Antigua and Barbuda To Unveil Citizens Transparency Portal in 2025

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Antigua and Barbuda Introduces Fiscal Transparency Initiatives for 2025

The government of Antigua and Barbuda is taking bold steps to enhance fiscal transparency and accountability, with plans to launch a Citizens Transparency Portal in 2025. Prime Minister Gaston Browne unveiled the initiative during his 2025 Budget presentation, describing it as a transformative tool to empower citizens and build trust in government operations.

“This platform will allow the public to access information about government activities, including procurement, tax expenditure, and concessions,” Browne stated. The Citizens Transparency Portal is designed to ensure that taxpayers have real-time insight into how public funds are being used, promoting greater accountability and civic engagement.

The portal will be part of a broader strategy to modernize the government’s financial management systems and improve public sector performance. Browne emphasized the importance of transparency in fostering economic resilience and maintaining public confidence. “Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of good governance. By empowering citizens with knowledge, we are strengthening the foundations of our democracy,” he said.

In addition to the portal, the government has established a Fiscal Resilience Oversight Committee (FROC) to monitor compliance with fiscal principles and targets. Chaired by Dr. Errol Cort and including representatives from trade unions, the private sector, and the opposition, the committee is tasked with assessing the government’s fiscal performance and publishing annual reports.

The FROC has already begun engaging with key departments within the Ministry of Finance to address issues such as tax administration, expenditure management, and debt sustainability. In 2025, the committee plans to expand its outreach and provide detailed evaluations of government initiatives. “This independent oversight is essential for ensuring that we remain on track to achieve our fiscal goals,” Browne noted.

The government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility is reflected in the 2024 fiscal outcomes. Antigua and Barbuda is projected to achieve an overall fiscal surplus of $86.4 million, a remarkable turnaround from the $91.9 million deficit recorded in 2023. This $178 million improvement was driven by a combination of revenue growth and expenditure reforms, including better tax compliance and stricter budgetary controls.

Tax revenues in 2024 increased significantly, with the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) alone generating $412.2 million—25% more than the previous year. Other key revenue sources, such as import duties and corporate taxes, also recorded substantial gains. However, Browne cautioned that non-compliance with tax laws remains a challenge. “Those who continue to manipulate ABST payments will be vigorously pursued and subjected to the applicable legal penalties,” he warned.

Non-tax revenues also played a crucial role in the fiscal turnaround, particularly the $103 million generated from the sale of the Alfa Nero superyacht. Additionally, Citizenship by Investment (CIP) receipts grew by 30% to $80.4 million, contributing to the overall increase in government revenue.

The government is leveraging these improved revenues to address long-standing obligations and invest in critical sectors. In 2024, approximately $50 million was allocated to clear arrears to contractors and merchants, while $4.7 million was paid to settle salary upgrades for teachers dating back to 2019. Browne confirmed that this approach would continue in 2025, with a focus on reducing outstanding liabilities and maintaining fiscal discipline.

To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, the 2025 Budget includes measures to strengthen financial oversight and promote compliance. The government plans to introduce digital tools to streamline tax collection and simplify processes for businesses and individuals. Browne described these reforms as essential for creating a fair and efficient tax system. “We must ensure that everyone pays their fair share and that the government fulfills its obligations transparently,” he said.

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7 COMMENTS

  1. The opposition need to see the receipts, because bwoy there are a lot of numbers thrown out here.

    Something is kinda telling here, is that the Alfa Nero generated 103mil in its sale,and not the so-called 40mil that supposedly went to debt relief, and all of a sudden we are working at a surplus.

    Look I’m not just in this thing to bad-mouth this Government, but make it make sense please, since we have been asking for not only transparency from this government, but also honesty.
    I know some might think those two are the same, but they are not.
    We are actually asking for this government to spend the peoples hard working money in a honest fashion.

    Oh and also..why isn’t the dealings and expenditure in the Lait 2020 deal is not mentioned no where in any of these budget and spending articles?

    For the sake of “transparency” Mr PM, inquiring minds will like to know.

    I’ll wait for the answers!!!

    • a burning shame and disgrace that the HON. JAMALE PRINGLE is head of the PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE and has NEVER CONVENED A MEETING!!!!

      Wonder what he so scared of???? “Black Hadeed” building house for him and his mama according to Miss Knight

  3. The #proof is in the pudding. One would think, that we already have all of these [oversight] committees, in place, with such things as the FOI – Freedom of Information, the Ombudsman, UNDPO (Kroft Crew), the various BOARDS, and we have the Parliament.

    Yes, we got some movement, growth going on, but in reality no matter what the increases are, this type of money basically represents a small International Corporation, at best. Adding another level of bureaucracy, such as an FROC.
    Isn’t that what, the Ruling Arm of the Government is supposed to do.

    Our problem of fiscal responsibility and proper oversight stem from as offshoots, PPM – Piss Poor Management and PPP – Piss Poor Planning over decades.
    The simple way to deal with this will come from HONESTY. Just be honest with your responsibility (I know, it’s not easy but it’s that simple), that you’re charged with taking care of the people’s best interests. In other words, just like the good Captain, you’re the last to get on a lifeboat.

    Another thing, put the Senate to work, rather than being a #RUBBER STAMP.

    Send more [technicians] to these international meetings, who’ll have to do the analysis of programs and projects, prior to them reaching the Parliament.

    The Legal Department and DPP must get involved more too.
    Last but not least, cut the farse and trim the public sector, and increase the salary’s for those that are being productive. This means as well, one person should not be holding three(3) plus salaried positions, in the public sector. Manage the government like a NON-PROFIT where every cent has to be accounted for. Any oversight to reel in what the FROC will be trying to do MUST be CONTRACTED out, to some INTERNATIONAL FORENSIC AUDIC FIRM, such as those that do due diligence for the CIP, and give them the authority to choose at will which departments will be audited, annually, bi-annually to probably every five years, or by request of the People through special balloting.

    Our Nation is the size, of a SMALL TOWN, off Highway 268, blink😔😘 or wink😉😘 and you’ll miss it, but take its EXIT🔂➡️🔜🔀⤵️ and you could be in PARADISE.

    Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
    De’Ole Dutty Peg🦉Garrat_Bastard

    Vere C. Edwards

  5. The ABLP may want transparency in the future, but many Antiguans want to see what’s taken place in the past.

    The Prime Minister is still not revealing any transparency about PAST transactions in regards to CIP, NAMCO, YIDA (and a raft of others) and don’t forget the Richard Lewis Freedom of Information Act request, regarding the alleged link with his millionaire son with government building(s).

    DEAL WITH THE PAST FIRST, THEN COME FORWARD WITH YOUR CITIZENS TRANSPARENCY PORTAL …

  6. @Garots.

    Is that the only thing you got from my response? Well stop confusing the people when you have all these different quotes and numbers in different currencies every different day.

    And how much did we actually spend on the Lait deal, was it a $100 mil EC or 40mil USD?

    Don’t blame me for y’all bloody confusion dude, y’all are the ones who keep throwing out these random numbers at the public that changes every week.

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