• The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has made significant strides in its global ranking, now standing at 54 among 193 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). 
• The HDI is a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and having a decent standard of living.
• This marks a remarkable climb of 17 places over a relatively short timeframe, from its 2021 rank of 71 and places the country in the “very high” category of the HDI.
• Prime Minister Gaston Browne has hailed this achievement as especially notable in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• “Well, I think it’s an astonishing achievement when you look at the fact that our country’s economy was decimated in 2020 by COVID. We lost 18% of GDP and that we have actually bounced forward to the extent now that the Antigua and Barbuda economy is easily the most vibrant within the Caribbean region, barring Guyana with their recent oil find.”
• In the Caribbean region, Antigua and Barbuda now ranks second, after St Kitts and Nevis at 51. Further to this, Bahamas is ranked at 57, Trinidad at 60, Barbados at 62, and Jamaica at 115.

(Source: Antigua Observer)

• Wigton Windfarm Limited (WIG), along with its joint venture partner, Innovative Energy Company DBA IEC SPEI Limited, entered into a US$ 7.78Mn contract on December 22, 2023 with Montego Bay Jamaica (MBJ) Airports Limited for the design, engineering and installation of roof-mounted and floating solar photovoltaic systems with a capacity of Six Megawatt Alternating Current (6 MWac), along with a Battery Energy Storage System.
• MBJ Airports Limited is the operator of Sangster International Airport, which connects Jamaica with more than 60 international destinations. The Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St. James, is undergoing significant modernisation designed to transform it into a world-class facility at a cost of approximately US$140Mn. The engagement includes runway extension and civil infrastructure works as well as expansion and redevelopment of SIA’s retail programme.
• Chief Executive Officer of MBJ, Shane Munroe, stated last year that “Eventually, the long-term goal is for Sangster International Airport to be 100 percent powered by renewables, with major investments in solar energy already under way to reduce Jamaica’s dependence on fossil fuels.” These solar powered systems to be supplied by Wigton Windfarm Limited, will be used to reduce the airport’s reliance on the national energy grid.
• Wigton’s primary line of business involves producing wind energy; however, the company has been actively diversifying its business by exploring other alternative energy opportunities in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. In March 2023, Wigton and Innovative Energy Company Limited (IEC) entered another contract with the Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for solar power projects valued at over US$7.33Mn.
• This latest US$7.78Mn contract underscores Wigton’s commitment to its diversification strategy as it aims to sustain its operations over the long term. By expanding its energy offerings, this will allow Wigton to generate additional revenues and mitigate against its existing business risk stemming from its reliance on Power Purchase Agreements, set to expire in May 2036, with the Jamaica Public Service Company.

(Sources: JSE & JIS)