Prime Minister Gaston Browne has underscored the urgent need for greater female representation in Antigua and Barbuda’s political leadership, describing the current situation as “unfortunate” and calling for a deliberate effort to nurture young women for national roles.
Speaking on his weekly radio programme, the _Browne and Browne Show_ , the Prime Minister pointed to the country’s low number of female parliamentarians and expressed hope that initiatives such as the Labour Queen show could help bridge the gap.
Browne said that while the pageant is often seen as a celebration of beauty, it must also be recognized as a platform for holistic development, including leadership training and professional empowerment.
“We need more female candidates,” Browne said. “It is unfortunate that we only have a single female parliamentarian at this time. However, I see among these young women a combination of talent and education that could see many of them rise to the top leadership of the country.”
The Prime Minister announced plans to formalize an alumni group made up of current and past Labour Queen contestants, creating opportunities for them to serve on boards, seek scholarships, and ultimately prepare for roles in governance.
Browne noted that leadership development must start early and pledged his government’s support to assist the young women in building their personal and professional capacities.
“We are not just promoting beauty,” Browne said. “We are promoting empowerment, investment in youth, and the preparation of a new generation of national leaders.”
The Labour Queen show, now in its fifteenth consecutive year, has been described by Browne as a significant institution within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s broader youth development strategy.
