PM Browne gives thanks for nation’s progress….extends olive branch to opposition

Prime Minister Gaston Browne used the backdrop of Sunday’s National Service of
Thanksgiving to thank God for steering the nation of Antigua and Barbuda through
challenging times to be able to record three consecutive years of robust economic
growth.
Delivering brief remarks prior to reading one of the lessons during the service at
the St. John’s Pentecostal House of Assembly, PM Browne said the economic
gains of the past year are forecast to continue into this year with God’s guidance.
“This progress is an achievement for all the people of Antigua and Barbuda, not
just for members of the Cabinet,” he declared.
He echoed a call from Governor General Sir Rodney Williams for all to be
productive in a national effort of nation building. “I call on all citizens and
residents to join in this national effort as we fight the challenges, external and
otherwise, that lie ahead. I urge you to ‘rise to the occasion’ as we move our
country ahead,” he remarked.
The prime minister also drew attention to the absence of the senior leadership of
the opposition, who were invited to attend the service. An invitation was also
extended to Opposition Leader, Jamale Pringle to read one of the lessens and to
give brief remarks.
Unfortunately, he noted, they were conspicuously absent. In an effort to avoid a re-
occurrence in the future, the prime minister has offered to involve the Office of the
Leader of the Opposition in the planning of next year’s service. “I want to
emphasise that this is not n ABLP service. It is a National Service of Thanksgiving
and I believe that all senior public servants including members of both houses of
parliament, on both sides, have a responsibility to be here,” he noted.
PM Bird has extended an olive branch to the opposition to ensure their attendance
at the service in 2025. “In order to encourage the opposition involvement, I will
recommend that the service for next should fall under the auspices of the Cabinet
and the Leader of the Opposition. This must be inclusive. We cannot divide over
such an important national event,” he emphasized.