My fellow Antiguans and Barbudans I join with you and thousands of nationals at home and around the world to celebrate our nation's 24th year of independence. This is indeed a joyous occasion and we should all feel proud that after many years of colonial rule our small state advanced to achieve its independence in 1981. As we celebrate this landmark achievement we must not forget those who helped chart the course for our sovereignty. The Late V. C. Bird Sr. and Sir George Walters are two of our country's leaders who helped pave the way for Antigua and Barbuda's independence. In addition we salute the other patriotic men and women whose sacrifice helped to ensure our freedom. History has taught us that there is no real freedom and liberty without sacrifice. Our nation is more prosperous and resilient today because those brave men and women of the past did put national interests ahead of personal advantage.

Since 1981 our nation has experienced some notable successes. For example Antigua and Barbuda has achieved one of the Caribbean's highest per capita incomes, increased life expectancy, and reduced infant mortality, higher literacy rates and advancement in technology. Our nation's telecommunication and computer technology infrastructure ranks among the top five in the Caribbean. Our democratic institutions are gaining strength and our economy is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The country is now governed by men and women who are committed to integrity in public office, protection of citizens rights and the timely delivery of complete justice.

Despite these positive attainments we have had to endure some hardships since 1981. Many of the country's misfortune were due to the ravages of hurricanes, world recessions and mismanagement of the people's resources. While we cannot control the direction and effects of world recessions and natural disasters, we can certainly determine how and who governs Antigua and Barbuda's affairs. On March 23, 2004 citizens of our beloved nation voted for a change of government after twenty-eight years. And that change has given the nation a new lease on life and its future is now much brighter. Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has stated time and time again that this government is a government for all regardless of party affiliation. The United Progressive Party Government is determined to build upon our nation's accomplishments, create thousands of jobs and keep the economy strong. This government's motto is: "people first." We are living this axiom by seeking to work with all nationals to achieve the best for our nati on. All will not accept the olive branch of inclusiveness, however most will. To those whom are willing and ready to put politics and personal issues aside, this government says let's work together! For those whom are hopelessly bitter and would rather criticize and remain disgruntled, you are in our prayers.

While government acts as facilitator of change we must also do our collective part to avail the process of reform. If our nation is to realize its full potential of becoming an economic giant in the Caribbean it must continue to encourage transparency and accountability in governance. The country's leaders, whether they are political, social or religious must aspire to a higher level of comportment. Before March 23, 2004 our nation appeared to have lost its way and going adrift into what could only be described as political and economic chaos. The people opted for a change of government that they believe could work to reclaim Antigua and Barbuda's respect regionally and internationally. The recovery-road ahead will be long and arduous, to that end our country needs its patriotic and dedicated citizens at home and abroad to get involved and contribute their time, skills and money to advance the restoration process.

We cannot continue advancing without first reforming our country's institutions. These institutions are too critical in the process of nation building. It is foolhardy for us to contemplate advancing beyond a Second World station if we do not seek to reinvigorate our democratic, social and political institutions. In order to begin the process of reforming our country's institutions we must first accept the notion that institutions exist to promote the welfare of the people, not the Prime Minister, government ministers, political hacks or cronies. Hence in Antigua and Barbuda we must never again allow the country's institutions to serve the interest of a small minority at the demise of the majority.

To usher in this new order of reform we need professionals to spearhead these institutions so they could function independently and efficiently in the interest of the people. These professionals must operate with the highest degree of integrity and they must be fully committed to the temperance of service. They must be willing to take the development path least traveled in the past. Professionals in Antigua and Barbuda must resist the temptation of being adulterated by politicians. Businesspersons must also resist depraving our institutions by trying to beat the system. If our nation is to fully develop the playing field must be leveled and players must play by the rules. However when all is said and done the institutions' professionals will for the most part determine by their action what directional path Antigua and Barbuda will take.

Antigua and Barbuda like most other small states is extremely vulnerable to the fluctuation of oil prices, devastation of natural disasters and effects of terrorism. Therefore our government should endeavor to create a diverse economy that could mitigate these harsh uncontrollable forces. Foreign Direct Investment will play a crucial role in this government's economic development plan. We are particularly interested in supporting those sustainable investment ventures brought forward by Antigua and Barbuda and Caribbean nationals. Our region is moving closer toward full economic integration and this process offers enormous opportunities for our expatriates and other nationals from the region to establish businesses throughout the Caribbean. Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer in his recent trip to New York announced the government's plan to introduce a land and housing development program specifically geared toward nationals living abroad. This program is one way in which the government is working to reintegrate e xpatriates back into the Antigua and Barbuda society. It is our belief that the future of our country relies heavily on the contributions of those constituents abroad.

In closing, I say to you that our nation has a lot for which to feel proud on this its 24th independence anniversary. Our standard of living and GNP are among the highest in the region and our government has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability in public office. While there is much to celebrate we must brace ourselves for the challenges ahead and in doing so pursue common ground to work together to support the reform process in Antigua and Barbuda. Firstly, let us recognize the need to reform our institutions and demand that the gatekeepers of these institutions conduct themselves with the highest level integrity. Our country is blessed with sunshine and beautiful beaches and warm friendly people. My fellow Antiguans and Barbudans and friends of our beloved nation, Antigua and Barbuda has the potential to become an economic beacon in the region, however it is up to all of us to make this plausibility an actuality.

God Bless You and God Bless Antigua and Barbuda.