An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Mr. David Moore, visited Antigua and Barbuda during June 17–21, 2024, and met with government officials and other stakeholders to discuss recent economic developments, the economic outlook, and policy priorities. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Moore issued the following statement:
“Antigua and Barbuda’s economy continues to recover.
Real GDP growth is estimated at 4.2 percent in 2023, returning the country to pre-pandemic real output levels on the back of strong construction activity and continued growth in tourist arrivals.
In 2024, growth is projected to be temporarily higher. Growth in 2024 is expected to accelerate to 5.8 percent, boosted by Antigua’s hosting of the UN’s Small Island Developing States Conference and co-hosting of the T20 Cricket World Cup.
Inflation rose to 6.0 percent in April 2024, from 3.3 percent at end-2023.”
“The high public debt burden poses ongoing challenges. The public debt to GDP ratio has declined from its pandemic high, from around 100 percent in 2020 to an estimated 76 percent in 2023, reflecting the economic recovery and an upward revision to nominal GDP from a rebasing of the national accounts statistics. However, cash constraints continue to bind, and domestic and external arrears are substantial. Fiscal adjustment is needed to create space to clear arrears and prevent their reemergence. The timely completion of the authorities’ validation of domestic arrears, development of a comprehensive arrears clearance strategy, and close engagement with creditors and domestic suppliers, will be essential for restoring debt sustainability.”
“The 2024 budget represents important progress towards stronger fiscal buffers. Given Antigua and Barbuda’s high debt and financing needs, and susceptibility to external shocks, measures to improve the fiscal position are critical to help reduce vulnerabilities. The 2024 budget includes a package of revenue measures—in particular, increasing the standard ABST rate and broadening its base, introducing excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis products, and raising property taxes for high-end properties—that is expected to improve the fiscal position by around ½ percent of GDP in 2024. Room remains to strengthen the fiscal position further, including through closer adherence to the cap on discretionary tax exemptions, and continuing the recent efforts to enhance expenditure commitment controls.”
“Credit market developments reflect the broader pickup in activity. Bank credit to the private sector rebounded by 7 percent in 2023, after contracting in the previous two years. Credit unions have expanded rapidly over several years, with loan growth moderating to around 8 percent in the year through 2024Q1. Non-performing loans for both banks and credit unions, as a share of total loans, are modestly above the prudential level of 5 percent. Stronger oversight and regulation of credit unions, including through risk-based capital requirements, would promote a level playing field across the financial sector and support asset quality.”
“Further work is needed to address persistent data gaps. The statistical authorities have made efforts to update the national accounts and improve data quality. Ensuring
sufficient resources for completing the Population and Housing Census, the Producer Price Index and the 2023 Labour Force Survey, and reporting on the financial operations of state-owned enterprises, would facilitate evidence-based policy making and transparency.”
“The IMF team thanks the authorities and other counterparts for their collaboration and support, as well as for the valuable discussions.”
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Is the IMF,going to tell Stache to raise more TAXES ON WE THE POEPLE ?
Eh, eh! Raise the A.B.S.T and expand the public sector borrowing appetite; and keep them on the monetary merry-go-round, without tangible effect manifested on the plight of the St. John’s Capital Dwellers and enhancements of the environment, such as to distinguish the platitude given, and bereft of a planned road map to revitalize – for the masses that dwell therein; and thus reflect the aspirations of the people’s clammer for rational sustainable growth with impact: unlike such that have fallen on the deafened ears of the prostituting charlatans in governance of patriotic neglect.
Many many many I happened to be in an IMF meeting with officialdom from the ministry of Finance and IMF officials and I will tell you it was a shameful experience….total embarrassment. I have seen Fred and Barney handled themselves better. When I go into retirement I think I will write a book.
Many many many moons ago I happened to be in an IMF meeting with officialdom from the ministry of Finance and IMF officials and I will tell you it was a shameful experience….total embarrassment. I have seen Fred and Barney handled themselves better. When I go into retirement I think I will write a book.
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