Transportation

Major road development is expected in Antigua and Barbuda in 2007. Plans to increase spending on repair and maintenance of the roads on both islands are in progress. The government also plans to construct a transportation hub which will house a shopping plaza, car park, vehicle inspection station and a bus terminal. To ensure a reliable and affordable transportation system on the islands, the duty on vehicular parts for any driver who operates a taxi, bus or tour vehicle were reduced by 50%. Regarding regional transport, LIAT airlines, continues to be the leading provider of travel from Antigua and Barbuda to the rest of the Caribbean and the country continues to invest in the airlines.
2007 Budget Address for Antigua

Crime

Antigua and Barbuda is classified as having a low to moderate crime rate. However, the current wave of crime seems to be on the rise. The murder rate for the year 2006 was 12, but at the end of June 2007, the rate was reported as 10. The government claims that the increase in crime can be attributed to the increase in deportees from the United States. CARICOM delegates met with the US Department of Homeland Security to discuss this issue. They suggested that criminal records of all deportees be provided to the countries. In efforts to curb crime, 48 new police constables will be recruited to the Royal Police Force in 2007 and an assessment of the police force is being conducted to make recommendations on its operations.
CARIBBEAN NET NEWS
Antigua sun

2005 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Western Hemisphere)

All men and women desire and deserve to live in dignity and liberty. As President Bush said: "The advance of freedom is the great story of our time." Promoting human rights and democracy is a worldwide phenomenon and there is a growing global discussion of democracy and the universal values protected by democratic governance.

By defending and advancing human rights and democratic principles, we keep faith with our country’s most cherished values and lay the foundation for lasting peace. Fulfilling the promise of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and building vibrant democracies worldwide will take generations, but it is work of the utmost urgency that cannot be delayed.
Source:US Dept. of State