Toni Halliday and Alan Moulder are among the newest citizens of Antigua & Barbuda. Toni is best known as the singer and songwriter of Curve, a pioneering ‘90s alternative band, while Alan is a Grammy-award-winning mixer and producer whose work has shaped the sound of some of the world’s most influential artists. Having found themselves captivated by Antigua’s warmth, beauty, and easy pace of life, they have decided to put down roots and become citizens of the twin-island nation.
What first brought you to Antigua, and what were your first impressions of the island?
(Alan) We had been living in London for 40 years and felt it was time for a change. I had been working in darkened rooms for years and we both quite fancied a bit of sun! We had travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean islands, but when we visited Antigua on holiday in 2022 we fell in love with the place. We love how green the island is and how friendly the people are.
(Toni) There were a few elements that came together at the same time. Firstly, our beloved whippet died, and we were devastated. I had decided to retire as well and wanted something to do. We have a lot of friends who like being on boats and we have been on many sailing holidays where our friends would skipper. I was brought up in the Mediterranean on a boat as a child, and I was keen to gain some proper sailing skills, so this beautiful island we had visited two years earlier suddenly became a very interesting prospect to us.
“We had travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean islands, but when we visited Antigua on holiday in 2022 we fell in love with the place. We love how green the island is and how friendly the people are.”
What inspired you to pursue Antigua & Barbuda citizenship?
(Alan) Because we wanted to lay some roots here, it made sense to go for citizenship. We intend to live here rather than just come on holiday, so having to renew a visa every three months would not be very practical.
(Toni) In hindsight, I think we wanted a real change of pace, so anywhere we went we would have wanted to live rather than just visit.
Why did you choose the real estate route as the path to citizenship?
(Alan) We wanted to make a meaningful contribution to the country, and building a nice home seemed a very good way.
(Toni) After my music career I went into property development and absolutely loved it. It was a no-brainer for me that we would take the real estate option. We get to invest in this country with something solid, a tangible asset.
How would you describe the process of applying for citizenship?
(Alan) It’s not easy! We can certainly reassure people that thorough due diligence is conducted. I’ve heard people imply that passports are freely given away. Believe me, that was not our experience.
(Toni) The process was thorough, but we felt that the application process was completely correct. All due diligence is outsourced, and no stone was left unturned with our application. To be honest, I have no idea what more the CIP programme could do. Every country in the world has very similar programmes to encourage growth and to attract a diverse cross-section of people to invest in their countries. We were so happy when we got approved.
“We can certainly reassure people that thorough due diligence is conducted. I’ve heard people imply that passports are freely given away. Believe me, that was not our experience.”
After so many years in the high-energy environment of the music industry, how have you found the shift to Antigua’s gentler pace?
(Alan) It’s wonderful! We both feel a lot more relaxed and happier. Just driving around the island puts a smile on our face, especially if that drive is heading for the beach.
(Toni) I can only back up what Alan has said. This pace of life suits us, and the temperature suits our bones too!
Has the atmosphere of Antigua sparked any new ideas or creative directions for you, and are you involved in anything musically while you’re here?
(Alan) I’m still working from here. I’m only mixing records now and have had a good 18 months of work here. Has being here affected the way I mix? I’m not really sure, but my mixes seem to have plenty of bass in them these days.
(Toni) I’m gently easing my way into life here, making a lot of beautiful new friends and eating out a lot. Alan recently mixed Wet Leg’s new album, and they have received three Grammy nominations this year for an album mixed entirely in Antigua. I’m so proud of Alan and the band, who are awesome.
What is your favourite spot on the island so far?
(Alan) There are quite a few, but we love Half Moon Bay. The view as you drive down is stunning.
(Toni) I love Runaway Beach by Casa Roots as well as Half Moon Bay, Green Island, Rendezvous Bay, Darkwood, the list goes on and on.
What would you say to others considering Antigua & Barbuda citizenship?
(Alan) We have already convinced some friends to come and join us. We absolutely love it here, and it’s great to live in a country with an optimistic outlook and an upward trajectory. We couldn’t recommend it more.
(Toni) Don’t even question it. Kick off your shoes and take a leap of faith and start living life island style, it’s beautiful.