Antigua and Barbuda’s per capita income has exceeded $60,000, placing the nation in the high-income bracket, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Speaking about the country’s economic progress, Browne outlined the factors contributing to this milestone, including robust performances in key sectors such as construction and tourism.
“This achievement is a testament to the resilience and hard work of our people,” Browne said. “It reflects the strength of our economy and the strategic initiatives we have implemented to drive growth and development.”
Browne highlighted tourism as a major driver of the economy, reporting increased cruise and overnight visitor arrivals in 2024. He noted the impact on small businesses, vendors, and taxi operators, whose incomes have risen alongside the sector’s growth.
“Taxi operators are now part of the six-figure club,” Browne stated. “This underscores the direct benefits of a thriving tourism industry for ordinary citizens and their families.”
The construction sector also played a significant role in boosting economic activity, with approximately $900 million spent on infrastructure and private projects in 2024. Browne said this surge in construction has created numerous job opportunities and increased wages for workers.
“Skilled laborers are now earning as much as $250 per day,” he said. “The demand for labor is so high that we are experiencing shortages in some areas.”
Browne credited government initiatives, including entrepreneurial support programs and housing assistance, with helping citizens move out of poverty and into the middle class. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that economic growth benefits all segments of society.
“Our focus has been on creating opportunities for upward mobility,” Browne said. “These programs are designed to uplift families and empower them to achieve financial independence.”
While celebrating the progress made in 2024, Browne acknowledged the challenges ahead and emphasized the need for continued focus on economic resilience and diversification. He urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward sustained growth.
“We are building a future where every citizen can share in the prosperity of our nation,” Browne concluded. “This is just the beginning, and we must remain committed to advancing the development of Antigua and Barbuda.”
As the nation enters 2025, the government’s focus remains on maintaining economic stability and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
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What is this government doing about the horrific conditions of animals especially dogs in this country. What about the water shortages that are so severe some residents do not have water except for a few hours in the middle of the night? What about the garbage and litter everywhere and the complete lack of a recycling plan for even the basics like glass, aluminum cans, cardboard and metals? What about the deplorable condition of many roads? What about the lack of any kind of plan for all the abandoned and broken down vehicles on this island? What about sewage treatment? Wining and dining with the mega rich and selling off all the beautiful waterfront and view land to foreigners does not seem to be taking this country out of the third world unless you are living in a bubble. Watching dogs starving, living on the end of a 6 foot chain , or abandoned to the street to fight for food, be left injured or dead on the road after being hit by a vehicle, dying of disease and females being raped by a swarm of un neutered males resulting in litter after litter of unwanted puppies is not a tourist’s idea of a idyllic vacation spot and is shameful. All the smoke and mirrors presented in the article certainly does not hide these realities and to tourists it is apparent that this is far from a progressive nation and the priorities of the government in Antigua and the vision look very skewed.
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