Gaston Brown 4th Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda since June 13, 2014 Date of Birth: 06.02.1967

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career and Political Ascent
3. Premiership
4. Hurricane Irma Devastation and Recovery
5. Republicanism
6. Family and Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Gaston Browne was born on February 9, 1967, in the Villa area on the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, shortly before the country became an Associated State. His early teenage years were marked by hardships. He lived with his paternal great-grandmother in Point, who was in her eighties, partially blind, poor, and aging. Following her passing, he grew up in Point, another impoverished neighborhood. After graduating from secondary school, Browne pursued a Bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance at the City Banking College in the United Kingdom. He later obtained an MBA in Finance from the University of Manchester.

Career and Political Ascent

Upon his return from studies, Browne joined the Swiss American Banking Group, a major banking consortium in Antigua and Barbuda. He eventually rose to the position of Commercial Banking Manager. In 1999, he entered the political arena, winning a parliamentary seat representing the St. John's West constituency. He was appointed Minister of Planning, Trade, Industry, Commerce, and Public Service in his first term as an MP.

In November 2012, Browne challenged and defeated Lester Bird in the race for leadership of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), winning by a margin of 213 to 180. He was subsequently sworn in as Leader of the Opposition in December 2012.

Premiership

Gaston Browne led the ABLP to victory in the June 12, 2014, general elections, ending 10 years in opposition. The party won 14 of the 17 seats, and Browne was sworn in as Prime Minister on June 13, 2014, defeating the incumbent United Progressive Party (UPP) led by Baldwin Spencer. Browne also holds the additional portfolio of Minister of Finance.

Hurricane Irma Devastation and Recovery

On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma tore through Barbuda. Prime Minister Browne reported that the Category 5 hurricane destroyed 95% of structures and vehicles. Initial assessments indicated that at least 60% of the island's residents were left homeless. All communication with Barbuda was temporarily lost as much of the communication infrastructure was destroyed.

In an interview on September 8, 2017, Browne described the situation as "literally rubble" with no running water or telephone service. He stated that only one fatality had been reported. The government had nearly completed the evacuation of the entire island, with approximately 1,800 people being relocated to Antigua.

That same day, the first of three cargo planes arrived from the United States, carrying over 120,000 pounds of relief supplies for Barbuda. The cost was covered by the Antigua and Barbuda government, as well as donations from Martin Franklin and the Coleman Company in the United States. Browne also discussed Barbuda's immediate needs with US Agency for International Development Administrator Mark Green. USAID had already deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team and would continue to coordinate efforts with the government and relief agencies.

Prime Minister Browne's government faced a daunting task. Rebuilding homes and infrastructure was estimated to cost over $100 million, according to Time magazine. Philmore Mullin, director of the National Office of Disaster Services for Antigua and Barbuda, stated that "all critical infrastructure and utilities are gone - the delivery of food items, medicals, shelter, electricity, water, communication, waste disposal." He summarized the situation as follows: "The utilities have to be rebuilt from scratch... I'm being optimistic that within six months something can be done... In my 25 years in disaster management, I have never seen anything like it."

Republicanism

During a visit from the Earl and Countess of Wessex for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Browne asked the Earl whether the couple would use their diplomatic influence to support reparations for slavery for Caribbean Community countries and announced that his nation would transition to a republic. Following the Queen's passing, Browne declared that he would call for a referendum within three years on whether the country should become a republic. "It is not an act of hostility or any difference between Antigua and Barbuda and the monarchy, but it is the final step in completing that circle of independence to ensure that we are truly a sovereign nation," he stated in an interview with ITV, adding that the country would remain a member of the Commonwealth regardless of the outcome.

Family and Personal Life

Browne is married to Maria Bird-Browne, the niece of former Prime Minister Lester Bird. The couple has a son named Prince Gaston Browne, who is Browne's fourth child, as he has three older children from previous relationships.