Antigua's Prime Minister Gaston Browne to Receive UWI American Foundation Award

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua –Prime Minister Gaston Browne will on Thursday receive the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) prestigious Legacy Award for his leadership, which facilitates nation-building, strengthening regional alliances and creating a legacy that future generations can build on.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne speaks during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Oct. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Sir Hilary Beckles, in a letter to Prime Minister Browne said “AFUWI is proud of Prime Minister Browne’s stellar accomplishments as Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Corporate Governance.

“Your passion and commitment to improving the lives of the people of your country are evidenced by the many initiatives you and your administration have implemented to address matters germane to nation-building,” Sir Hilary said.

He said these include increasing the housing stock, reducing unemployment, improving health care via the upgrade of plant and equipment, increasing the number of medical practitioners, infrastructure upgrades of airports and seaports, funding for venture capital and entrepreneurial endeavors, and increasing investment in building a robust and competitive tourism industry.

Sir Hilary also highlighted their shared interest in increasing access to education for all Caribbean nationals and the vital role education plays in advancing the development agenda.

“Increases in the capacity in primary and secondary schools and upgrade of physical plants are stark testimony of your commitment.  It is, therefore, no wonder that Antigua and Barbuda is the site of The UWI’s Fifth Campus housed on lands at Five Islands. This facility provides easier access to tertiary education for your citizens and citizens from the other OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States).”

The Awards Gala to be held in New York City is themed “Together, through our resilience and determination, we can conquer any adversity” and Sir Hilary said it is “a perfect background due to Prime Minister Browne’s forceful and unapologetic discourse on the issue of Climate Change.

“Part of your abiding legacy will be the ability of the people of Antigua and Barbuda to leverage their resilience and determination to overcome challenges and to be better for it in the aftermath. The remarkable resurgence of your country’s economy, post the devastation caused by hurricanes Maria and Irma also stand as a formidable reference in the annals of history,” Sir Hilary wrote.

The UWI Vice Chancellor also commended Prime Minister Browne for his “signature brand of excellence and leadership” in his role as prime minister and outlined that he will be among a select group of Caribbean leaders who were recipients of the award, including Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Allen M. Chastanet, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Dr. Hubert Alexander Minnis, P.J. Patterson, Tillman J. Thomas and the late David Thompson.