The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has reached an unprecedented employment milestone, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne announcing that workforce participation has hit its highest level in modern history. During Thursday’s parliamentary presentation of the 2026 national budget, Browne revealed that over 54,000 citizens are now gainfully employed, pushing the national unemployment rate below the 5 percent threshold—a figure the administration characterizes as reaching ‘full-employment levels.’
This remarkable turnaround represents a dramatic improvement from a decade ago, when unemployment lingered in double digits. Prime Minister Browne attributed this economic transformation to his government’s aggressive investment-driven development model and strategic policy interventions. Multiple sectors have contributed to this employment surge, with construction activity reaching a record $900 million, tourism arrivals rebounding strongly, and service industries expanding steadily.
The administration’s capital investment programs have played a crucial role in both immediate job creation and long-term economic development. Major infrastructure initiatives—including housing developments, water system upgrades, and road rehabilitation projects—have generated substantial employment opportunities while building foundational assets for future growth.
These employment gains coincide with other positive economic indicators: a projected 5 percent growth rate for 2026, nearly $7 billion in expected national output, and a primary fiscal surplus of $254.9 million. Looking forward, the government plans to continue its workforce development initiatives through educational investments including tuition-free access to the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus after scheduled upgrades, full payment of CSEC examination fees starting in 2026, and expanded skills training programs.
Parliamentary debate on the 2026 budget, which outlines these economic achievements and future plans, will continue next week.