Prime Minister Gaston Browne gives 2026 Budget Presentation
Barbuda is set for a wave of new public and private sector investments next year, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne signaling that the sister island will feature prominently in the government’s 2026 development agenda.
During Thursday’s presentation of the People-Centred Growth and Development Budget, the prime minister detailed several large-scale projects poised to reshape Barbuda’s infrastructure and tourism landscape.
Among the most anticipated initiatives is the US$300 million MurBee development, scheduled to break ground in the first half of 2026. Browne also reported steady progress from Nobu, which has already invested US$70 million and committed an additional US$40 million for next year. These projects add to ongoing work under the PLH Development, which continues to be one of Barbuda’s largest economic drivers.
According to the prime minister, the Barbuda Ocean Club (PLH) will inject over US$100 million into the economy in 2026 alone, supporting approximately 800 jobs, with the majority filled by Barbudans. Revenue to the Barbuda Council from ABST collections has now surpassed $5 million annually.
Browne highlighted that the recently opened Burton-Nibbs International Airport has already elevated the island’s tourism profile, receiving more than 200 international flights this year, with projections topping 300 for 2026.
The prime minister also outlined several major government-led projects set to advance next year, including:
-A $50 million road development programme
-A new $14 million cargo and tourism port
-A primary school funded by the Dominican Republic
-Continued enhancements at the Burton–Nibbs International Airport
He emphasized that these initiatives are being structured to ensure local contractors and Barbudan workers benefit meaningfully from the island’s expanding economy.
Barbuda is additionally expected to receive 50 of the 100 condominium-style homes being financed by the Chinese government, with the remaining units earmarked for the Bolans community in Antigua.
The prime minister said the combined projects reflect his administration’s commitment to ensuring Barbuda’s growth keeps pace with national development priorities.
Stop trying to slave your people back to Massa. This will turn Barbuda into the sane plantation that Antigua is. Barbuda needs development that will help locals not displace them or take away from its natural beauty.
Barbuda finally getting the kind of investment it deserves. For years the sister island was left behind, so if these projects bring real jobs and proper infrastructure, that’s a big win for Barbudans
Government keeps promising that Barbudans will get most of the jobs, but history shows that imported labour often replaces locals. We watching to see if this time different.
Happy to see government and private sector working together. MurBee, Nobu, PLH if managed well could transform Barbuda into a major eco-luxury destination
Barbuda has never been left bahind
The airport already showing results over 200 flights is no small thing. If tourism continues to grow, more employment and small business opportunities will come with it.
Big talk again. Barbuda needs long-term follow-through, not just another headline