WATCH: PM Pushes Back Firmly at Diaspora Critics, Says Opportunities Are Here at Home

Prime Minister Gaston Browne pushed back Saturday against criticism from overseas Antiguans who argue that opportunities at home are limited, saying such claims ignore economic realities and undermine national progress.

Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne programme, Browne compared the cost of living abroad with conditions in Antigua and Barbuda, arguing that salaries overseas are often offset by higher taxes and expenses.

“If they make 60,000 U.S. dollars, half of it is going to the government in taxes,” Browne said, adding that many overseas residents must also cover high costs for housing, health care, child care and transportation. “By the time they finish, they’re not seeing anything.”

Browne said some members of the diaspora portray life abroad as more prosperous while dismissing improvements at home. He encouraged skilled Antiguans living overseas to consider returning, saying many could do better locally.

“Those who have skills, I want to encourage some of them to come back home and to help us build a country,” he said, noting that economic conditions have improved significantly over the past decade.

He said immigration has played a key role in sustaining economic growth, as foreign workers fill labour shortages created by expansion in construction, tourism and other sectors.

“Practically anyone who wants a job and is not too fussy about what job they do can find a job,” Browne said, adding that immigrants are arriving regularly to take up available positions.

Browne also criticised what he described as “disloyal rhetoric” from overseas critics who, he said, regularly disparage the country while benefiting from life abroad.

“You don’t want to come back to Antigua, no worries,” he said. “But just kindly keep your criticisms to yourselves.”

He said national development requires loyalty and participation, whether citizens live at home or abroad, and argued that Antigua and Barbuda has advanced far beyond outdated perceptions held by some overseas nationals.

“People are doing significantly better than decades ago,” Browne said, pointing to rising incomes, expanded education opportunities and improvements in housing and health care.

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