The Caribbean’s most influential leaders
THE WASHINGTON TIMES: The Caribbean region grappled with headwinds affecting social developments, fiscal outcomes and economic growth following the global pandemic. Despite these challenges, it remains a beacon of resilience and progress, steadily cementing its place on the global stage.
This recent resilience builds on years of consistent advancement. Over the last three decades, life expectancy has climbed to 72.6 years from 68.4, education levels have improved with Caribbean people aged over 25 having spent more time in education (9.6 years) than their Latin American peers (8.9), and per capita income has surged by 66%.
At the heart of this transformation lies exceptional leadership. In this light, we turn our focus to three of the most influential and respected leaders who have not only guided the Caribbean through turbulent times but have also been instrumental in shaping its remarkable trajectory toward growth and regional prominence.
Hon. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados is a powerful force in the global fight for climate justice, recognized for her commitment to tackling the most pressing environmental challenges.
Her approach to climate policy has earned her international acclaim, including the prestigious Champion of the Earth award in 2021 – the United Nations’ highest environmental honor.
Mottley’s tenure has been marked by a series of groundbreaking initiatives, the most notable being the historic and seamless transition of Barbados to a republic – a move that reinforced her commitment to enhancing the island’s sovereignty and independence.
In the economic realm, Mottley has pioneered innovative financial solutions. Her administration recently secured the world’s first ‘debt-for-climate resilience’ swap, which directs $165 million toward critical water infrastructure and food security initiatives.
Under her leadership, Barbados has navigated environmental challenges with resilience and has established a new global standard for nations working to harmonize economic growth with sustainability.
Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis
Under the dynamic leadership of Premier Mark Brantley, Nevis has experienced a remarkable transformation, with significant advancements in infrastructure, tourism, and economic resilience.
Notable projects include the $800,000 enhancement of the Bath Hot Springs, a key cultural and wellness attraction, and major upgrades to the island’s water supply system, which will add over 1.5 million gallons per day, critical for long-term sustainability.
Tourism, a pillar of Nevis’ economy, has experienced a strong resurgence, with revenue increasing by 22.3% post-pandemic, reflecting the island’s growing appeal as a premier destination.
A defining achievement came in February when Premier Brantley, alongside the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts, secured a landmark USD $37 million funding deal for geothermal energy exploration, backed by Saudi Arabia. This investment places Nevis at the forefront of renewable energy innovation in the region.
With a clear focus on sustainability, Nevis is on track to meet its ambitious goal of generating 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, highlighting the island’s commitment to future-proofing its development.
With Premier Brantley spearheading these efforts, the island has positioned itself as a leader in the Caribbean, demonstrating how innovation, combined with a thoughtful approach to governance, can foster enduring growth.
HE Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
Throughout his term, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has driven Antigua and Barbuda toward an era of substantial economic and social development, thanks to his focus on poverty eradication.
Recognizing poverty as one of the world’s most pressing challenges, his administration has prioritized initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of citizens. Notable achievements include significant affordable housing projects, such as the one in Dredge Bay, ensuring more residents have access to secure and comfortable living conditions.
In 2024, Antigua and Barbuda’s economy flourished, achieving a robust 6% GDP growth. This has been reflected across a variety of sectors, with tourism leading the charge. The island welcomed 1.1 million visitors in 2024, breaking previous records and solidifying its position as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations.
Prime Minister Browne’s impact has been far-reaching, with his vision fostering long-term growth across multiple sectors, ensuring the nation’s future is bright and its prominence continues to thrive on the world stage.
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There is no doubt about this article, Yes Mr.Gaston Browne is one of the most influential Leader in the Caribbean regions….
#WORLD BOSS
You cannot be one of the most influential leaders in the Caribbean when you barely won your last general election by 6 votes.
That means, almost 50% of your own people do not believe in your policies on governing.
So I don’t know what pompous article is this!
The man shouldn’t have even been reelected, and now look where Antigua is, riddled with crimes and an increasingly troubled workforce.
If he is so influential, why don’t he help turn those gangsters, who hands he shook, into carpenters and Mason’s, instead of going to the Dominican Republic to get skilled workers?
Gatson Brownes influence is not felt any where in his own island, otherwise the place wouldn’t be sicking in this terrible plague of crimes that has grip this tiny island!
For such a small population, I’ve never seen so much lawlessness.
So I guess he’s influential in crime enhancement, that’s it!!!
And I don’t want to hear crap about ” oh, government can’t do it alone”.
BS they can..They were put office and paid a living wage to do just that, do it all.
Congratulations Mr . PM there is no doubt that you stand tall above the rest I think it’s time ABS does a short documentary of your achievements for the last ten years Mr Berford will do an excellent job he is passionate about his work I think it’s the right time for you to do this you never blow your own trumpet so let the facts speak for themselves your government has performed exceptionally and has shown more growth leaving out Guyana than the others in the Caribbean and the OECS the Liat acquisition stands out when one PM said if you believe you can do magic let you go ahead with Liat and when they doubted you you performed next the Bank , so let’s get a short documentary done and let the people see your worth of salt to thus nation
Influential is one.
Overburdening your tax payers is another.
What criterion was used?
Does the surveyor know that we are economically a mess.
Was the state of the economy taken into consideration in determining influence?
If you didn’t let me share something.
You so called influential man has turned Antigua i to the most indebted island in the Caribbean
Is he advising other islands to go and dorown in debt?
He cannot pay landlords. Is he influencing other leaders to incur debt and not pay?
You have a most unusual way of chosing influence tial people.
These people clearly never hear the way this person addresses the people he represents no respect what so ever, maybe they’re trying to deceive him to go to America.
The source of this article is supposed to be the “Washington Times” a MAGA and Trump loving conservative and conspiracy news portal.
A search of their archives show no such article.
ABS Facebook page and Instagram carries such an article. Might as well in was in Pointe FM
Desperate people do desperate things
@African man,
You are either a bot or you are easily fooled. Which one are you?
Where can we read this article for ourselves ????
Where can we read about this record breaking growth with this great leadership … in a country that has NO RUNNING WATER
Well well so are a day Gaston brown take great prime minister mia motley place? That great barbados leader wasn’t going to set police with m-16 machine guns to fight barbudans communal lands rights to sell the lands to white mafia’s for speculation with buffer zone and private airport, to me Gaston kind a brown skin indian extraction so he don’t love black people, and he is elated to get white validation, so he give white people all them want.
Well well so are you a say Gaston brown take great prime minister mia motley place? That great barbados leader wasn’t going to set police with m-16 machine guns to fight barbudans communal lands rights to sell the lands to white mafia’s for speculation with buffer zone and private airport, to me Gaston kind a brown skin indian extraction so he don’t love black people, and he is elated to get white validation, so he give white people all them want.
Well we know that a King get no honor in his own country. But we don’t let that bother us anymore. We know we have a World Boss. Many have said it before, “we wish he as our Prime Minister”. That were the words of the tv reporters in the Bahamas. And St. Lucians said the same thing. Trinidadian said send Browne for us. But in Antigua and Barbuda the Browne Haters. They will speak so much ill of the man. They make all their false accusations without any proof. But they are clever to hide behind false identity and unknown names. They that have come openly were taken to court for defamation and are now feeling the heat. Like Ivena and now Pearl Quinn Williams. And more will follow very soon.
God Bless ourm World Boss.