His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, delivered the 2026 Speech from the Throne on Thursday at the Parliament Building in St. John’s, outlining a wide-ranging national agenda under the theme “Solid, Stable, Soaring: The Next Quarter Century.”
Addressing Members of Parliament, senior officials, and invited guests, Sir Rodney highlighted the country’s significant economic and social progress over the past 25 years while announcing major policy initiatives in healthcare, infrastructure, education, agriculture, tourism, climate justice and national security.
READ FULL Governor General delivers 2026 Speech from the Throne 20 November 2025
A Quarter Century of Economic Growth
The Governor-General noted that Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP grew from US$802 million in 2000 to over US$2 billion in 2025—a more than 300% increase despite multiple global and regional crises. He credited strong foreign direct investment, political stability, expanded education access, low crime rates, and robust construction and hospitality sectors for fueling national growth.
He emphasized that the country now leads the Caribbean in the UN Human Development Index and boasts average annual incomes above EC$60,000.
Major Achievements Highlighted
Sir Rodney outlined several transformative achievements of the past decade:
- Barbuda’s economic turnaround, including new hospitality developments, expanded road networks, street lighting, a modern airport, and a planned seaport.
- A dramatic increase in water production, rising from 3.5 million gallons per day in 2014 to more than 11 million gallons through new desalination capacity.
- Local ownership of former Canadian bank assets through ACB Caribbean and ECAB.
- The introduction of “empowerment capitalism,” allowing citizens to hold shares in state enterprises through NAMCO.
Healthcare Transformation Coming in 2026
A major policy announcement was the Government’s intent to convert the Medical Benefits Scheme into a National Health Insurance program next year. The expanded system will cover more illnesses and allow portability across CARICOM.
The Governor-General also announced strengthened mental health services—including a modern treatment facility—and the construction of a purpose-built dialysis center capable of serving over 100 patients daily, with plans for local kidney transplants.
International Leadership and Climate Justice
Sir Rodney praised Antigua and Barbuda’s growing diplomatic stature, describing the country as the “Meetings and Conferences Venue of the Caribbean,” following its successful hosting of SIDS4, the OAS General Assembly, and preparations for CHOGM in 2026.
He reaffirmed the nation’s leading role in global climate negotiations, noting key favorable rulings secured at the ICJ and ITLOS on emissions and ocean protection, and applauded regional advocacy for the Loss and Damage Fund.
Tourism Expansion and Infrastructure Development
The tourism outlook for the 2025/26 season is projected to be the strongest in the country’s history, with 450,000 stayover visitors and nearly 1 million cruise arrivals expected. New luxury investments—including Rosewood and Nobu resorts on Barbuda, the Nikki Beach project on Antigua, and a new Marriott-branded hotel—were highlighted.
Infrastructure upgrades will continue with a US$100 million road rehabilitation program, runway resurfacing at VC Bird International Airport, improved broadband through an undersea cable, and extensive re-piping works.
Education, Agriculture, and Social Development
Construction has begun on a new Five Islands Primary School, with major expansion of the UWI Five Islands Campus set to start in 2026 using an $80 million Saudi Development Fund loan. The Glanvilles School of Agriculture is expected to play a central role in advancing food security.
Housing initiatives—including over 1,000 homes built since 2014—will continue, alongside new condominium projects and expanded assistance programs for vulnerable groups. Social support programs such as food vouchers, PDV-Caribe electricity subsidies, and the HAPI initiative remain active.
Law, Order and Public Safety
A 10% reduction in serious crime was recorded in 2025 compared to the previous year. Additional judges will be appointed to the Industrial Court, a new National Minimum Wage will be considered, and legislation establishing the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services is scheduled for early 2026.
Rehabilitation will form a key pillar of prison reform, with new skills-training programs for inmates.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Sir Rodney concluded by describing 2025 as one of the most successful years in the nation’s history—with stable weather conditions, strong economic performance, and improved public safety. He reaffirmed Government’s confidence in continued national progress, highlighting:
- The expansion of LIAT Air, including new routes linked to upcoming Air Peace flights from Africa.
- Continued growth in infrastructure, sports, education, culture, and financial markets.
- A commitment to equity, transparency, and economic resilience.
He extended Christmas greetings and best wishes for a prosperous 2026.
