Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a historic milestone by securing the top position in the Caribbean on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during his Independence Day address, lauded this accomplishment as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to economic growth, educational advancement, and healthcare investments. Browne emphasized that this achievement underscores the potential of small island states to serve as global exemplars of progress. “Size does not define significance,” he remarked. “We may be modest in geography, but our influence is profound.” The Prime Minister attributed this success to years of consistent development and strategic social investments. Employment rates have surged to a record 47,000, while per-capita income has surpassed EC $60,000, marking the highest in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and among the leaders in CARICOM. Significant strides in healthcare include the near-completion of a state-of-the-art Renal Centre for dialysis and kidney transplants, alongside the transformation of the former Jehovah’s Witness headquarters into a $12 million mental health facility. Education has also seen transformative investments, with a $200 million expansion of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), unifying post-secondary institutions. Browne affirmed that these initiatives are not only saving lives but also shaping futures, ensuring every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. He concluded by stating that Antigua and Barbuda’s HDI ranking and sectoral achievements reflect the nation’s dedication to good governance, equality, and people-centered development, earning global respect and recognition.
Antigua and Barbuda Ranked No. 1 in Caribbean on UN Human Development Index
