Antigua and Barbuda - 67.70
53
Unsustainable apart but inoperable together
Antigua and Barbuda is a country that is defined by a persistent lack of competency. Barbuda is underprovided and its government underfunded, unenforced laws have remained on the books for decades, and the country is in the midst of an unresolved water crisis. Antigua and Barbuda faces the same issue as other countries, a floundering economy, and a generally well-intentioned but chronically incompetent government. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda struggles with corruption. Antigua and Barbuda’s government is known for its clannishness and the government’s refusal to prosecute one of its own. Antigua and Barbuda is all but closed to migrants, which may be good considering that the country is failing to provide for its own prisoners. The problems of Antigua and Barbuda are the problems of the Caribbean, and no matter how bad it gets Antigua and Barbuda can rest easy knowing that their problems ar5e the problems of the Caribbean at large.
Human Rights - 62
Antigua and Barbuda has functionally abolished the death penalty; it carried out its last execution in 1991. Antigua and Barbuda’s only prison was severely overcrowded, remaining at 200% capacity for most of the year. The prison’s condition was not large enough to accommodate all the prisoners, and thus prisoners often went without three meals per day, even with the kitchen operating at all hours of the day. The Antiguan court system is very slow and detainees often languish in pre-trial detention for months or years. The government is known to harass and bully independent media. This issue has been elevated to detract points from the human rights category as all private news organizations based in Antigua and Barbuda have been shut down. However, the government still allows foreign news organizations to operate freely. Antigua and Barbuda is all but completely closed to migrants and does not grant asylum. Homosexuality is illegal but this law goes unenforced. Abortion is legal to save a woman’s life.
Democracy - 88
Antigua and Barbuda is a commonwealth democracy, limiting its score to 95. The governor-general is appointed by the queen and the prime minister is chosen by the directly elected parliament. Elections are free and fair. Antigua and Barbuda has not been redistricted since 1984 despite population changes, leaving residents of Barbuda disenfranchised. Antigua and Barbuda is under a de facto 2-party system. Party formation and participation are not restricted, but it is virtually impossible for small parties to gain real traction. LGBT Antiguans and Barbudians are disenfranchised.
Freedom - 82
The government is known to harass independent media, to the point that there are no longer any independent media organizations in Antigua and Barbuda. However, the government does allow foreign media to operate without restriction. Possession of small amounts of cannabis was recently decriminalized in Antigua and Barbuda but the cannabis trade remains illegal. All other drugs are illegal but simple possession carries a relatively light sentence. Antigua and Barbuda has recently been loosening its drug laws primarily in an attempt to reduce the prison population. Antiguan gun laws are ambiguous but there are few guns in the country.
Economy - 72
Health - 73
Antigua and Barbuda has a life expectancy of 77 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.6%. 18.75% of Antiguans and Barbudians are obese while 2.5% are malnourished. Antigua and Barbuda have a relatively strong universal healthcare system, though Barbuda lacks a comprehensive hospital, and long-term patients are transferred to Antigua. 98% of the population has access to clean, running water, but the country is in the midst of a water crisis. Antigua and Barbuda has a major problem with mosquito-borne illnesses, as both dengue and zika have been major problems in recent years.
Corruption - 41
The Antiguan tourism industry exerts significant control over politics. The government has made significant changes to zoning regulations and land ownership laws at the behest of hotel companies. Hotel company executives are also very close with the prime minister and governor-general. The government also absolutely refuses to prosecute one of its own. Antigua and Barbuda has very high impunity for former prime ministers, several of whom were indicted on monetary crimes in the United States. Petty corruption is common in public procurement. The Antiguan citizenship-by-investment program is also rife with abuse.
Competency - 36
The government is failing to control a water crisis. The government is also failing to repeal or use unenforced laws. Barbudians have been severely underprovided for and neglected, both today and throughout the nation’s history.
Future - 55
Antigua and Barbuda’s future generally looks stagnant. The Antiguan tourism industry looks sustainable, as the country has continued interest. However, the country’s water crisis may become a worsening issue in the near future.
Actions Abroad - 55
Antigua and Barbuda is a tax haven. Antigua and Barbuda is generally isolationist but has voiced support for America’s resolution to sanction Cuba and Haiti. Antigua and Barbuda received a ten-point penalty for its tax haven status.
No Antiguans or Barbudians live under the international poverty line, while 22% live under the national poverty line. Antigua and Barbuda has a high economic disparity. 11% of Antiguans and Barbudians are unemployed. Antigua and Barbuda has a minimum wage of $3.03 per hour. Antigua and Barbuda has a relatively strong universal healthcare system, but Barbuda lacks a comprehensive hospital, and long-term care patients are instead transferred to Antigua. The Antiguan economy shrunk by 16% in 2020 and grew by 3.4% in 2019.