Constitutional safeguards include freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the eastern Caribbean court system. Jurisprudence is based on English common law. The economy has recovered from the aftermath of storm damage received during the hurricane season of 1995. Although not operating to its full potential, the tourism sector is gaining momentum.
Agriculture continues to decline in economic importance.
Fruit and vegetable production predominate, but the government has encouraged investment in livestock, cotton, and export-oriented food crops. The construction sector continues to grow. Antigua and Barbuda is a beneficiary of the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative. The country agreed to contribute personnel to the multinational force, which restored the democratically elected government of Haiti in October 1994. The summit strengthened the basis for regional cooperation on justice and counternarcotics issues, finance and development, and trade.