Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has declared 2025 “one of the most successful ever witnessed by the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” citing strong economic performance, stable weather, and major national gains across multiple sectors. He delivered the assessment Thursday during the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament.
Sir Rodney said the year brought a rare combination of favourable conditions. “There were no storms nor hurricanes, there was plenty of rain, and the country recorded enormous strides in virtually every sector of the economy,” he told lawmakers.
He noted that residents’ “feeling of security and well-being has been justified by the actions of law enforcement,” pointing to reduced serious crime and strengthened policing initiatives.
The Governor General also highlighted economic expansion, including growth driven by foreign direct investment, major construction activity, and what he described as wealth generation “across all income groups.” He reaffirmed that the Citizenship by Investment Programme “accounts for more than 10% of the country’s GDP,” supported by new OECS regulatory oversight.
Sir Rodney said national aviation also experienced a turnaround in 2025. LIAT’s return to viability and its planned expansion beyond the Eastern Caribbean, he said, will allow the airline to serve as a regional connector when Air Peace begins direct flights between Africa and Antigua. “The Phoenix has risen,” he said.
The Throne Speech described 2025 as a year of institutional repair as well, noting that restitution has begun in the Customs and Excise matter, which Sir Rodney said brought “the betrayal of the integrity” of the department to an end.
Looking ahead, he said 2026 holds “a very bright outlook,” with major improvements expected in infrastructure, banking, education, culture and sports. Sir Rodney closed by wishing the nation “a healthy and prosperous 2026,” calling for a peaceful Christmas season.
