment of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Prime Minister Browne was quoted as saying.

Following becoming the Prime Minister, many Caribbean leaders poured wishes on Gaston Browne. The leaders congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years.

Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, congratulated his counterpart and wrote, “Congratulations to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party on winning the hard-fought general elections held on Wednesday.”

He added, “I extend my best wishes for the success, stability and progress of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda and pledge our continued support and friendship.”

Along with him, Philip J Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, also took social media and stated, “Join me in wishing Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party congratulations on their victory at the polls.”

Prime Minister Pierre further conveyed, “The people have spoken and entrusted you with leading them for yet another term. I pray for your Government’s success, especially during this volatile global climate.”