Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a compelling call to the nation’s youth, emphasizing the critical connection between employment and social stability. Addressing attendees at the VC Bird Day ceremony, the national leader revealed that approximately 54,000 jobs currently exist throughout the twin-island nation, with an additional 4,000 positions created within the past year alone.
The Prime Minister expressed concern about emerging workforce trends, particularly the tendency among young citizens to selectively reject available employment opportunities. He cautioned against this growing preference for idleness, warning that such attitudes create vacancies that are increasingly filled by foreign workers from within the region and beyond.
Browne delivered a stark message regarding the societal consequences of avoiding employment: “There exists no easy path. Pursuing an effortless existence inevitably leads to criminal engagement and violence, which ultimately results in premature mortality.” He directly connected workforce participation to national security, emphasizing that reducing homicides to near-zero and minimizing property crimes requires citizens to choose legitimate employment over illegal activities.
The national leader offered practical advice to first-time job seekers, encouraging them to accept available positions regardless of initial preferences. “Your career beginning matters less than the fact that you begin. Secure whatever opportunity presents itself while working toward your desired position,” he counseled.
Browne concluded with a direct appeal to young citizens, framing workforce participation as both a personal development strategy and a civic responsibility essential to maintaining Antigua and Barbuda’s stability and continued development.