WE ARE READY WHEN YOU ARE The Citizen reached out to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for a message of reassurance in light of the current situation.
Antigua & Barbuda’s growth has been phenomenal over the last couple of years. What initiatives have been put in place for economic recovery? My government has spurred hotel developers to continue construction of new properties and to upgrade existing properties throughout the crisis period. The plan is to ensure that hotels—the basis of tourism’s success—can function normally by providing arriving passengers with the assurance of a safe environment. In addition, the government will pursue several capital projects to include repairs to government buildings. Antigua & Barbuda received its 300,000th overnight visitor for the year on December 31st, reaching the milestone for the first time in the country’s history. What approach are you taking to reopen the borders? Our marketing machine is already rolling out a campaign to heighten confidence in the safety and beauty of our destination. Antigua & Barbuda expects to return to those 2019 numbers by 2021. An economic recovery committee made up of all sectors of the economy will also provide guidance to the government.
12
THE CITIZEN
Acknowledging that the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) fourth landed campus in Antigua is close to your heart, what role does it play within your vision of transforming Antigua & Barbuda into an economic powerhouse? No country can expect to lead in economic performance unless its citizens can access tertiary education with ease. The UWI fourth landed campus in Antigua remains the uppermost concern, buttressed by heightened expectations. Whatever the cost required to train our youth, my administration will bear it. My government expects UWI to apply greater creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship for our youth which are key ingredients to support a vibrant economy. The country’s citizenship by investment programme (CIP) has continued to receive a steady stream of enquiries and its activity hasn’t noticeably diminished. How is Antigua continuing to ensure the competitiveness and attractiveness of the programme in the current international climate? We have experienced a robust CIP record by giving the
