LETTER: Bright Lights Continue to Shine on Antigua and Barbuda for 2025

Bright Lights Continue to Shine on Antigua and Barbuda for 2025 

By E.P Chet Greene 

2024 was a banner year for Antigua and Barbuda. Our beloved country closed the year with strong economic performance and progressive policy initiatives that positioned the nation as a regional leader much to the satisfaction of the vast majority of Antiguans and Barbudans at home and in the diaspora. 

Notable achievements include advancements in renewable energy initiatives, reduction in unemployment and continued growth in the tourism sector, which saw record-breaking visitor arrivals. Strategic infrastructure investments, particularly in transportation and climate-resilience, also provided a foundation for sustained economic growth. International partnerships strengthened Antigua and Barbuda’s voice on global platforms, particularly in climate change advocacy, as the nation solidified its position as a champion for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

Housing was yet another targeted sector which recorded phenomenal growth, while investments in education placed Antigua and Barbuda in a pole position regionally in that sector. 

On January 14, 2025, the government will mark a pivotal moment with the election of Senator Rawdon Turner in an important by-election. Turner’s victory will serve as renewed testament to the public’s trust in the administration’s vision, performance and policies. Known for his pragmatic approach and dedication to community development, Turner’s addition to the Lower House of parliament will bring renewed energy and expertise to the government’s legislative agenda.  

With a fortified bench, the government will be better positioned to deliver on its ambitious plans for the year, focusing on inclusive growth, improved healthcare and investments in education and technology. Turner’s addition will be critical in ensuring these policies are debated, refined and implemented effectively. 

The economic outlook for Antigua and Barbuda in 2025 is buoyed by favorable reports from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and other international institutions. Key indicators show robust growth, with GDP expected to increase by more than 4%, driven by expansions in tourism, construction and agriculture. 

Inflation rates are projected to remain moderate, at just above 2%, reflecting the government’s sound fiscal policies. Unemployment is expected to decline further, thanks to ongoing investments in job-creating sectors and the government’s focus on entrepreneurship and small business development. This will positively impact the national social security scheme. 

International trade agreements negotiated in 2024 are set to bear fruit, enhancing export opportunities for local products. The IMF commended Antigua and Barbuda for its commitment to fiscal responsibility and debt reduction, projecting a continued decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio. 

In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign policy remains a beacon of principled leadership. The government’s commitment to multilateralism, climate justice and the protection of small states’ interests on the global stage has earned respect and admiration worldwide. 

The country’s leadership continues to resonate beyond national borders. Its advocacy for climate financing and reparatory justice for the impacts of slavery colonialism underscores the nation’s moral clarity in addressing global inequalities. Antigua and Barbuda’s chairmanship of key international committees further cements its role as a diplomatic powerhouse within the Caribbean and beyond. 

In 2025, the government aims to deepen these engagements, building stronger alliances with emerging economies while maintaining its strategic partnerships with traditional allies. An expanded International footprint will see improved relations with countries on the African continent. By leveraging its principled approach, Antigua and Barbuda is poised to influence global policy discussions that align with its development goals. 

While the achievements of 2024 and the promising outlook for 2025 inspire optimism, the arduous work of nation-building continues. Challenges such as climate vulnerability, global economic uncertainties and the need for greater social cohesion require bold solutions and collective action. 

The government’s commitment to inclusive governance, economic resilience and principled leadership will be critical in navigating these challenges. As Senator Rawdon Turner takes his place in the Lower House and the nation rallies behind its government’s ambitious vision, all of Antigua and Barbuda is reminded that our strength lies in our unity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to progress. 

In 2025, Antigua and Barbuda marches forward, not as a nation resting on its laurels, but as one emboldened but the gain of 2024, determined to build a brighter future for all its citizens. The work is far from over, but the resolve is stronger than ever. 

I wish you a peaceful productive and prosperous 2025.

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