Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne calls for economic independence

During his address marking the 45th anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda’s independence, Prime Minister Gaston Browne called for the nation to deepen its economic independence to ensure better livelihoods and resilience against external pressures.

Browne highlighted the critical role of the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) in financing public services, infrastructure, and development projects. He warned that losing this revenue source could increase the financial burden on taxpayers, particularly as households face rising costs of living.

The Prime Minister also addressed international pressures, noting that the European Union has requested the phasing out of the CIP by June 2028, which could jeopardize visa-free access to the Schengen Area. While the government has proposed a managed closure by the end of 2030, the EU has not yet accepted this timeline. Browne stated the government is engaging with international partners to address security concerns while protecting national interests.