标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that the government of Antigua and Barbuda is still in the process of identifying a suitable candidate for the crucial role of Ombudsman, a position that has remained vacant for an extended period. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Browne responded to inquiries from St. Mary’s South MP Kelvin Simon, who raised concerns about the prolonged vacancy and questioned the government’s timeline for filling the post. Browne emphasized that the administration has been diligently reviewing potential candidates but has yet to find an individual with the requisite qualifications, experience, and impartiality to effectively fulfill the role. ‘We have been looking for someone suitable for the role,’ Browne stated. ‘It’s a sensitive position that demands legal and administrative expertise, as well as a high degree of independence.’ The Prime Minister also disclosed that the government is now considering publicly advertising the position to attract a wider pool of qualified applicants. ‘We may have to go that route to ensure we find the right person,’ he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to filling the post. The Office of the Ombudsman, established under the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda, plays a pivotal role in investigating public complaints regarding maladministration or unfair treatment by government entities. Its prolonged vacancy has sparked concerns about the lack of an independent mechanism for addressing citizens’ grievances. MP Simon underscored the importance of restoring the office to full functionality, highlighting its role in holding public agencies accountable. Browne acknowledged the significance of the Ombudsman in promoting good governance and public trust but stressed the need for a careful and non-partisan appointment process. ‘It’s not a position we can fill hastily,’ he remarked. ‘We want to ensure the appointee possesses the competence and integrity to command public confidence.’

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has categorically dismissed rumors suggesting that the United States sought to establish a military base or deploy military assets in the Caribbean nation. Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Browne emphasized that no such request had been made by Washington and reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to peace and neutrality. ‘There has been no request from the United States to establish a military base in Antigua and Barbuda,’ Browne stated firmly. ‘And even if such a request were made, our answer would be no.’ The Prime Minister underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s dedication to maintaining regional stability and independence in its foreign policy, rejecting any alignment with global military powers. ‘We have absolutely no interest in hosting any form of military assets in our country,’ he declared. ‘We are happy to remain a peaceful nation without military bases.’ Browne’s remarks come amid heightened regional discussions about defense cooperation with the United States, particularly following reports that Grenada is reviewing a U.S. proposal to install a radar system at the Maurice Bishop International Airport. The recent visit of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) commander Admiral Alvin Holsey to the Eastern Caribbean has further fueled speculation about American security initiatives in the region. Admiral Holsey met with Prime Ministers Browne and Dickon Mitchell of Grenada to discuss disaster preparedness, regional security partnerships, and maritime domain awareness. While Browne welcomed civil and humanitarian cooperation with the United States—especially in areas like disaster relief, maritime safety, and law enforcement—he made it clear that Antigua and Barbuda would not entertain military basing or armament agreements. ‘Our engagement must always be about peace, development, and the safety of our people,’ Browne affirmed. ‘We are not in the business of hosting military operations for any country.’

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has robustly defended the Peace Beach development at Barnacle Point, asserting that the reclaimed land is unequivocally public property. During a parliamentary session on Thursday, Browne addressed concerns raised by the Opposition, emphasizing that while the foreshore in front of the reclaimed area is privately owned, the newly created land belongs to the state. ‘All reclaimed land is public land,’ Browne stated. ‘The threshold in front of that beach is owned privately.’ The Prime Minister also dismissed allegations that the project infringes on marine rights previously granted to the Yida Group, labeling such claims as ‘mischievous’ and clarifying that Yida holds no such rights. Browne highlighted that the coastline already includes several reclaimed properties, such as a six-acre parcel owned by the Hadeed family and an adjacent marina, both created through dredging. ‘Practically all of the land on that coast was dredged,’ he noted. ‘It’s not a pristine area as suggested by some.’ The Prime Minister further assured that all necessary environmental and statutory approvals were secured before the project commenced, underscoring the government’s commitment to regulatory compliance. The development, named Peace Beach, was inspired by Browne’s daughter and symbolizes the island’s aspiration for unity and harmony. ‘Peace Beach is about promoting peace,’ Browne said. ‘I happen to have a daughter whose name is Peace, and as you know, I’m a peace practitioner.’

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has firmly refuted claims that the government ever held full ownership of Blue Ocean Marine Limited. Addressing Parliament, Browne emphasized that the company has always operated as a public-private partnership, contrary to assertions made by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle during a recent House of Representatives session. Pringle had questioned why the government’s shareholding appeared to drop from 100 percent to 75 percent within weeks. Browne clarified that the government initially held only 40 percent of the shares, with 51 percent owned by Meridian and 9 percent by Antiguan businessman Connolly Brown, who is unrelated to the Prime Minister. Browne also announced a US$2.5 million investment to increase the government’s stake to approximately 75 percent. This funding will be used to purchase specialized marine equipment, including a dredging barge and support vessel, enhancing the nation’s capacity for coastal and marine development. The Prime Minister further dismissed concerns about potential conflicts with marine rights at Barnacle Point, stating that all necessary environmental and statutory approvals were secured. He highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding the blue economy and ensuring local ownership of critical infrastructure assets, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and All Saints East and St. Luke MP Richard Lewis have urged the government to increase the constituency allowance, arguing that the current allocation of $2,000 is inadequate to address the needs of their constituents. During a recent parliamentary session, Lewis emphasized that Members of Parliament require sufficient resources to fulfill their duties effectively. He proposed raising the allowance to $5,000, a figure he deemed more realistic for covering community-related expenses. Lewis highlighted the unique challenges faced by Antigua, stating, ‘We don’t have the kind of resources to do what other islands do, but we can do something, and it will benefit all of us.’ He stressed that the issue transcends political affiliations, advocating for fairness and equity for future MPs. Pringle echoed this sentiment, calling for a more equitable distribution of state resources if the allowance is not increased. Both MPs pointed out that the current allowance hampers their ability to assist constituents with minor repairs, community projects, and social support. Prime Minister Gaston Browne acknowledged the concerns and indicated that the request could be reviewed, though he cautioned that any adjustments must align with the country’s fiscal constraints.

In a surprising turn of events, Vice Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), has announced his retirement, effective December 12, 2025. This decision comes just one year into his tenure as commander, raising questions about the timing and underlying reasons for his departure. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the news in a social media post on X, praising Holsey for his 37 years of dedicated service to the US Navy. Holsey, who assumed command in November 2024, previously served as the deputy commander of SOUTHCOM. His retirement follows a series of high-profile military actions in the Caribbean, including multiple strikes against alleged drug cartels and recent operations off the coast of Venezuela. These actions, authorized by President Donald Trump, have drawn scrutiny for their legal ambiguity and strategic implications. Holsey’s departure also coincides with broader leadership changes within the US military, as Hegseth has replaced several senior officers since taking office. In a statement on X, Holsey expressed gratitude for his role, emphasizing the SOUTHCOM team’s contributions to national defense. The US Navy and SOUTHCOM have yet to comment on the circumstances surrounding his retirement.

In a historic display of bipartisan cooperation, opposition and government Members of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda came together on Thursday to ratify the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA) Agreement and pass the ECCIRA Bill 2025. This landmark legislation formalizes a regional framework designed to harmonize and strengthen oversight of citizenship by investment (CBI) programs across the Eastern Caribbean. The agreement, initially signed in September by Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia, establishes ECCIRA as a centralized authority to regulate and monitor CBI initiatives. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who introduced the measures, hailed the move as a “historic turning point” for the region’s investment migration sector. He emphasized that the framework would set a “global gold standard” for transparency, accountability, and security. The new authority will monitor promoters, agents, and due-diligence providers, maintain a regional register of licensed service providers, enforce sanctions of up to US$250,000 for regulatory breaches, and coordinate with CARICOM IMPACS and other international bodies. Additionally, ECCIRA will promote risk-based auditing, publish annual transparency reports, and spearhead regional training to enhance compliance and investigative capabilities. The governance structure includes a Council of Ministers from each member state and a nine-member board with representatives from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, OECS Commission, and CARICOM IMPACS. Opposition MPs supported the initiative, praising it as essential for protecting the region’s reputation and investor confidence. The unanimous approval of both the treaty and the bill underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to regional cooperation and self-regulation. Prime Minister Browne concluded, “This is about sustainability and protecting our people’s interests. It shows that, as a region, we are capable of integrity, accountability, and collective leadership.”