Business
763 articles
Antiguan Chef Maurine Bowers Achieves Dual Culinary Certifications from American Culinary Federation
Chef Maurine Bowers, Executive Chef at Moon Gate Antigua, has earned the Certified Executive Chef designation from the American Culinary Federation, adding to her existing Certified Executive Pastry Chef credential. The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association has celebrated the achievement as a landmark moment for the nation's culinary community.
EAG Names Monifa Thomas Executive Director, Joshel Wilson Marine Conservation Coordinator
The Environmental Awareness Group has appointed Monifa Thomas as Executive Director and Joshel Wilson as Antigua Marine Conservation Programme Coordinator, as the organisation reinforces its conservation leadership. Both appointees are internal promotions, with Thomas transitioning from Accountant and Wilson from Wildlife Officer.
Antigua and China Eye Deeper Tourism and Cultural Ties After Diplomatic Meeting
Minister of State for Tourism Hon. Michael Freeland met with newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Jiang Wei to discuss expanding tourism, cultural cooperation, and travel connectivity between Antigua and Barbuda and China. Key topics included boosting Antigua and Barbuda's visibility in the Chinese market and leveraging an upcoming UAE direct air route as a gateway for Asian travelers.
Antigua and Barbuda to Host Two West Indies-Sri Lanka Test Matches in 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to host two West Indies-Sri Lanka Test matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in June and July 2026. The series is expected to boost tourism and generate economic opportunities for local businesses.
SLBMC Secures £25,000 Grant from UK Foundation for Portable Ultrasound Equipment
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has received a £25,000 grant from UK-based Linbury Trust to fund a portable ultrasound machine and other critical medical equipment. The investment is expected to significantly improve bedside diagnostic capabilities and patient outcomes at the hospital.
APUA Resumes Disconnections for Accounts 30+ Days Overdue
APUA has resumed its disconnection cycle, with accounts unpaid 30 or more days past their due date now subject to disconnection. Customers facing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the Credit Control Department at 480-7002 to arrange a payment plan.
CARICOM Opens Nominations for 2026 Farmer and Young Farmer of the Year Awards
CARICOM has opened nominations for its 2026 Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year Awards, with submissions required to national Ministries of Agriculture by end of June. The awards will be presented at the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica on 27 September.
Skerrit Deflects Questions on Nassief U.S. Visa Denial, Cites Consular Authority
Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has declined to comment on the reported denial of U.S. visa renewals to prominent businessman and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association President Gregoire Nassief and his wife, saying such decisions are the sole purview of American consular authorities. Skerrit also revealed that ongoing U.S.-Dominica discussions over Dominica's travel-scrutiny status are expected to produce a review this month.
ABFC Wraps Four-Day Music Masterclass Aimed at Building Local Creative Industry
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has concluded a four-day Music Development Masterclass that brought together local creatives for hands-on training and mentorship from leading Caribbean music industry professionals. The initiative forms part of the ABFC's broader effort to build a sustainable creative economy in Antigua and Barbuda.
Carnival City's New Eastern Caribbean-Largest Stage Completed Ahead of Schedule
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has completed installation of a new stage and roof system at Carnival City, described as the largest and most modern of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean, with preparations for Antigua Carnival 2026 running well ahead of schedule.
Automotive Arts Donates Over EC$10,000 to Rotary Club's Colours 2026 Fundraiser
Automotive Arts and Outdoor World Antigua has donated more than EC$10,000 to the Rotary Club of Antigua in support of Colours 2026, the organisation's flagship fundraising fete, scheduled for July 4 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. The event, themed "Welcome to Smurf Village," will raise funds for community projects across Antigua and Barbuda.
U.S. and Iran Reach Peace Deal to End Four-Month War
The United States and Iran have agreed to end their nearly four-month war, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the breakthrough on Sunday. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 19 June in Switzerland, with the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen the same day.
PM Browne Defends Sandals Overwater Bungalows, Calls for Expanded Luxury Tourism
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended plans for overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande Antigua, saying the US$100 million expansion is essential to keeping Antigua competitive in the global luxury tourism market. Browne confirmed the structures will be positioned away from the main beach area to preserve public access to Dickenson Bay.
PM Browne Confirms Construction Underway on Willoughby Bay Residential Development
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that construction is underway at Willoughby Bay, where a Citizenship by Investment Programme investor is developing a high-end residential tourism project on Antigua's southeast coast. Browne provided the update during his weekly radio programme, highlighting the development as part of a broader push to attract foreign investment and expand the country's tourism offerings.
Sandals to Pay $6.5M Tax Settlement, Plans $100M Antigua Expansion
Sandals Resorts International has agreed to pay the Antigua and Barbuda government $6.5 million to resolve outstanding tax issues, while also advancing a US$100 million expansion of its Grande Antigua property that will include over 100 new rooms and approximately 16 overwater bungalows. Prime Minister Gaston Browne disclosed the developments during his weekly radio programme on Saturday.
Club Med, TUI Eye Jolly Beach Resort as PM Vows to Protect Room Stock
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Club Med and TUI are among entities interested in acquiring Jolly Beach Resort, while stressing that the government will not accept any deal that significantly reduces the property's room inventory. The resort currently generates approximately US$4 million in annual profits and welcomes around 75,000 visitors each year.
Jolly Beach Resort Set for $13.5M Upgrade, Including 500-Seat Conference Centre
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a $13.5 million investment in upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort, including new air-conditioning, improved internet connectivity, and a 500-seat conference facility expected to be completed within months. The government-owned resort, managed by Elite Island Resorts, currently generates around $4 million in annual profit and draws approximately 75,000 visitors per year.
Government Plans Concrete Pier Rebuild at Keeling Point Fisheries Site
The government has announced plans to replace the aging pier at Keeling Point with a new reinforced concrete structure, as part of broader efforts to upgrade fisheries infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda. The visit also addressed safety concerns following a recent shark attack involving a local fisherman.
Caribbean Banking Access Under Threat as Stablecoins and De-Risking Reshape the Financial Landscape
A new commentary in the Caribbean Banking Series warns that correspondent banking access across the Caribbean is thinning under the weight of compliance costs and de-risking, even as new U.S. stablecoin regulations and a US$3 trillion projected stablecoin market by 2030 reshape the global financial landscape. The analysis argues that securing reliable banking access is now an enabling condition of the region's most ambitious growth strategies.
Government Plans Housing and Marina Development at Perry Bay
The Antiguan government has announced plans to survey 13 acres at Perry Bay for a mixed-use development featuring condominium housing, a marina, and other amenities. The project is expected to form the next major phase of the government's broader national housing programme.