Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697642024153.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
Summary Report LETTER OF TRANSMISSION from the Millennium Development Goals National Task Force *** Dr.

The Honourable Winston Baldwin Spencer Prime Minister Office of the Prime Minister Prime Minister’s Drive St. John’s, Antigua ANTIGUA and BARBUDA Dear Honourable Prime Minister: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) National Task Force is pleased to present to you the Millennium Development Goals Report.
The Report, presented under the theme: “Our Goals, Our Development, Our Country - Antigua and Barbuda”, tracks the attainment of the Goals for the period 1990 to 2007.

The Task Force expresses its sincere gratitude to you, through the Ministry of Finance, the Economy, and Public Administration for the appointment to serve in this important national development capacity.
J. Yolanda Goodwin Coordinator MDGs National Task Force December 2009 FOREWORD by Honourable Harold E. Lovell Minister of Finance, the Economy, and Public Administration Antigua and Barbuda *** The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Initiative in Antigua and Barbuda is designed to identify and implement strategies and programmes for the achievement of the MDGs.
The internationally agreed MDGs have been tailored to suit our national circumstances with an emphasis on practical results; placing priority on those Goals that remain unachieved in our country; giving recognition to national Objectives; and focusing on those Targets that are of immediate relevance to our people.
We are committed to placing the MDGs, locally adapted, within the framework of our national strategic development plan, using the MDGs to assist in the development and Honourable Harold E. Lovell Minister of Finance, the Economy, and Public Administration 2 implementation of our national programmes.

The indicators of the MDGs will be used as a yardstick against which to measure our progress and monitor performance.
A critical aspect of this programme is the dissemination of information‐hence the preparation of this monitoring and reporting tool.

It is our hope that this will not only serve to raise public awareness but will also motivate us to each play our part in the localization of the Goals and the national effort to achieve them.

Each Endeavouring, All Achieving.


MESSAGE by Dr. the Honourable W. Baldwin Spencer Prime Minister Antigua and Barbuda *** Our Goals Our Development Our Country, Antigua and Barbuda As a Nation we have made commendable advancements in various areas of development, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
To be successful we must pledge to work together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals - a model designed to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, reduce HIV/AIDS and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, promote a global partnership for development, and additionally, fight the scourge of crime and violence.
We have adapted these time-bound Goals to our local situation.

Where we have already reached the Targets, we will endeavour to sustain them, while aggressive efforts are being made to stay on track with the other goals in an effort to achieve them on or before 2015.

The Millennium Development Goals Report 2009 provides us with an account of our Country’s status at the half way mark and points to the need for closer collaboration and coordination, because the Goals are interrelated and interdependent.
I must admit, however, that the global economic downturn will certainly stymie our rate of progress, but this impasse will, by no means, retard our efforts and political will as we proactively seek to achieve our goals.

We can only realise our vision if all of us take ownership of and commit ourselves to this national endeavour.
Therefore, in keeping with our Theme for this our 28th year of Political Independence, while at the same time localising the Millennium Development Goals, let us together, as One Family, continue to Revive our National Pride.

Dr. the Honourable W. Baldwin Spencer Prime Minister 3 STATEMENT by H.E.
Dr. John W. Ashe, CMG Ambassador to the United Nations *** By any yardstick Antigua and Barbuda has made the Millennium tremendous Development Goals (MDGs), and the eight anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline.

But given the challenges that still lie ahead, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels.
in meeting progress In 2008, at the invitation of the Secretary-General, world leaders, including Prime Minister Spencer, convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for a high-level meeting to assess how to translate commitments into effective action to meet the MDGs.

They pinpointed gaps and identified steps to take to accelerate progress towards achieving the MDGs.

2008 also marked the half-way point towards the target year of 2015.

At this critical juncture the signs are not good.


A recent UN report found that soaring food and fuel prices and the global economic downturn are impeding advances in such targets as eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, H.E.

Dr. John W. Ashe, CMG Ambassador to the United Nations 4 achieving universal primary education, and reducing child mortality, jeopardizing the likelihood of achieving some of the Goals.

Seen against this backdrop our achievements to date, however modest, deserve commendation.
Clearly then while it may appear to some that we may not be moving fast enough we are moving in the right direction towards our own national goals of slashing poverty, illiteracy, and other socio-economic ills by the target date of 2015.

Finally, it is instructive to note that most of our efforts to date have been largely self-financed.
However, as we approach the half-way point for the implementation of the MDGs we call on the international community to honour its commitments towards strengthening the global partnership for development and funding initiatives that will inject new energy, resources, and hope into local, regional and global efforts to achieve the MDGs.
LIST OF ACRONYMS Alcoholics Anonymous Antigua and Barbuda Centre for Dyslexia Awareness Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education Antigua and Barbuda Planned Parenthood Association Antigua and Barbuda Waste Recycling Centre AA ABCDA ABDB ABICE ABPPA ABWREC ACP African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States AIDS ABIIT APUA ASC ARI ARV BOE CAA CAC CAREC CARICOM CBH CDB CFCs CFNI CICAD CIDA CITES CNCD COTS CRN CSM CTS CXC DAC DARE DCA DOTS EAG EMIS EU FAO GARDC GDP GEF GNP GNI Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology Antigua Public Utilities Authority Antigua State College Acute Respiratory Infection Anti-retroviral Board of Education Caribbean AIDS Alliance Computer Access Centres Caribbean Epidemiology Centre Caribbean Community Central Board of Health Caribbean Development Bank Chlorofluorocarbons Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute Inter- American Drug Abuse Control Commission Canadian International Development Agency Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases Caribbean Open Trade Support Programme Caribbean Regional Network CARICOM Single Market Provision of Care, Treatment and Support Caribbean Examinations Council Development Assistance Committee Drug Abuse Resistance Education Development Control Authority Directly Observed Treatment Short course Environmental Awareness Group Education Management Information System European Union Food and Agricultural Organization Gilbert Agricultural Research and Development Centre Gross Domestic Product Global Environment Facility Gross National Product Gross National Income 5 Household Budget Survey Health and Family Life Education Haemophilus Influenza - Type B Human Immunodeficiency Virus Institutional Analysis Information Communication Technology International Monetary Fund Information Technology HBS HFLE HIB HIV IA ICT IMF IT IUCN International Union for Conservation of Natural Resources LPG Liquid Petroleum Gas MDGs
 Millennium Development Goals MEM Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism MMR Measles, Mumps, and Rubella NEMMA North Eastern Marine Management Area NEMS National Environmental Management Strategy NCHS National Centre for Health Statistics NGO Non-Governmental Organization NSWMA National Solid Waste Management Authority NTTC National Technical Training Centre OAS Organization of American States ODA Official Development Assistance Organization of Eastern Caribbean States OECS ONDCP Office of the National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy PAHO PANCAP Pan Caribbean Partnership PLWHA PMCT POWA PPA PPP SIDS SLC STIs TB UNDP UN AIDS UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNFCCC UN HABITAT UNODC USAID UWI UWI/SC WHO WTO People living with HIV and AIDS Prevention from Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS Professional Organization of Women in Antigua and Barbuda Participatory Poverty Assessment Purchasing Power Parity Small Island Developing States Survey of Living Conditions Sexually Transmitted Infections Tuberculosis United Nations Development Programme United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change United Nations Human Settlements Programme United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime United States Agency for International Development University of the West Indies University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies World Health Organization World Trade Organization Pan American Health Organization TABLE OF CONTENTS (Main Report) Letter of Transmission by the Coordinator – MDGs National Task Force Foreword by the Honourable Minister of Finance, the Economy and Public Administration Message by the Honourable Prime Minister Statement by the Ambassador to the United Nations List of Acronyms Executive Summary MDGs at a Glance - Assessment of the Monitoring Environment Introduction The National Development Context The MDGs Local Programme Assessment of the Millennium Development Goals: Goal 1: Eradicate
 Extreme Poverty and Hunger Goal 2: Achieve Universal Education Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability Goal 8: Promote a Global Partnership for Development Goal +: Fight the Scourge of Crime and Violence (Additional) Conclusion Appendices A B C Members of National MDGs Task Force Schedule of Media Programmes, Meetings, and Consultations Main Contributors and Secretariat to the National MDGs Task Force page i ii iii iv v vii xv 31 43 50 55 74 92 108 124 125 126 127 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Presented below is a Snapshot of the Goals showing Status and Trends, Challenges, and the Supportive Environment.
Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger Status and Trends A joint Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budget Survey conducted in Antigua and Barbuda during 2005/2006 has provided an overview of the extent and location of poverty in Antigua and Barbuda and informs Government’s policy on and strategies for poverty reduction.
The National Country Poverty Assessment (CPA) Report of 2007 estimated the following:- • Approximately 18 percent of the population were living in poverty - unable to afford the basic needs of life Information from the Ministry of Health revealed that the incidence of low birth weight averaged approximately 5 percent between 1995 and 2006.

Prevalence of underweight children under 5 years of age was approximately 1 percent during the same period.
Challenges • A high prevalence of obesity and overweight in the population leading to chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension which are related to people’s life style, and other ethnic/genetic factors • Among the poor, 4 percent of the population could be regarded as indigent, that is, they were unable to meet the cost of food required to maintain good bodily health • Rising food prices Supportive Environment • An additional 10 percent of the population was vulnerable - at risk of falling into poverty in the event of an unanticipated catastrophe such as a natural or man-made disaster • Large differences between incomes of the rich and the poor resulted in huge gaps in spending power.
The Government has introduced several programmes for poverty reduction.

Findings from the 2007 CPA and the Census of Agriculture are expected to inform policies for more targeted strategies.

The promotion of healthy lifestyles through sporting programmes in communities and the proposal to introduce physical education in schools at all levels are other positive examples.

Measures are also being implemented to improve food security.
<<<>>> 7 Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education Status and Trends Data from the Ministry of Education suggests that Antigua and Barbuda has attained this goal.
The figures for 1990 to 2006 show:- - Low levels of performance - The need for a literacy survey • Net enrolment in primary education has been consistently high - Measurement of functional literacy and numeracy • Male net enrolment in primary education has been higher than female • The literacy rate among 15 – 24 year olds was over 90 percent Ministry officials are now working to expand this goal to include the achievement of universal early childhood and secondary education.
Challenges The need to urgently address the following areas of concern:- - The quality of education and its importance to life skills - The need to regularise enrolment in early childhood education - Tracking of students from Grade 1 through to Grade 5.

Supportive Environment Attendance at school is compulsory by law between the ages of 5 and 16 years.
In addition, the Government has instituted programmes to assist in maintaining high levels of attendance and performance such as the provision of uniforms, text books, transportation, and school meals.

The private sector and other non-governmental organizations, particularly the church, are actively involved in providing education services and after school support programmes.
<<<>>> 8 Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women Status and Trends Challenges Official figures reveal a higher enrolment of boys than girls in primary education.

However, there was a higher enrolment of girls in both secondary and tertiary education.

Performance levels were higher for females in primary, secondary and tertiary education.

Data from the 2001 population census estimated that 55 percent of females were employed in non-agricultural sectors.
Participation of women in public and private sector initiatives for the support of small business ventures was comparable to male participation.

Officials seek to address the problem of domestic violence, which seriously limits efforts to empower both women and men.

The proportion of seats held by women in the national Parliament increased significantly from 3 percent in 1990 to 11 percent in 1995 and then to 17 percent in 2007.
While this is below the recommended 30% minimum, women have been emerging in many supervisory, and managerial positions in the public and private sectors.
Lower attendance levels for males than for females in secondary and tertiary education Lower levels of performance for males at all levels of education Domestic abuse particularly in light of the culture of ‘silence’ Supportive Environment The Directorate of Gender Affairs was established in 1997 as the national machinery responsible for promoting the advancement of women in Antigua and Barbuda through research and education.
In addition, men and women have benefited from programmes by local, regional and international non-governmental agencies providing skills training, loans and grants for small business development.

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<<<>>> 9 Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality Status and Trends Supportive Environment in health care There have been significant administration and the eradication of certain diseases.

One aspect of the child health care management system is an aggressive immunization programme.
improvements Challenges Increase in the cost of health care Fluctuating under five mortality rates Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health Status and Trends The maternal mortality rate has been consistently low throughout the period of review - 1990 to 2007.

There were no recorded maternal deaths from 2004 to 2007.

Challenges Continuous monitoring, counselling, examining, and implementing new initiatives to improve and sustain the maternal health programme.
At the Government Hospital, health professionals operate a well- equipped children’s ward including a unit for the care of premature babies.

There is a well managed immunization programme in operation at the hospital and at clinics throughout the island.

To strengthen surveillance, the child health records are being revised according to new WHO Child Growth Standards.

Supportive Environment The Government Hospital and Clinics located throughout the country offer pre- and anti-natal care.
Qualified health personnel attend all births.

A Perinatal Information System has been introduced to strengthen surveillance <<<>>> 10 Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases Status and Trends Supportive Environment There is universal and free access to treatment for HIV/AIDS.

However, the data from the National AIDS Secretariat continues to show an increase in cases notified.
Issuance of free condoms and other contraceptives has increased although contraceptive usage has not been effectively monitored.

There have been significant strides in the Government health programme for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Considerable progress has been made in controlling communicable diseases such as acute respiratory infections, dengue, samonellosis, gastroenteritis, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Challenges o o Increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS among females and youth Increasing incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are related to people’s nutritional habits.
The national AIDS Secretariat in the Ministry of Health spearheads an all inclusive national campaign to reduce transmission and promote positive living among persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, in partnership with regional and international agencies Free voluntary HIV/AIDS counselling, testing and distribution of anti retroviral drugs Programme for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS offering voluntary counselling and testing of all pregnant women free of charge Free distribution of condoms and other contraceptives Health, Hope and HIV Network, an NGO with the goal to enhance the quality of life of People Living with HIV/AIDS National Clinical Care Coordination Programme to implement clinical care and support for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Health and Family Life Education Programme responsible for education awareness programmes for adolescents Free immunization against communicable diseases.
<<<>>> 11 Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability Status and Trends Supportive Environment Government has introduced a plan to manage the country’s natural resources including forests, mangroves, and coral reefs.

In addition to land areas that have been declared ‘protected,’ efforts are being made to safeguard national animals and birds.

The measure of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per unit of Energy Use has fluctuated between 2000 and 2007.
However, consumption of electricity has increased during this period.

Carbon dioxide released into the air decreased with the phasing out of the use of certain substances that harm the atmosphere.

Population Census figures for 1991 indicate that approximately 79 percent of households had water piped into their homes while the other 21 percent had access to water through standpipes.

The 2007 CPA Report estimated 77 percent of households with flush toilets.
Challenges - Effects of overall climate change - Vulnerability to natural disasters including drought - - Increasing number of fires including grass, bush, and rubbish Increasing fuel prices and related energy costs - Developing the tourism product while at the same time preserving the country’s natural resources Agencies involved in caring for the environment include the following:- o The National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Central Board of Health o The Antigua and Barbuda Waste Recycling Centre operated by an NGO in partnership with the National Solid Waste Management Authority o Environment Division with the overall responsibility for managing the country’s natural resources o Environmental Awareness Group, an NGO o Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Marine Resources, Agro Industries o Development Control Authority o Barbuda Council o Ministry of Housing and Social Transformation, which organizes low income housing schemes and assists the elderly with housing repair and maintenance.
<<<>>> 12 Goal 8: A Global Partnership for Development Status and Trends Challenges Antigua and Barbuda is signatory to many trade agreements which provide for duty free access to its agricultural and manufacturing products.

However contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by these two sectors has been low.

Although figures have not been compiled for Official Development Assistance (ODA), Antigua and Barbuda has benefited from various programmes.
The Government has adopted a debt-management strategy.

Negotiations with certain creditors have resulted in partial debt reduction, debt relief, debt rescheduling, as well as some interest rate adjustments.

 A high debt burden, vulnerability to natural disasters, and a narrow export base Difficulty in accessing development assistance because the country is regarded as a high income country by most international agencies based on its GDP per capita Unemployment among the youth.
Supportive Environment Free computer classes offered by the Government IT Centre Data from the National Poverty Assessment Report 2007 shows a high unemployment rate among the youth.

Availability of prescription drugs at the Government Hospital and Medical Benefits pharmacies located around the country Prescription drugs for nine of the major diseases are distributed free of cost to residents of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Studies skills training programme at reasonable prices There is high access to telephone services through land lines, cellular phones, and telephone booths located all over the country.

In addition to personal computers and Internet cafes at business places, the Government IT Centre offers free Internet service at schools, empowerment and community computer access centres throughout the country.
Communities that do not yet have a centre are serviced by coaster buses, retrofitted as mobile classrooms featuring 17 high speed touch screen computers with wireless Internet connections.

External assistance in the development of a debt management strategy Bulk purchasing of prescription drugs by the OECS countries through the Pharmaceutical Procurement System.
<<<>>> 13 Additional Goal: Fight the Scourge of Crime and Violence Status and Trends Between 1990 and 2007, crime against persons, property and other related crimes, all increased.

The number of youth offenders also increased.

Figures on arrests for the use of cannabis and cocaine have been fluctuating.

The number of persons receiving treatment for substance abuse is on the increase.
Challenges Increased incidence of crime and violence among the youth Need to improve the efficiency of the legal, judicial and law enforcement systems Impact of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and rising food prices on crime and violence Illicit drug use and resultant drug trade Supportive Environment The fight against crime and violence is a joint effort of all national law enforcing authorities, including the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Division, the Coast Guard services, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, and the Office of the National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy.
The Crossroads Centre was established in 1998 by members of the treatment, education and Hourglass Foundation counselling to chemically dependent persons from all over the world.

The service is available free of charge to Antiguans and Barbudans.

to provide The newly established Government Probation and Counselling Unit seeks to reduce repeat offences through rehabilitation programmes.
Other initiatives include the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), an international programme coordinated by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

This programme strives to provide children with the information and skills necessary to live drug free and violence free lives.

The Government Substance Abuse Prevention Division organizes educational and other support programmes.

The Directorate of Gender Affairs with programme, crisis hot line, and walk-in facility.
its empowerment Other departments within the Ministries of Justice and Legal Affairs, Social Transformation, Finance & the Economy, Health, Education, Sport and Youth Affairs.

Faith-based, non-governmental, and community-based organisations, and families.

Service clubs, other interest groups, and associations.
<<<>>> 14 ASSESSMENT OF MONITORING ENVIRONMENT In assessing the monitoring environment the standards adapted below provide a useful yardstick, comparable to standards adopted by other Country Reports on the Millennium Development Goals prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Country Team:- III Data gathering capacity rated as "strong" if there is capacity for periodic, regular and endog- enous collection of nationally representative data with respect to a particular MDG.
III Statistical analysis capacity rated as "strong" if there exists a fairly longstanding mechanism, al- ready implemented in at least two episodes, to analyse information and to engage in a multivariable analysis in a sustained manner.

III Quality of recent survey information rated as "strong" if the most recent data set is evaluated to be valid, reliable, replicable and consonant with other recent allied data sets and trends.

Educated public judgment forms the primary basis of such an evaluation.
There is no requirement here for the capacity to be endogenous.

III Statistical tracking capacity rated as "strong" if there exists a fairly longstanding mechanism, al- ready implemented in at least two episodes, to collect relevant information and to process it in a preliminary and descriptive manner.
III Capacity to incorporate statistical analysis into policy planning and resource allocation mechanism rated as "strong" if new information and analysis is systematically fed into policy making, planning and resource allocation.

Clearly, this capacity will be weak to the extent that the preceding capacities remain relatively undeveloped.

On the other hand, this capacity can be weak even if the preceding capacities are relatively strong.
III Monitoring and evaluation mechanism rated to be "strong" if a tradition of systematic, information-based review and re-planning is a constituent component within a program.

To a considerable extent, this mechanism is contingent on the strength of the preceding capacities.

~ Adapted from the Millennium Development Goals Report – UN Guidance Note An overall assessment of the monitoring environment is hereby presented based on the above standards.
<<<>>> 15 MDGs Status at a Glance 1990-2007: Assessment of Monitoring Environment EXISTING CAPACITY FOR GOALS/TARGETS Data Gathering Quality of (Survey) Information Statistical Tracking Statistical Analysis Strong Strong Fair Fair Fair Weak, but Improving Weak, but Improving Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Statistics into Policy, Planning, & Resource Allocation Weak, but Improving Weak, but Improving Fair Weak, but Improving Strong Monitoring and Evaluation OVERALL ASSESSMENT Weak, but Improving Weak, but Improving Fair Weak, but Improving Strong Strong Strong Strong Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Fair Strong Fair Strong Strong Strong Strong Strong Fair Fair Strong Fair Strong Strong Fair Fair Strong Fair Strong Strong Strong Strong POVERTY HUNGER UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION GENDER EQUITY CHILD MORTALITY MATERNAL HEALTH HIV and AIDS MALARIA AND OTHER MAJOR DISEASES ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES SAFE DRINKING WATER Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Strong Strong Fair OTHER COUNTRY SPECIFIC AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEBT REDUCTION CRIME REDUCTION Strong Fair Strong OVERALL ASSESSMENT Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Strong Strong Strong Weak, but Improving Strong Fair Fair Fair Fair Strong Fair Strong Strong Fair Strong Fair FAIR 16 MDGs Status at a Glance 1990-2007: Reaching the Goals and Targets GOALS/TARGETS EXTREME POVERTY Halve the proportion of people living below the national poverty line by 2015 HUNGER Halve the proportion of people who suffer from hunger between 1990 and 2015 UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION Ensure that by 2015 children everywhere will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling GENDER EQUITY Achieve equal access for boys and girls to primary & secondary schooling by 2005 Increase women in Parliament to 30% of all members CHILD MORTALITY Reduce under-five mortality rate by two-thirds by 2015 MATERNAL HEALTH Reduce maternal mortality ratio by three-quarters by 2015 HIV and AIDS Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS by 2015 MALARIA AND OTHER MAJOR DISEASES Halt and reverse the incidence of Malaria and other diseases by 2015 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES Reverse loss of environmental resources ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER Halve the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water by 2015 OTHER COUNTRY SPECIFIC GOALS/TARGETS ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING Significant improvement in housing accommodation DEBT REDUCTION Reduce the debt burden CRIME REDUCTION Reduce the incidence of criminal offences WILL THE GOAL OR TARGET BE REACHED?
NATIONAL SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak Likely Potentially Unlikely Strong Fair Weak OVERALL STATUS POTENTIALLY STRONG 17 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION The United Nations Global Conference agreed, in 1990, to a set of eight key development goals to address and monitor the critical elements of human development.
the Millennium Declaration was adopted.

this connection, In The 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are as follows:‐ 1.

Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger 2.

Achieve Universal Primary Education 3.

Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women 4.

Reduce Child Mortality 5.

6.

Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases 7.

Ensure Environmental Sustainability 8.
Promote a Global Partnership for Development Improve Maternal Health In 2002, a review coordinated by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recommended the inclusion of the following additional goals for the OECS Member States and Barbados: ‐ To take concerted action against international terrorism and to accede as soon as possible to all relevant conventions; and To intensify efforts to fight trans‐national crime in all its dimensions, including trafficking in and smuggling of human beings and money laundering.
18 Approximately 18 targets and over 40 indicators have been set for the MDGs and these are to be realized over the twenty‐five year period: 1990‐2015.

MDG monitoring and assessment are expected to be conducted at the national, regional and global levels.

This initiative will require a commitment, and involving ownership, national partnership among all stakeholders – the public and private sectors, community‐based and non‐governmental organizations and the wider civil society.
response In this regard, each country is expected to prepare status reports from time to time.

Work is also in progress at the regional level to make the related Indicators more Caribbean‐specific.

This will be addressed in subsequent reports.

This Review outlines the status of the MDGs programme in Antigua and Barbuda and its level of achievement.

The indicators have been analysed from 1990‐2007.


Section 2 introduces the National Development Context; Section 3 describes the MDGs Local Programme; An Assessment of the Goals is provided in Section 4, followed by a Conclusion, and Appendices.
SECTION 2 THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT The national development agenda has been designed on a platform of Sustainable Development, upon which the following thematic areas are pillars securing the foundation of “Sound Policies Sure Success”: towards the respective targets, but not without its share of developmental challenges such as global demands, climate change, and other external shocks.
Fiscal Stabilization; Economic Growth; Services; Social Development; Physical & Human Resource Development; Information Communication Technology; and Public Sector Transformation.

Recognizing that these issues are cross‐cutting and inter‐sectoral, the integrated development process (IDP) guides the overall national vision … A sustainable services economy that improves quality of life, ensures social stability, and balances environmental integrity.
The goals for national development are closely associated with on‐the ground‐policies, programmes and projects that concentrate on alleviating poverty, reforming health, providing quality education, generating employment, protecting the environment, and preventing crime.
Achieving success within each thematic area will automatically result in the attainment of the MDGs or at least position Antigua and Barbuda on track Manifestation of this success is critically dependent on Goal 8 – a global partnership for development – as a result, fiscal stabilisation, market access, and debt management are high on the development agenda, in order to attract more Foreign Direct Investment and international aid.
Stakeholder engagement is considered important in “providing feedback and achieving public acceptance”.

Government ministries, agencies and departments; community based and non‐governmental organisations; and private sector enterprises are afforded the opportunity to participate in shaping strategies for national development through a highly involved consultative process.
Feedback has shown that, not only are the MDGs viewed as an ‘end’ since they are time‐bound, but they are also evidence‐based and process‐driven in that they encourage a level of sustainability after attainment.
It is for this reason that the review has been set within the overall context of... Our Goals, Our Development, Our Country Antigua and Barbuda 19 SECTION 3 THE MDGs LOCAL PROGRAMME In October 2005, under the coordination of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through the Ministry of Finance, officially launched the national MDGs programme and established a MDGs National Task Force to spearhead this initiative.
Members were drawn from various ministries, civil society, and the private sector to ensure a coordinated approach and to encourage ownership of this programme by a wide cross section of stakeholders.

The members are listed at Appendix A.


At the first meeting of the Task Force, it was agreed to establish a Working Group to review the MDGs, Targets and Indicators, examine the required Data Sets with respect to relevance, quality and timeliness and work in a coordinated manner to ensure collaboration and cooperation within and between the agencies responsible for the data sources.

This Working Group assisted in the drafting process leading up to production of the report.
In an effort to sensitise the public about the MDGs, the role of the Media was considered critical to the process and in this connection a Public Awareness Committee was also appointed and a public relations programme was prepared aimed at full‐scale national ‘buy‐in’ to this process.

To solicit support for this programme, in February of 2006, a meeting was organized with representatives from all the media houses, which was followed by a series of media presentations (Appendix B).
A set of public service announcements was later designed and aired on radio and television on a regular basis.

Samples of these are presented in Section 4, at the beginning of each goal assessment.

Consultations were also held with several stakeholders including technicians of the Ministries of Education and Health, and senior public servants from other ministries, representatives of non‐governmental organizations and the wider civil society (Appendix C).
From these consultations, it was clear that local chapters of certain international agencies such as the Girl Guides Association and the Anglican Mothers’ Union have already organized programmes geared towards achievement of the MDGs.

In addition many other organizations, albeit without a stated MDGs focus, have been working towards the achievement of the goals.

These include church groups, the Scout Association, Big Brother/Big Sister, and several Government departments.
With respect to the methodology, data was collected from census and survey reports in addition to administrative records.

The quantitative data was supplemented with qualitative information, and the review of each goal was submitted to key stakeholders for feedback.
There are still data gaps in some critical areas and these have affected the statistical tracking capabilities for any significant trend analysis, but with the strong supportive stakeholder environment this is expected to improve with the assistance of the OECS Localisation programme.
Acknowledgements and sincere appreciation are accorded to the many local agencies, Government departments, and individuals directly involved in the preparation of this report, or through the sharing of comments, or general information.

(Appendix D).

Within the Ministry of Finance the National Statistics Division is the focal point to the MDGs initiative while the Economic Policy and Planning Unit (EPPU) serves as the Secretariat to the Task Force.
The members of the Secretariat can be read at Appendix E. 20 SECTION 4 AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MDGs This is detailed in the Main Report 21 SECTION 5 CONCLUSION The interdependence and interrelatedness of the Millennium Development Goals, Targets, Indicators, and required Data Sets have enforced the critical need for closer communication, collaboration, and data-sharing among stakeholders within and between sectors.
The national statistical system continues to be institutionally strengthened to manage the data gathering and tracking processes, thereby enabling a more effective monitoring system to facilitate policy decisions.

From this Assessment there is potential for the attainment of the Goals and respective Targets.

This is possible given the strong national supportive environment that exists in Antigua and Barbuda.
Despite the challenges identified an integrated and concerted effort towards improving the existing capacity to achieve the Millennium Development Goals will continue.

Our Goals, Our Development, Our Country Antigua and Barbuda <<<>>> 22 Appendix A Millennium Development Goals Members of National Task Force: Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas No.

Name 1 Ms. J. Yolanda Goodwin 2 Mr. Hesketh H.A.
Williams 3 Ms. Janet Weston 4 5 Mr. Lincoln Burton 6 Mr. Colin James 7 Ms. Brenda Lee-Browne 8 Ms. Jacintha Pringle 9 Mr. Franck Jacobs 10 Mr. Ato Lewis 11 Ms. Almira Henry 12 Mr. Lionel Michael 13 Ms. Roberta Williams 14 Ms. Sheila Roseau 15 Mr. Charlesworth Davis 16 Mr. Lyndon Francis 17 Dr. Ermina Osoba Agency/Department Economic Policy & Planning Unit Ministry of Labour National AIDS Secretariat, Ministry of Health Ministry of Health Barbuda Council Antigua and Barbuda Media Congress Antigua and Barbuda Media Congress Ministry of Education Statistics Division, Ministry of Finance Designation Director (Coordinator) Labour Commissioner Programme Manager Chief Medical Officer Chairman President Secretary Chief Education Officer Chief Statistician Chief Environment Officer Ag.
Environment Division, Ministry of Tourism Director Ag.
Chief Health Inspector Director Director Director Manager Resident Tutor Social Policy Unit, Ministry of Social Transformation Central Board of Health, Ministry of Health Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Centre Directorate of Gender Affairs Public Works Department Water Division, Antigua Public Utilities Authority UWI School of Continuing Studies 23 Appendix B Millennium Development Goals Schedule of Media Programmes, Meetings, and Consultations: Schedule of Media Programmes: Series of Meetings and Consultations: • ABS TV/Radio – Issues Live • Observer Radio – Without Limits • Grenville Radio (Radio ZDK) – Expressions • Crusader Radio – Moving On • Crusader Radio – Teenage Information Programme • Antigua Sun News • Observer News • Senior Civil Servants • Technicians – Ministry of Health • Technicians – Ministry of Education • Non Governmental and Community-Based Organisations • National Youth Policy • Barbuda Council • Media Station Managers and News Editors • Media Sub-Committee 24 Appendix C Millennium Development Goals: Main Contributors and Secretariat to the National MDGs Task Force: Main Contributors: Secretariat to the National MDGs Task Force: • Government Ministries • Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda • Non-Governmental Organisations • Community-Based Organisations • Faith-Based Organisations • Statutory Bodies • Private Sector Agencies • Private Individuals Economic Policy and Planning Unit Ministry of Finance and the Economy J. Yolanda Goodwin Director Hortensia Brookes Sean Cenac Sharon James Sharon Herbert Charmaine Simon Samantha Cummings Secretary PSIP Coordinator Senior Development Planner Senior Economist Ag.
Sector Planner Sector Planner <<<>>> 25