Gaston Browne, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, said in his 2025 Budget speech delivered in December last year that Barbuda particularly emerged as “a beacon of progress and land of opportunity”. His government has been making efforts accordingly as more entrepreneurial ventures have been encouraged in Barbuda.
Browne, who recently appeared on a radio talk show, gave details about the government’s commitment to boosting Barbuda’s economic progress through support for innovative housing projects and targeted concessions.
PM gives roadmap for entrepreneurs
Responding to an inquiry from a Barbudan entrepreneur who is keen to develop a small housing project, the Labour leader presented a roadmap for engagement in such initiatives. He said the interested entrepreneurs will have to submit business plans and show that their partners or investors are “fit and proper”. They would also have to furnish the government with evidence of funding to ensure the proposed projects are viable.
Highlighting the benefits that the potential entrepreneurs could get from the projects, Browne said those planning housing development projects could get substantial tax incentives. They include exemptions on duties for construction materials and fixtures and fittings so that the overall financial burden is reduced.
Exemptions do not apply to furnishings as the administration wants to keep the focus solely on important construction needs.
Besides local entrepreneurs, the government is also keen for foreign partnerships. The investors, however, need to meet at regular intervals and align their vision with the development of Barbuda.
“We’re committed to supporting projects that contribute to Barbuda’s sustainable growth while ensuring proper oversight and accountability,” Browne said.
The government is also considering taking innovative approaches to housing, such as using prefabricated structures that can be shipped to Barbuda from abroad. The method is advantageous since it could expedite the construction process while addressing logistical hurdles that traditional buildings face.
These initiatives aim to serve the dual goals of stimulating Barbuda’s economy besides addressing its residents’ housing requirements.
Barbuda’s unique position
PM Browne said Barbuda’s unique position as an island with a huge untapped potential makes it a lucrative prospect for entrepreneurial ventures. The government’s plan of boosting growth through tax relief and streamlined processes reflects its commitment towards achieving a thriving self-reliant community.
In his Budget speech last year, Browne unveiled various plans that aim to make Barbuda prosperous.
“With over $1.5 billion invested in the PLH Development, and over $57 million invested on the Paradise Found Resort to date; Barbuda is emerging as a key driver of our national prosperity,” he said.
“In 2025, a further $300 million will be spent by PLH, with total investment amounting to $5 billion at its completion. Also, $84 million will be spent on the Paradise Found project next year.
“These projects are creating income, employment, and opportunities for countless families, ensuring that Barbuda plays a central role in our nation’s future,” Browne added.
While the government has stressed the development of Barbuda, particularly after Hurricane Irma ravaged it in 2017, the island’s local communities have accused it of allowing international private interests to have a free will in the name of promoting mass tourism, curbing their age-old rights on the local land.
