Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams says Antigua and Barbuda aims to become an “economic powerhouse” and “lifestyle superpower.”

He shared the vision during Tuesday’s 2026 Throne Speech at Parliament’s ceremonial opening. Meanwhile, the country begins a new parliamentary term after the April 30 general election.

Sir Rodney said the government plans a major national transformation across several sectors. In addition, officials want stronger economic growth and a better quality of life.

“The expected destination of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said, “is to transform our island-State into a formidable economic power.”

The speech outlined plans for a national “renaissance” in education, healthcare, housing, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the government also targets infrastructure, agriculture, investments, and cultural development.

Sir Rodney said the administration remains committed to expanding opportunities for citizens and residents.

The Throne Speech also highlighted key national projects. These include expansion at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and tuition-free tertiary education.

In addition, the government plans more housing projects, road repairs and investments in Barbuda.

The address also promoted sports development. Officials announced plans for an Olympic-size swimming pool to boost youth and athletic programmes.

“That is the ambition of a ‘lifestyle superpower,’” Sir Rodney said.

Meanwhile, the speech linked the government’s economic approach to decisions made after the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party returned to office in 2014.

Sir Rodney said the administration rejected a second International Monetary Fund programme. Instead, the government repaid EC$320 million in debt.

He said that the decision reflected the government’s long-term economic ambitions.

The speech also pointed to tourism growth, foreign investment, water expansion, and urban renewal projects as signs of national progress.

Sir Rodney closed by saying Antigua and Barbuda could soon enter a defining era in post-independence development.

Despite global challenges and natural disasters, he said the nation continues moving toward major transformation.