A survey to determine the scope and composition of the services sector of Antigua
and Barbuda is currently taking place.
Trade Policy Analyst in the Ministry of Trade, Varecia Smith, said the survey is
now at the halfway point and its main aim is to find out who the service providers
are, in the country.
“We have had several new services coming into being over the past few years and
we want to use this survey to get a sense of who they are. During the pandemic, we
saw many new businesses, especially in the delivery area. These are in addition to
the more traditional services available in sectors such as tourism and construction,”
she stated.
Other service areas include health and wellness, fashion design, and the beauty
sector. For example, she noted that during the carnival season, there is a huge
services sector built around fetes, from hairdressing, nail technicians, make-up
artists, personal care, and clothing design. She added that even the fete promoters
are providing a service.
The survey combines a number of methodologies with some face-to-face
interviews and interactions via social media.
Smith said the survey concludes on July 17 and there is no definitive timeline as to
when the results will be available. However, she noted that the data will be
analysed to determine what the critical needs are of the services sector and to
develop a plan on how each sub-sector may be supported by the relevant
ministries, with appropriate policies and programmes.
“The Ministry of Trade needs to design its policies to help develop the broad swath
of services to build capacity and competitiveness of the sectors,” she stated.
