Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticised the lack of Antiguans in senior management positions within the banking and hospitality sectors, arguing that businesses must do more to develop local talent.
Speaking on Pointe FM, he pointed to his own career in banking as an example of what could be achieved when financial institutions invest in local professionals.
_“When I was about, what, in my 20s, I became a senior bank manager in this country. Probably the youngest—not probably, I was the youngest senior bank manager in the country at the time.”_
_“Swiss American Banking Group gave me a scholarship to study in the United Kingdom. In fact, I’m the only person they gave a scholarship to. And they actually fast-tracked me through management.”_
Browne said he was concerned that Antiguans were still not being promoted to key positions, despite the government offering assistance to train professionals.
_“You’re telling me today, the kind of monies that these banks are making… ACB bragged that last year they made the highest profit in their history and issued one of the most significant dividends… And you’re telling me that they can’t find a few local Antiguans who they can promote within the bank to manage a bank?”_
He said banks should take advantage of the government’s offer to co-fund scholarships for promising young Antiguans.
_“If you were to identify individuals who wish to make banking a career, and you want to give them scholarships, we will provide part funding. The Prime Minister’s Fund will give part of the funding.”_
Browne also took issue with the dominance of foreign managers in the hotel sector, saying that Antiguans deserve better opportunities for advancement.
_“For decades, we have had this discussion, yet we are still not seeing sufficient local management. I’m talking about senior management, not middle management.”_
He acknowledged that some hotels have made promotions, but said this was not enough.
_“I noticed that Sandals recently promoted about three young ladies into middle management. They’re not senior managers. And whereas we welcome those promotions, we expect Sandals and all the other hotels… to provide opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans to grow and develop and to literally manage these organizations.”_
Browne urged local professionals to take responsibility for their own growth, while calling on businesses to play their part in developing local leadership.
_“A degree, especially in such a competitive space today, doesn’t guarantee a senior management position. You have to work your way up.”_
His remarks come as the government continues to push for greater self-sufficiency in key industries and to reduce reliance on imported labour.
