In a significant address during the 2026 Budget Debate, Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene detailed the government’s multifaceted approach to mitigating the impact of soaring global inflation on Antigua and Barbuda’s population. As a nation heavily reliant on imports, the administration has enacted a series of deliberate fiscal interventions designed to insulate households from escalating costs of food, energy, and essential commodities.
The cornerstone of this strategy involves the zero-rating of 48 critical food items through a suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET). This policy, which will remain effective for at least six months into the new year, eliminates taxes on essential nutrition staples including fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, canned goods, and baby formula.
Complementing these measures, the government has maintained substantial subsidies on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity tariffs. These energy subsidies, which will continue throughout the coming year, directly counter global supply chain disruptions that have driven energy prices upward worldwide.
Minister Greene emphasized the administration’s proactive monitoring of local market conditions, with commitments to implement additional relief measures if economic circumstances deteriorate. The government has also established targeted support mechanisms for vulnerable households, including expanded social services and direct cash assistance programs.
Long-term strategic planning forms another critical component of the government’s approach. Through carefully designed trade policies and tax exemptions on essential goods, the administration aims to stabilize living costs while simultaneously working to enhance domestic production capabilities and reduce import dependency over time.
‘Our primary objective is to ensure that ordinary citizens are shielded from the full impact of global price fluctuations,’ Minister Greene stated. ‘These interventions not only provide immediate relief but also establish a foundation for sustainable economic resilience and equitable access to basic necessities.’
The comprehensive package reflects the government’s sustained commitment to public welfare amid ongoing global economic uncertainty, demonstrating a balanced approach between immediate relief and strategic long-term planning.