Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed confidence in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s political future, declaring that he does not foresee the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) winning any upcoming elections.
Speaking during his weekly Browne and Browne programme on Pointe FM, Browne said the Labour Party’s momentum and organisational strength make it the dominant force in Antiguan politics.
“I can’t see the UPP winning another election—certainly not the following election or the upcoming election for that matter,” Browne said.
The Prime Minister pointed to growing support from young people and the party’s ability to attract new talent as key factors in what he described as a political “renaissance.”
“The movement of young people in particular coming towards the Labour Party—I’ve been in the Labour Party for 25 years, I’ve never seen that kind of movement,” he said.
According to Browne, the ABLP has emerged stronger since the January 2023 general election, despite holding a slimmer parliamentary majority. He credited this resurgence to bold governance and public confidence in the party’s leadership.
“There were just astonished that despite the fact that the Labour Party was significantly weakened after the January 23 elections, that we acted as though we had practically all the seats,” he said. “We’re not afraid of the UPP.”
Browne added that the ABLP’s willingness to make difficult policy decisions—such as increasing the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax to 17%—demonstrates its commitment to responsible governance.
“We weren’t worried that we had a one-seat majority and maybe they’d be able to topple us, because we knew it was the right thing to do—to make sure we can pay public servants in time, to make sure we can cover government’s obligations.”
He also contrasted the ABLP’s unity with what he described as internal discord in the opposition.
“The party is united, unlike the UPP that is imploded,” Browne said.
Browne signalled that the ABLP is preparing to retain power well beyond the current term. “The Labour Party is the party of choice… It doesn’t matter who they supported before, they feel very comfortable making that transition into the Antigua Labour Party,” he said.
