Economic Charter for True Independence

The unique circumstances of the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, a country where the state owns vast tracts of flat, fertile land; where the population is creative, fairly well educated; and where the culture of democracy is entrenched, allow for a modern, diversified economy based on a set of high value added activities.

In fostering the development of this modern economy, the UPP will promote a New Economic Charter based on the following key principles and elements:

• The people of the nation are its most valuable resource. Accordingly, education and training in modern knowledge, skills, and creative talents will be given priority.
• A new policy regarding use of the nation’s land as an economic resource will be promoted. The delivery of state lands for speculation will cease. State lands will be used to develop agriculture and for residential housing development. When required for tourism projects such lands will be made available leasehold or as state equity in the particular project.
• An economic sector based on the creative industries of song, dance, music, film, performing arts, new media and textile design will be encouraged through incentives and training opportunities.
• Enterprises driven by ICT will be promoted and encouraged. • A Co-operative Sector will be encouraged as a means of nationals pooling their labour and resources for their own economic development. Both Consumer and Producer Cooperatives will be encouraged.
• Nationals will be given preferential treatment in every aspect of economic life in the nation. The state will foster options for locals, as individual entrepreneurs or as companies or co-operatives, to benefit and prosper from economic opportunities.
• The state will use its network of international contacts to foster economic growth and development and bring business opportunities to national enterprises.

The principal objective of the New Economic Charter, based on our own interests and the sustainability of our people’s livelihoods and welfare, will be to change the model of economic dependence bequeathed to us by our colonial and imperialist heritage and replace it with a model that guarantees material self sufficiency, food security, national financial stability, and protection from the uncertainties of big power and big business rivalries.

A New Economic Charter will be a charter for true independence.