Although faced with many challenges during 2023, Antigua and Barbuda has recorded growth of 8.1 per cent.
This was announced by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne during the presentation of the 2024 Budget to the House of Representatives.
Prime Minister Browne credited the high growth rate to his government’s decision to reopen the ports and the economy on June 1, 2020 following the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“That single, farsighted decision opened our country to a multitude of privately owned aircraft and wealthy visitors that helped to sustain our economy. So too did our decision to allow the opening of bars, restaurants, and other businesses in a careful manner, permitting many of our people to go back to work,” Prime Minister Browne stated.
Prime Minister Browne stated that the action of his government gave the nation a head start in recovering the economy and restoring it to the path of growth that is now enjoyed prior to 2020.
“The result was growth of 8.2 per cent in 2021; 9.5 per cent in 2022; and spectacular growth of 8.1 per cent in 2023, unmatched by any country, except Guyana with its recent exploitation of oil and gas,” he said
Prime Minister Browne said that his government is proud to have given courageous and visionary leadership to the country and its people, who benefitted from its implementation in their interest, wellbeing, and progress.
“That, Mr. Speaker, is the mark of good governance; a competent government; and empowerment of our people!” he said. (Ends)