The government of Antigua and Barbuda is continuing discussions with developers behind the proposed Cassada Gardens horse racing project, even as Cabinet examines a separate US$100 million proposal from an international consortium to establish a large-scale equine industry on the island.
According to Antigua News Room, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed Thursday that the two proposals are not mutually exclusive, signalling that the Cassada Gardens project has not been sidelined.
"Talks are continuing with the principals affiliated with the Cassada Gardens racetrack," Merchant said during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing. He noted, however, that the local proposal is "small" in comparison to the international investment currently before Cabinet.
Merchant described the overseas investors as experienced operators in the global horse racing industry, with a presence in the United Kingdom, Asia and the Middle East, including Dubai and Qatar. He said the consortium possesses both the technical expertise and the financial capacity to undertake the proposed development, which the government believes could generate significant economic benefits for Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet was informed on Wednesday that the international group is proposing a US$100 million investment to create a comprehensive horse racing and equine industry. The project would include an international-standard racetrack, a thoroughbred breeding centre, an equine veterinary hospital, quarantine and biosecurity facilities, training institutions and tourism-related amenities.
Merchant also disclosed that the proposed site for the international development is in the St. George's area — a separate location from the Cassada Gardens site.
Cabinet has not yet approved the international proposal. Ministers have requested additional presentations from the investors to assess the project's financial, regulatory, environmental and operational details before reaching a final decision.
