Asot Michael appointed Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Economic Development Investment and Energy

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

ST JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, the Honourable Gaston Browne has appointed businessman Asot A.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, the Honourable Gaston Browne has appointed businessman Asot A. Michael as the country’s new Minister of Tourism, Economic Development Investment and Energy.

Mr. Michael has served previously in the Government sector under former Prime Minister, the Honourable Lester Bird as his Chief of Staff. After that promising start, Mr. Michael was appointed a Government Senator, as well as Minister of State, responsible for Public Works, Communications, Insurance, Energy and St. Johnโ€™s Development Corporation. He continued in this role until 2001, when he was appointed Minister of Finance and Leader of Government Business in the Senate.

The Michael family immigrated to the Caribbean over a half century ago, escaping the war-ravaged and poverty-ridden Middle East. His grandfather worked to build a better life for his family, making sure that each of his children had the opportunities he did not. Mr. Michaelโ€™s father and uncles all grew up to be extremely successful and politically active.

It was from his father that Mr. Michael developed his desire to help the people of Antigua and Barbuda. After an extensive education that included earning an MBA from the University of Miami, Mr. Michael came back to Antigua to work in the family business, Asotโ€™s Arcade, named after his late grandfather.

Asot Michael has unparalleled experience in the Antiguan government. He has seen firsthand just how difficult it can be to navigate the channels of politics, which is why he decided to run for office. It is his dream to see Antigua and Barbuda move further into the future through increased infrastructural development and more opportunities for its citizens. Mr. Michael believes in the future of Antigua and Barbuda and its people and will do whatever he can to make it happen.

Since coming to office on June 12 the new government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinaโ€™s Yida International Investment Antigua for a US$2 Billion resort development that includes the construction of five-star hotels, a golf course, 1,300 residential units, shopping facilities, a modern conference center and a casino.

“The Gaston Browne administration promised we would bring the type of investments to the country that will transform Antigua and Barbuda into an economic powerhouse and we have begun to fulfill that promise,” Minister Michael stated. โ€œTourism is the largest industry in the world and it is estimated that the Travel and Tourism sector accounts for more than 9% of the global GDP. The economy of the Caribbean region is especially dependent on tourism and this industry has helped the economy of Antigua and Barbuda to flourish. It is my intention to ensure that tourism increases employment for our nationals, earns more foreign exchange, provides revenue for our government and raise the national income. It will be hard work but we are readyโ€ he concluded.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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