Antigua and Barbuda faces a profound sovereignty crisis that challenges the very foundation of its national identity. Four decades after gaining independence, citizens grapple with troubling questions about their nation’s direction and leadership priorities.
The core issue revolves around perceived abandonment of indigenous interests in favor of foreign entities. Large land tracts have been transferred to international investors, beach access has become contentious, and economic policies seemingly prioritize outsiders over local citizens. This has created a sense of displacement among Antiguans and Barbudans, many of whom feel like secondary citizens in their homeland.
Historical context reveals persistent structural problems. Since the 1981 independence from Britain, the constitutional framework maintained symbolic ties to the British monarchy while failing to establish genuine economic empowerment for locals. Development strategies historically focused on catering to European and North American tourists and investors rather than building sustainable local infrastructure.
Recent economic dependencies have compounded these issues. The country’s entanglement with Chinese financing has created unsustainable debt levels, while the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has commodified national identity. Critical domestic issues persist—inadequate road systems, water supply challenges, agricultural neglect, and insufficient public facilities including parks and restrooms.
Law enforcement capabilities appear skewed toward political suppression rather than crime solving, further eroding public trust. The educational system fails to provide meaningful career opportunities, driving brain drain as skilled citizens seek better prospects abroad.
The author identifies failed leadership as the primary culprit, citing insufficient implementation of ‘Antiguanization’ policies and lack of commitment to local economic control. Despite political rhetoric during election cycles, substantive changes remain elusive.
The proposed solution demands leadership focused on three fundamental pillars: prioritizing Antiguans and Barbudans in development planning, fostering genuine patriotism tied to national sovereignty, and empowering citizens to own and control their economy. Only through such transformative approach can the nation transition from its current state—described as a ‘neo-plantation’ economy—to a true homeland that values its citizens above foreign interests.