Business
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Antigua and Barbuda Eyes July Launch for Mobile Number Portability
The Antiguan government is targeting July for the launch of mobile number portability, which will allow customers to switch between Flow, Digicel and APUA Inet while keeping their existing phone numbers. The move, years in the making, is expected to boost consumer choice and intensify competition in the local telecommunications sector.
Women's Labour Force Participation Across CARICOM Ranges from 45% to 71%
New 2025 data shows female labour force participation across CARICOM nations ranges from 44.9% in Suriname to 70.7% in The Bahamas, highlighting stark regional disparities. The Bahamas leads the bloc with both the highest rate of women's participation and one of the smallest gender gaps in the region.
Antigua Targets 200,000 Black Pineapple Plants in Industry Revival Push
The government has unveiled plans to propagate at least 200,000 Antigua Black Pineapple plants at the Cades Bay Agricultural Station, with a fresh shipment of 15,000 tissue-cultured plants expected to arrive within days. The initiative is part of a broader Ministry of Agriculture programme to revive the iconic fruit's production and restore its traditional size and yield.
Sandals Foundation Pumps EC$38,000 Into Antigua Youth Entrepreneurship Programme
The Sandals Foundation has invested EC$38,000 in the Department of Youth Affairs' Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, now in its second year, equipping young Antiguan and Barbudan entrepreneurs with business skills through a six-week curriculum delivered by industry professionals.
Cancer Centre Antigua Nears Completion, Promising World-Class Treatment at Home
The Cancer Centre Antigua is entering its final stages of completion, with advanced radiotherapy equipment already purchased and key clinical staff identified. The facility is expected to begin offering world-class cancer treatment services locally by early Fall.
Gov't to Channel EC$5M from Sandals Tax Settlement into Fort James Renaissance Park
The Antiguan government will direct EC$5 million from a EC$6.5 million tax settlement with Sandals Resorts toward the long-anticipated Renaissance Park development at Fort James. Plans for the site include a marina, amphitheater, boutique hotel, and commercial retail spaces, with preliminary assessments already underway.
Cabinet Eyes Windfall Tax Expansion to Fund Education Push
The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet is exploring an expansion of the country's Windfall Tax to cover all businesses earning annual profits of EC$1 million or more, with revenue earmarked to fund growing investment in tertiary education. The proposal remains under discussion, with legal, economic and social implications still to be assessed.
Govt Settles EC$6.5M Sandals Tax Dispute; EC$5M to Fund Fort James Renaissance Park
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has reached a EC$6.5 million tax settlement with Sandals Resorts International, with EC$5 million designated to kick-start the long-anticipated Renaissance Park development at Fort James.
Antigua and Barbuda Stakeholders Invited to Help Shape CARICOM Quality Policy
The Ministry of Trade and Investment has invited Antiguan and Barbudan stakeholders to participate in consultations on proposed revisions to the CARICOM Regional Quality Policy, with sessions scheduled for June 18 and 19. The exercise is being hosted by CROSQ under a UNIDO ACP project.
US Average Gas Price Dips Below $4 for First Time Since March
The US national average gas price has fallen to $3.999 per gallon, dipping below $4 for the first time since March 30, as reported by Antigua News Room. However, experts warn that a return to pre-war prices of $3 per gallon remains unlikely anytime soon.
Opinion: Antigua and Barbuda Charts Course Toward Economic Diversification
Antigua and Barbuda is actively pursuing economic diversification across multiple sectors — including sports tourism, agriculture, digital technology, and renewable energy — to reduce the nation's historic dependence on tourism. The strategy aims to build a more resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks.
ABIA Warns Public About Investment Scam Using Authority's Name and Logo
The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority has issued an urgent warning after scammers were found impersonating the agency on Facebook to solicit funds from the public. ABIA has confirmed it does not offer investment opportunities or request payments through any social media platform.
Antiguan Fintech ClicCash Takes Centre Stage at London Tech Week 2026
Antiguan fintech company ClicCash represented Antigua and Barbuda at London Tech Week 2026, with founder Brandon Derrick presenting to officials at the Government of Québec's UK delegation, joining a roundtable at the Canadian High Commission, and meeting the Governor-General at a Commonwealth charity gala.
SLBMC Awards Scholarships to Five Staff Members for Professional Development
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has awarded short-course scholarships to five employees across nursing, finance, and human resources disciplines as part of its 2026 Summer staff development programme. The initiative, administered through the hospital's Learning and Development Unit, aims to advance professional growth and service excellence.
Port Authority Sets Record as Five Cargo Ships Discharge Simultaneously at St. John's
The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority set a new record on June 1 when five cargo vessels discharged simultaneously at the Port of St. John's. Officials say the milestone reflects improved infrastructure utilization and positions the country as a growing force in Caribbean maritime trade.
IICA Seminar Charts Path for Agricultural Growth and Food Security in Antigua and Barbuda
IICA Antigua and Barbuda held its 2025 Accountability Seminar on Tuesday, reviewing the organisation's achievements and outlining agricultural priorities for 2026, with a focus on food security, climate resilience and youth engagement. Government officials, farmers and development partners gathered to recommit to strengthening local food production and sustainability.
From Plans to Action: Why Strategy Fails at the Implementation Stage
Strategic planning expert Garfield Joseph argues that while setting goals and objectives is straightforward, the true measure of any organisation lies in its ability to execute — a challenge that causes up to 90% of strategies to fail. Writing in a commentary published by Antigua News Room, Joseph offers practical guidance for businesses, non-profits, churches, and community groups across Antigua and Barbuda.
ABYBT Graduates First Entrepreneurship Cohort at Caribbean Youth Summit
The Antigua and Barbuda Youth Business Trust graduated 14 participants from its inaugural EmpowerED entrepreneurship programme Tuesday at the opening of the Caribbean Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2026. The ceremony, held at the Royalton Resort and Spa, brought together regional leaders and development bank officials to highlight the need for stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda Inflation Climbs to 4.1% in May, Fuelled by Soaring Electricity Costs
Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda accelerated to 4.1 percent in May 2026, with electricity prices surging 25 percent year-on-year and housing-related costs accounting for nearly half of the overall increase, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data.
IICA Antigua Hosts 2025 Accountability Seminar Under Food Sustainability Theme
The IICA Delegation in Antigua and Barbuda convened its 2025 Accountability Seminar on June 16, 2026, bringing together government officials, farmers, youth representatives, and regional partners to review the institute's agricultural cooperation achievements and outline plans for the year ahead.