MAPS
Countries
Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda

In the context of Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to modernise public sector management and maximise the use of limited public resources, the MAPS MAIN assessment provided a comprehensive review of the country’s public procurement system. Conducted as part of a wider Caribbean procurement reform initiative, the assessment identified opportunities to strengthen the legal and institutional framework, improve contract management practices, introduce more strategic approaches such as centralised procurement and e-procurement, develop procurement capacity among public officials and suppliers, enhance market engagement and planning, and reinforce transparency, oversight, and accountability mechanisms.

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Quick facts

Year of assessment	2018-2019
Date of publication	July 2022
Principal organisation	Procurement office / board from each country
Main partners	Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Organization for EconomicCooperation and Development (OECD)

Background

Why was a MAPS assessment initiated?

The assessment was initiated as part of a public procurement reform project supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The goal was to review and improve the legal framework for public procurement in five Eastern Caribbean countries, ensuring it supports effective policymaking, spending, and service delivery.

Who initiated the assessment?

The assessment was initiated as part of a CDB-supported regional public procurement reform project involving five Eastern Caribbean countries.

Brief description of the country procurement system

Public procurement in these five countries has not traditionally been seen as a strategic function. The system appears to be largely unregulated or inconsistently regulated, with varying degrees of reform progress across the islands. However, efforts to modernize procurement laws and regulations are underway, with each country at a different stage of implementation. The system is not explicitly subject to supranational regulations like EU directives but is influenced by regional organizations like CARICOM and OECS.

Anything else about the country that merits mention?

The five countries involved are either sovereign nations (Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis) or British Overseas Territories (Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat). Their legal systems are based on British common law. The procurement reform efforts have raised awareness of the importance of procurement, but progress has been uneven.

Were there any disruptions?

While the text does not specify major disruptions, it does note that the reform process has had uneven success across the islands, suggesting challenges in implementation. External factors such as political differences, administrative capacity, or economic conditions may have contributed to these discrepancies.

Main results and impact

The procurement systems in the five OECS states have strengths and weaknesses in all areas of the public procurement system, evidencing reform progress achieved in recent years. However, substantive challenges remain. Some of the key recommendations of this assessment, valid for all states were the following:

Weak Contract Management Rules

Establish clear rules for contract management, including amendments, payments, and penalties for non-compliance.

Lack of Legal Provisions on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP)

Incorporate sustainable development principles and Anguilla’s international commitments into public procurement regulations.

Lack of Defined Complaint and Appeal Procedures

Grant suppliers the right to lodge complaints and appeal procurement decisions.

Weak Record-Keeping Provisions

Develop guidelines for proper safekeeping and management of procurement records.

Limited Budget Execution Feedback Mechanisms

Refine the feedback mechanism for budget execution to improve visibility on public fund utilization.

Absence of a Centralized Procurement Mechanism

Evaluate the possibility of institutionalizing a centralized purchasing system.

Weak E-Procurement Strategy

Design and adopt a comprehensive e-procurement strategy.

Limited Market Engagement Training for Procurement Officials

Provide training to procurement officials on market engagement and supplier analysis.

Limited Supplier Participation and Dialogue

Promote the use of a free supplier register and actively engage suppliers in discussions with the Procurement Unit.

Lack of Market Research and Planning

Strengthen procurement planning by requiring market analysis before tendering.

Inadequate Monitoring of Procurement Performance

Develop mechanisms for tracking procurement efficiency and effectiveness.

Lack of Public Awareness on Procurement Processes

Raise awareness among citizens on basic procurement processes.

Weak Audit and Oversight Mechanisms

Establish a Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) and enforce the review of audit reports by the Public Accounts Committee.

Ineffective Procurement Appeal Mechanism

Improve the administrative challenge procedure to ensure suppliers have effective remedies.

Insufficient Integrity Training for Public Officials

Develop a code of conduct and implement regular integrity training programs for procurement officials.

During the time that has passed since the assessments, the five states have each begun the work on implementing the recommendations:

In Anguilla a new procurement law and procurement regulations have been prepared and are currently undergoing final review by the legislative chambers.
In Antigua and Barbuda a new procurement law has been passed and transitional regulations have been put in place while new regulations are being finalized.
In the British Virgin Islands both a new procurement law and new regulations have been passed and are in operation, and training of government officials as well as the private sector has been initiated. Standard bidding documents are being drafted, including on the use of framework agreements.
In St. Kitts and Nevis a new procurement law has been drafted and is under government review, with new regulations in preparation as well.
In Montserrat a new procurement law is being drafted, which will be followed by new regulations as well.

Antigua and Barbuda

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Quick facts

Background

Main results and impact

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Antigua and Barbuda

Quick facts

Background

Main results and impact

Legal, Regulatory and Policy Framework

Institutional Framework and Management Capacity

Public Procurement Operations and Market Practices

Accountability, Integrity, and Transparency of the Public Procurement System

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Methodology

Assessments

e-Learning and Certification