Announces Town – By Deslyn A Joseph
Announces Town Hall Series
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) is scheduled to launch a series of town hall meetings within the next two weeks to strengthen the engagement between constituency representatives and the people they serve.
Gaston Browne, Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for St. John’s City West, said that these meetings are designed to ensure that both sitting representatives and candidates maintain a close and consistent connection with their constituents. He emphasized that while the government has always encouraged ministers to set aside specific “constituency days” for public access, these new forums will provide a more structured and formal opportunity for dialogue.
During his remarks, Browne acknowledged the challenges that come with balancing ministerial duties and public representation.
“I admit that the heavy workload of building the nation’s socio-economic infrastructure and the necessity of frequent travel often make it difficult for officials to remain as visible as they should be,” he stated.
He described himself as having been somewhat delinquent in this regard, promising that his own constituents will see much more of him in the future. He believes that these town hall meetings will act as a necessary catalyst, essentially forcing representatives to pause their busy administrative schedules to engage directly with the public.
Beyond improving visibility, the upcoming sessions are expected to serve as a vital platform for discussing both local and regional issues. Browne remains confident in the ABLP’s broader policy direction and its management of the economy, but he views these meetings as an essential tool for reinforcing accountability.
“By creating this open forum, the administration aims to bridge the gap between government offices and the community, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that elected officials remain answerable to the citizens we represent,” he added.
