Antigua and Barbuda Parliament Passes 2026 Budget as PM Defends Economy, Law and Governance
Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament has approved the 2026 National Budget, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne using his closing address to defend the government’s economic record, reject opposition criticism, and warn against lawlessness and misinformation as the country pursues another year of growth.
Browne said the budget was “people-centered” and designed to deliver tangible benefits while preserving economic stability, pointing to falling debt levels, rising savings, strong job creation and increased consumer activity.
“We are very happy that the country’s economy is doing well,” Browne told lawmakers, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has recorded five consecutive years of economic growth following the COVID-19 downturn. “From all indications, 2026 promises to be an even better year.”
The Prime Minister pushed back strongly against opposition claims about public debt, saying the government had exercised discipline while still delivering major infrastructure projects.
“Our debt-to-GDP now is literally 61.4 percent, practically at the 60 percent international benchmark,” Browne said, adding that his administration inherited debt of about $3.6 billion in 2014, which has risen by only $200 million over 11 years despite major investments such as the new port.
“For an administration to only increase debt in aggregate terms by $200 million in 11 years, that is a remarkable feat,” he said.
Browne also accused opposition members of deliberately misrepresenting public finance concepts, stressing that debt amortization is not a budgetary expense and that the government has consistently recorded primary and overall surpluses in recent years.
“If you’re going to criticize us, make it make sense,” he said.
Browne pointed to rising household savings, increased consumption and low banking risk as evidence that the economy is improving for ordinary citizens.
“In 2023, savings increased by $100 million. By 2024 it was $200 million. By 2025 it was $250 million,” he said. “How are people going to save what they’re not earning?”
He said non-performing loans now stand at about 3.5 percent, below the regional benchmark, while employment has expanded, with nearly 4,000 additional jobs created last year.
The Prime Minister also highlighted measures in the 2026 budget aimed at easing the cost of living, including the expansion of zero-rated and CET-suspended food items.
“We have broadened the list of zero-rated products… 48 food items, including beans and oils,” Browne said, describing the budget as focused on “bringing down the cost of living.”
He added that the government is in advanced discussions with Guyana and exploring trade with Brazil to diversify food imports and reduce exposure to external price shocks.
Trade, ports and tourism
Browne said economic momentum is also reflected in trade and tourism data, pointing to record activity at the port and strong hotel bookings.
“Last Friday the port had a record amount of containers — 280 containers in a single day,” he said, surpassing last year’s record of 220.
He said imports are up about 10 percent year-on-year, which he linked to rising incomes and consumer confidence.
In tourism, Browne said hotel occupancy is strong heading into the next season and that locals are increasingly benefiting from the sector through Airbnb and other investments.
“About 35 percent of the guests who come to this country have stayed in Airbnb properties,” he said, adding that the government is providing incentives for locals to participate more fully in tourism ownership.
Law, order and parliamentary conduct
A significant portion of Browne’s wrap-up focused on governance, the rule of law and standards of conduct in Parliament.
“As parliamentarians, we have all taken an oath of allegiance to uphold the laws and Constitution of our country,” he said. “A lawmaker ought not to be a lawbreaker.”
Browne warned that his administration would not tolerate lawlessness or incitement to violence, reiterating a $50,000 reward for information leading to arrests and convictions in the recent burning of APUA fiber-optic material.
“Under my leadership, this country will not be allowed to disintegrate into chaos and confusion,” he said. “Crime and violence and lawlessness will not pay.”
He also urged greater civility in parliamentary debate, saying criticism should be factual rather than driven by what he described as “lies, misinformation and disinformation.”
“When we come to this Honourable House, there must be some level of civility, and what we say must be truthful,” Browne said.
“If we get another five years of solid growth like what we’ve had for the last five years,” he said, “Antigua and Barbuda will be a significantly better place.”
The Prime Minister urged citizens to “stay the course,” arguing that the policies outlined in the 2026 budget position the country to strengthen resilience, expand opportunity and continue improving living standards.
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