Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused members of the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) of deliberately attempting to incite protest action among key public sector workers, including immigration officers and employees of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).
Speaking on his weekly Pointe FM radio programme on Saturday, Browne alleged that the opposition, still reeling from what he described as the collapse of their narrative in the high-profile Alfa Nero case, has now shifted tactics in an effort to disrupt public order and damage the government’s credibility.
“They’re talking to people in immigration right now, trying to get them to take protest action. They are also trying to get the APUA workers over the issue of the establishment of a pension scheme to get them to strike too,” Browne said.
The prime minister urged public servants to remain alert and not allow themselves to be manipulated for political gain. He warned that what appears on the surface to be advocacy for workers’ rights may, in fact, be part of a broader political ploy aimed at destabilizing the country.
“They’re hoping that things could disintegrate so they can have some kind of major protest led by the teachers,” Browne added. “Now that the Alfa Nero fabrication is falling apart, this is their new strategy.”
Despite the criticisms, the prime minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving legitimate public sector concerns, including timely salary payments, improved allowances, and fair benefit structures. However, he cautioned against what he called “disproportionate or politically motivated actions” that could threaten the nation’s stability and development.
“This is not about workers’ rights — this is a political strategy. We value our public servants, but we must stand against the excesses of those trying to undermine our country’s development,” Browne stated.
The UPP has not yet publicly responded to the prime minister’s allegations.
