Antigua and Barbuda has recorded more than 300% economic growth over the past 25 years, with national output rising from US$802 million in 2000 to more than US$2 billion in 2025. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams highlighted the milestone Thursday as he delivered the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament.

Calling it “a remarkable record for any country,” Sir Rodney said the expansion is even more significant given the shocks the nation has endured over the period, including hurricanes, droughts, flooding, a global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. He credited workers, entrepreneurs and successive leaders for steering the economy through disruption.

The speech described the past quarter century as a period of “solid, stable and soaring” growth, driven largely by foreign direct investment, a steady flow of construction and hospitality jobs, improved access to education, and what the government called a strong human-resource base shaped by low crime and political stability.

Per capita income now exceeds EC$60,000, the Governor General reported, adding that the United Nations ranks Antigua and Barbuda 53rd on the Human Development Index—higher than any other Caribbean country.

As the country approaches the second quarter of the 21st century, Sir Rodney framed the economic trajectory as evidence that the nation is well positioned for continued expansion. The government expects new infrastructure, tourism investments and education initiatives to support further growth in the years ahead.