His party secures landslide victory as regional leaders extend congratulations.

On Friday, Gaston Browne, leader of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), was sworn in as prime minister of his country for a fourth consecutive time.

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Previously, in the parliamentary elections held on Thursday, he secured 60% of the vote, while his main opponent, Jamale Pringle of the United Progressive Party (UPP), received 37%.

According to official data, the ABLP won 15 of the 17 seats in Parliament, while the UPP won one seat, and the Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) secured the Barbuda seat.

“Browne took the oath of office alongside Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Steadroy Benjamin, marking the formal start of the government’s new term… Other members of the Cabinet are expected to be sworn in later this week, as the administration moves to quickly re-establish its full governing team,” Antigua News reported.

In a message posted on the ABLP Facebook page, Browne said he felt humbly honored by the support and trust of his country’s citizens. “Now is the time to move forward together, consolidate our achievements and continue our work on this long journey toward improving our society and uplifting the spirit of our people. To each of you: thank you,” he stressed.

“We are here to serve all the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Education, jobs and business opportunities will be open to all who are prepared to seize them. No one who wants to move forward with me will be left alone. And regardless of political ideology, this is not the time to feel left behind, but for everyone to act, increase productivity and ensure that Antigua and Barbuda becomes one of the most productive islands in the world,” the ABLP leader emphasized.

In exclusive remarks to teleSUR correspondent Belen de Los Santos, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed his interest in deepening integration and cooperation with nations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“We must maintain this hemisphere as a hemisphere of peace. At the same time, we must continue collaborating. After all, we are all brothers and sisters in the hemisphere. It is important that we keep working together to improve the standard of living of our peoples,” he said.

On Friday, several leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean sent messages congratulating Browne on his inauguration for a new government term.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister-elect Gaston Browne on retaining a fourth term in office and on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. I look forward to the continued strengthening of the partnership between our countries as we advance our shared regional priorities,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness posted on X.

Albert R. Ramdin, secretary of the Organization of American States (OAS), sent his congratulations to Browne on his victory and wished him a successful term in office.

“I also commend the people and electoral authorities of Antigua and Barbuda for the peaceful conduct at the polls and the excellent organization and execution of the electoral process. The OAS stands ready to continue working closely with the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen our shared democratic values and advance the development of the region,” he stated.

Bermuda Prime Minister David Burt congratulated Browne, calling him a “friend” of the British overseas territory, and said he would work with him to strengthen ties with the Caribbean Community (Caricom), of which both countries are members.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: teleSUR- Antigua News – EFE

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