ABLP Leader Gaston Browne says the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party plans to invest campaign funds left over from the April 30 general election instead of spending the money on political activities.

Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne said the party has adopted a long-term approach to managing campaign finances by reserving portions of election contributions for institutional development.

“Every election we reserve a particular amount of money for institutional development,” Browne said.

He said previous savings helped the party develop its headquarters at the People’s Place and install solar panels to reduce electricity costs.

“For the last election, we don’t have a party headquarters to build,” Browne said. “But we decided to buy a government bond.”

Browne did not disclose the amount of money being invested but described the remaining campaign funds as “sizable.”

The prime minister said the ABLP deliberately avoided exhausting all campaign contributions during the election campaign.

“Where does it say that we are spending money to bribe people?” Browne said. “If the motivation was to bribe, we’ll make sure whatever we collect, we just divide it among the comrades, the candidates, and spend all of it.”

According to Browne, the party’s strategy has allowed it to build assets and strengthen its long-term operations rather than relying entirely on fundraising between elections.

He also announced plans for the creation of an ABLP museum that would include historical records and vehicles previously used by former party leaders Sir Lester Bird and Vere Cornwall Bird Jr.

“We’re going to create a party museum as well,” Browne said.

The ABLP secured a fourth consecutive term in office in the April 30 general election, winning 15 of the country’s 17 parliamentary seats.