Prime Minister Gaston Browne is urging young people to seize the thousands of jobs available in Antigua and Barbuda, warning that refusing work and pursuing an “easy life” only fuels crime and instability.
Speaking at Tuesday’s VC Bird Day ceremony, Browne said there is no shortage of employment across the country.
He told the audience, “54,000 jobs exist today,” adding that “within the last year, about 4,000 jobs are created.” With more positions expected next year, the Prime Minister warned young people against rejecting available work in favour of idleness.
“Rather than our people becoming slothful, becoming lazy, and allowing others to come from within the region and beyond and to fill these positions, I say to you, you have an obligation to take up these jobs,” he said.
Browne urged jobseekers to be practical, especially first-time workers.
“It doesn’t matter where you start. We have a propensity in this country to pick and choose the jobs that we want. Take the job that is available until you get the job that you want.”
The Prime Minister linked the refusal to work with the rise in violent incidents, warning youth that shortcuts carry deadly consequences.
“No easy life. Easy life means a life of crime and violence. Crime and violence mean an early death,” he said.
Calling national stability essential to Antigua and Barbuda’s development, Browne said the country must work to reduce violent crime and property offences.
“We have to make sure that this nation remains stable. We have to make sure that we literally eliminate crime and violence in this country. We have to bring homicides practically down to zero. We have to reduce all of these thefts that are taking place.”
He appealed directly to the young people present, arguing that long-term success requires effort and resilience rather than quick gains.
The nation, he said, must confront crime by ensuring citizens choose work over illegal activity. “Take up these jobs,” he repeated, insisting that every available opportunity be used to steer young people away from criminal behaviour.
