Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a challenge to leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), urging them to pursue more ambitious and transformative initiatives rather than settling for what he called "routine leadership."
According to Antigua.news, Browne made the remarks during a recent interview with state media, arguing that today's regional leaders command greater financial resources and expertise than their predecessors, yet are falling short of delivering meaningful progress for the people of the sub-region.
The prime minister noted that earlier generations of OECS leaders managed to achieve significant regional milestones despite operating with far fewer resources. He said current leadership must build on that legacy with bolder action.
"We have to start providing major things that will have a lasting impact, not just for this generation but for generations to come," Browne said.
Among his stated priorities is the reform of regional air transportation, which he identified as a persistent obstacle to economic growth and integration across the OECS. Browne expressed support for ongoing discussions around establishing an OECS-owned airline and argued that the responsibility for maintaining regional air services must be shared equitably among all member states.
He described the current arrangement — in which only a handful of countries shoulder the cost of regional air connectivity — as unsustainable, and called for a model built on joint investment and shared benefits.
Browne also pointed to energy cooperation as an area demanding urgent collective action. He revealed that Antigua and Barbuda is engaged in advanced talks with Saint Kitts and Nevis over the potential purchase of geothermal energy produced there. He said Antigua and Barbuda is prepared to participate in financing arrangements and work alongside regional and international partners, including the European Union, to advance geothermal energy development across the region.
The prime minister is scheduled to assume the rotating chairmanship of the OECS later this month when regional leaders convene in Antigua and Barbuda. Greater regional cooperation is expected to feature prominently on the summit agenda.
