Amidst criticism from some sections of the public, Prime Minister Gaston Browne
is justifying his government’s hosting of the ‘One Nation Concert’, an event that
brings together local, regional, and international artistes on one stage, free of cost
to the general public.
PM Browne made the announcement recently on his social media page and
reaction was swift from those who criticized the planned staging of the event, at a
time when his administration intends to announce an increase in the ABST.
But some welcomed the announcement and the opportunity that will be presented
for them to witness their favourite artistes in concert on 13 th January 2024.
On his radio programme on the weekend, PM Browne pointed to the spin-off
benefits of hosting such events, particularly for businesses.
“When you look at the One Nation concert, with dozens of vendors looking
forward to the event to make some money; even our local artistes, will be paid
more money than the artistes that we are bringing in. Some artistes will be paid
approximately $5,000.00 but an artist such as Tian Wynter makes about
$10,000.00. This is a gain for the government as money is turned over in the
economy; it benefits the country as a whole, as everyone benefits. Also, we have
stakeholders such as the nail shops, the barbers as well as the distributors who look
forward to events such as these,” he emphasized.
Additionally, the prime minister maintains that the One Nation Concert seeks to
celebrate diversity – the coming together of the various nationalities that make
Antigua and Barbuda home.
“Antigua and Barbuda is a melting pot; we have over one hundred nationalities
living here in this country. You almost have a fifty-fifty split between those who
are native-born and those who are immigrants, and this is a potential powder keg.
If you do not ensure that these people are properly integrated, then you will have
individuals, especially the native-born taking issue with those who naturalized or
those who are residents. We said we are one people with one common destiny and
we wanted to bring these people together to continue the integration thereby
avoiding any ethnic tension. So, the concert has its value,” he stated.
Prime Minister Browne has dismissed the critics and insisted that his
administration will ensure that events like the one that will be held on 13 th January
2024 are held to promote unity among citizens and residents.
He said Antigua and Barbuda has attracted residents from Jamaica in the north to
Guyana in the south and it is credit that despite these differences, everyone lives in
peace and security. Events such as the One Nation concert will only serve to
deepen that bond.
