Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party announced their plans and programmes for employment generation in their Manifesto for the January 18 general elections.
Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party pledges:
A central focus of the ABLP’s “Next Level” development is more and better employment. Barring any unforeseen natural disasters or externally generated impact on the economy, the ABLP pledges to:
- Create conditions for employment, including self-employment, on a basis over the next five years, providing improved salaries and wages. The programmes and projects by which this pledge will be fulfilled are detailed in the various sectors covered in this Manifesto.
“Next Level” development includes a social environment of safety and security where all, especially women, girls, and schoolchildren, are safe from violence. Antigua and Barbuda’s crime rate is low, but every crime affects a person and their family, engendering fear and Insecurity. The ABLP pledges:
- Zero tolerance for guns and every form of violence against persons. The penalties for the illegal gun possession and use will be strengthened.
- The activities of gangs will not be tolerated. The rule of law will be enforced. Continuing gang actions, particularly against schoolchildren, will result in prosecution. Laws will be amended to deter participation in gang activities. At the same time, greater attention will be paid to offering young people the opportunity to utilize their time productively and to focus their energies on areas of achievement in sports, in education, and in the creative arts, including music.
- Facilities and equipment for the Police will continue to be upgraded, renewed, and expanded to give them the capacity to carry out their task of serving and protecting.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne stated, “We have launched our Manifesto. Our vision is to take Antigua & Barbuda to the next level. Looking back, we’ve built over 1,000 homes, built a new port, opened UWI Five Islands and saw our country through the worst pandemic in a century. Now, the economy is coming back, with jobs being created and record cruise ships and full hotels.”
The plan for the next five years includes:
— Money to Help Small Businesspeople Grow Their Enterprise
— A New Cruise Ship Beach Club at Fort James
— Seven New Hotel & Golf Projects Across Both Antigua & Barbuda
— Salary Increases for Public Servants
