Antigua and Barbuda has achieved an extraordinary economic milestone, with its national output surging by over 300% in the past 25 years. The country’s economic performance has climbed from US$802 million in 2000 to an anticipated US$2 billion by 2025. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams emphasized this remarkable achievement during his Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, describing it as a testament to the nation’s resilience and strategic planning. Despite facing significant challenges, including hurricanes, droughts, flooding, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has emerged stronger, thanks to the collective efforts of its workers, entrepreneurs, and successive governments. Sir Rodney attributed this success to a combination of factors, including robust foreign direct investment, a thriving construction and hospitality sector, enhanced educational opportunities, and a stable socio-political environment characterized by low crime rates. The country’s per capita income now exceeds EC$60,000, and it ranks 53rd on the United Nations Human Development Index—the highest among Caribbean nations. Looking ahead, the government is optimistic about sustaining this growth trajectory, with plans to invest in infrastructure, tourism, and education to drive further economic expansion in the coming decades.
Antigua and Barbuda Marks 300% GDP Growth as First Quarter of Century Closes
