By Bijoux
Every year, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda spends hundreds of thousands of dollars on overseas travel for ministers, government officials, and, in particular, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism.
Agencies fund some of these trips, especially those where the head of government is invited, but the government pays for many others.
While international engagement is often necessary, the question remains: are these trips delivering real value to the people of this country, or are they simply expensive exercises in publicity?
The government frequently defends these travels as essential to promoting Antigua and Barbuda on the world stage, building relationships, and attracting investment. Yet, despite the substantial investment, the results are rarely precise.
Tourism remains our number one industry, but do we really need delegations flying off every other week and month to attend conferences, summits, and forums that often yield little more than a press release?
What we see instead are photo opportunities — ministers in suits smiling for the cameras, selfies posted on social media, and glossy images of handshakes with foreign officials.
But after the fanfare, where are the tangible outcomes? Where is the measurable growth in the sectors represented? Or the influx of new investment that justifies these extravagant expenses?
In a time when ordinary citizens are asked to tighten their belts, when our hospitals struggle with resources, and when the government can barely find money to fix infrastructure, when the economy is not as buoyant as we would like, it is fair to ask whether this level of travel is a wise use of taxpayer money. If the government is truly serious about cutting back on spending, travel budgets must come under greater scrutiny.
No one disputes the importance of marketing Antigua and Barbuda abroad or attending conferences to generate income; however, without measurable results, these efforts are just a waste.
And when those dollars could be better spent on healthcare, education, or improving the very tourism product we are trying to sell, the cost of these trips becomes harder to justify.
Until there is greater transparency about what exactly is achieved on these frequent journeys — beyond photos and press statements — the public will remain skeptical.
In the end, citizens deserve more than selfies; they deserve a return on their investment.
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The answer is no but to be honest if I had the opportunity I would. Afterall I will have a lady in every country I visit.
It’s not just the money spent, it’s the opportunity cost. what could that funding do locally instead?
HUHHHHH nonsensical letter. I wouldn’t dare waste my time to read. You would be happy if the government was taking you on all these trips who ever you are. Then you wouldnt question if we getting value for money
How were you able to reply if you never read the post and if you ever read it, where is your rationale?
Juju Bee, must be some special kind of idiot, the question is absolutely a legitimate one, it’s called transparency, we should always know what is the result obtained for money spent regardless of the administration. You are quite a messed up dude
Absolutely NOT.
the travels are just to maximize on performance diem.
Imagine every time Gaston leave Antigua he walks with Pixie.
Imagine how much the treasury pays them for going away just to sleep in a different bed from at their home.
Up to this day we have not seen a straw from their travels.
Thier travels is to collect dollars from the treasury.
In total agreement with the entire article. In order to ascertain whether anything that is done attracts positivity, there must be a measure of some sort. However all we see are officials and delegates with their families on all expences paid trips every other week. Yet, the island struggles with rise in costs , poor health care and declining road infrastructure. All of which are constant concerns of tourists who choose other islands over Antigua, many of whom have lot trust in both value for money and their safety while vacationing.
Tourism looks like a dying industry unfortunately.
Travel by Minister Fernandez is worth every cent. We are seeing the positive results and there is normally a Press Release. The travel by the Minister of Foreign Affairs 300 days per year is a monumental waste of money and we see no results. He never reports on what he has achieved..The PM has to take full blame for this because he authorizes travel. And Chet carries delegations with him. Sometimes his special lady who he has at the Ministry and no one knows what her job function is. As a matter of interest the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in turmoil and morale is low to non existent.
Juju Bee, could not give himself a better name, real Juju Bee whatever that is
If the economy isn’t booming and citizens are tightening belts, these trips look even worse.
Every time I see another selfie of ministers abroad, I wonder what we’re actually getting for our money.
@ Biggs.
What rock are you living under. There is no data collected or report issued concerning the cost benifit of Fernandes Ministry’s expenses.
One such example is the recent Antigua Sag Habor Regatta.
After the expenses of conducting the Regatta the winners get an all expense paid vacation to Antigua Sail week.
Where is the cost benefit for this?
We never ever had a reason to travel in the first place, they fly to go sign documents that other sovereign nation lay down and think up, the Antiguan politicians have no clue, but he signing off documents.
It’s just an opportunity for sight seeing around the world and eat the best and hotels at tax payers expense that could have been channel into health financing and housing for the people.
ABLP and its supporters only knows ad cares about cost benefit analysis when their party is out of office. We recall how they used to question every trip the UPP members make now, not a word!!!
This is exactly why people refer to it as a cult
@halsteadghost You are an idiot. By the Sag Harbour Regatta, I assume you know that this is in the Hamptons, where billionaire have summer homes? The race was started under John Maginley and has been going ever since because it has been successful in publicizing Antigua not just in the Hamtons but around the world and the yachting communities. You are obviously not very smart and do not understand marketing. Ah da u fu study.