Prime Minister Gaston Browne says employment in Antigua and Barbuda has reached its highest level in modern history, with more than 54,000 people now working and the national jobless rate dropping below 5 percent.

Browne made the announcement during Thursday’s presentation of the 2026 national budget, describing the employment figures as clear evidence of a strengthening economy supported by growth in tourism, construction, public investment and private-sector expansion.

“We have never had more people employed in our country than we do today,” Browne told Parliament, noting that unemployment has fallen from double digits a decade ago to what he called “full-employment levels” today. He said the reversal reflects the administration’s “aggressive economic agenda” and investment-driven development model.

According to the Prime Minister, record activity in the construction sector, rising visitor arrivals, and an expanding services industry have contributed to consistent job creation across multiple sectors. He pointed to the $900 million construction industry, a rebound in cruise tourism, and growth in retail and transportation as major drivers of workforce demand.

Browne said the government’s capital programs — including housing developments, water infrastructure upgrades, and road rehabilitation — have also supported both short-term construction jobs and long-term economic activity.

The Prime Minister argued that the low unemployment rate is a sign of broad-based recovery and resilience, coming alongside a projected 5 percent economic growth rate for 2026, nearly $7 billion in expected national output, and a primary fiscal surplus of $254.9 million.

He added that the government will continue advancing policies aimed at workforce development, including tuition-free access to the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus once upgrades are completed, payment of all CSEC exam fees beginning in 2026, and expanded skills training initiatives.

Budget debate continues next week.