ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 2nd December 2014……While welcoming over two hundred individuals as new citizenships of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne has proclaimed that all Antiguans and Barbudans are one – citizens by birth, naturalization, descent or registration.
During his first official citizenship ceremony as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, PM Browne, to loud applause, outlined that his government will not support tribalism in this country with born Antiguans and Barbudans on one side and naturalized Antiguans and Barbudans on the other.
“We want to make sure that we continue to live in harmony in this country. As far as I am concerned, we are one and the same people not withstanding the colour of our skin or the place of birth or origin. We are one and the same people. We are one people in a nation called Antigua and Barbuda – one nation with a common destiny. I want to make that abundantly clear. As far as my government is concerned, there is no distinction when it comes to a citizen. From now on we are one people, one nation, with a common destiny,” PM Browne stated.
The country’s leader told the new citizens that all of the applications for citizenship that were presented to him for signature were approved. None were denied he said.
“As far as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party government is concerned, you have been living here and making a contribution towards the advancement of the country. You are important to the development of the country and those who contribute productively over the years would have satisfied the seven-year period as required by law. We believe we have an obligation to ensure that you enjoy the privilege of citizenship,” he noted.
Prime Minister Browne said that it was a privilege for them to be Antiguan and Barbuda and they should cherish that fact. He however said that with the privilege of becoming a citizen are certain responsibilities. PM Browne said that the privileges include the right to vote, own land, operate a business and to do everything and anything in Antigua and Barbuda within the law.
“Having been given the right, you have a responsibility to respect the law and remain law abiding residents and now citizens and ensure that you continue to contribute to nation building. That is first and foremost,” he said.
PM Browne also took time to outline his government’s vision for Antigua and Barbuda to the new citizens, pointing out that it is a very impressive vision to transform the country into an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean. He outlined that his government cannot do it alone. It required the contributions of every citizen and resident.
“Therefore you have a fundamental role to play in that developmental process. One of your major responsibilities is to make sure that you continue to contribute towards the achievement of that vision. Trust me, it is doable. We have the skills, the expertise and I am sure we have the commitment to make it happen,” he told them.
In congratulating each of the new citizens and presenting them with certificates, Prime Minister encouraged them to work in harmony with the entire population as each person must work towards the single vision of transforming Antigua and Barbuda.
He concluded by announcing that his government will not utilize any loopholes in the law in preventing persons from becoming citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, making reference to the previous practice of persons being disqualified to become citizens once there is a gap in their paid time while living in Antigua and Barbuda.
“We will also expedite the process for those who qualify. So instead of delay or denying persons, we will continue to confer citizenship on those who have served this country over the years,” he said.
