Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Tuesday joined the nation in congratulating twenty-six (26) centenarians and their families as they embark on the Fifth Annual Centenarian Week, recognized on the Antigua and Barbuda calendar.
In a message to Antigua and Barbuda’s golden group, PM Browne said, “for more than 385 years, the people of modern Antigua and Barbuda have been slowly transforming the very harsh and oppressive conditions under which they were compelled to live and die.
During the past 82 years, the effort to improve was intensified with the founding of the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), in 1939.
While increasing wages was a focus of the union, seeking to improve living conditions required taking hold of the law-making machinery, the union leaders concluded.
The success of the union resulted in better conditions of work for the generation birthed after 1921.
The centenarians are evidence of improved medical care, better diets, more rest and recreation, access to learning and to greater formal schooling, by the time of their 20th birthday. A much sturdier nation of people was being nurtured, thanks to the agitation of the Union.”
PM Browne continued, “Our 26 centenarians being celebrated during this Annual Week, provide testimony to the success of this great small island-state. Despite the grip with which the Covid-19 disease may now be choking our economy, we are all fighting to succeed utilizing our imagination and drive.
It is the spirit and resilience of the centenarians which strengthen the determination of our many sectoral leaders.”
“May the God of our forebears continue to bless our people with power and even greater endurance, and may many more centenarians continue to grace our population. Much love and blessings.” PM Browne said.
