The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has fully repaid the US$20 million loan used to finance the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with the final payment completed within the past six months, according to Antigua News Room.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant disclosed the repayment during the question-and-answer segment of the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday. The announcement followed Cabinet's confirmation that the country had significantly reduced its overall debt obligations to the People's Republic of China.
Responding to questions from journalists, Merchant confirmed that the loan tied to the country's principal public hospital had been completely liquidated.
"The loan associated with the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has been fully liquidated," Merchant said, describing the repayment as a milestone in the government's broader debt reduction programme.
When pressed for specifics, Merchant confirmed the original loan amount and the timeline of repayment. "US$20 million for the Mount St. John Medical Centre," he said. Asked when the final payment was made, he told reporters: "Most recent, within the past six months."
As reported by Antigua News Room, the hospital loan repayment forms part of a wider reduction in Antigua and Barbuda's Chinese-funded debt obligations. Merchant said Cabinet was advised that the government has reduced its total outstanding Chinese loan portfolio from more than US$300 million to approximately US$120 million, achieved through what officials described as prudent fiscal management, sustained economic growth, improved revenue performance and a disciplined approach to meeting financial obligations.
The original Chinese loan portfolio financed several major infrastructure projects across the country, including the redevelopment of VC Bird International Airport, the fifth berth and port redevelopment project, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and the Wadadli Power Plant.
Merchant said Cabinet viewed the full repayment of the hospital loan as a significant achievement within the government's debt management strategy. Ministers were also advised that the reduction in external debt has strengthened the country's fiscal resilience, created greater room for investment in national development priorities and improved Antigua and Barbuda's overall macroeconomic position.
