Business
376 articles
IMF: Antigua and Barbuda Inflation Drops to 1.4% as Economy Grows
Antigua and Barbuda's inflation fell sharply from over 6 percent in 2024 to just 1.4 percent in 2025, while the economy grew by an estimated 3 percent, according to the IMF's latest assessment. Public debt also declined significantly, though the Fund cautioned that downside risks remain.
LIAT Air Launches Twice-Weekly Direct Service Between Antigua and Guadeloupe
LIAT Air has launched a new twice-weekly direct service between Antigua and Guadeloupe, with the inaugural flight departing Antigua at 8 a.m. on Friday. The airline says the route is designed to boost business travel, tourism, and cultural exchange across the Caribbean.
Dredging Barge Arrives in Antigua to Advance Crabbs Peninsula Energy Project
A dredging barge from Louisiana-based Weeks Marine has arrived in Antigua and Barbuda to support infrastructure works at the Crabbs Peninsula energy project, a joint venture involving U.S.-based Eagle LNG and the Antigua Power Company. The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown welcomed the development as a step forward in advancing shared energy and infrastructure goals between the two countries.
Self-Employed Workers Must Update Social Security Declarations Under New Minimum Wage
The Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board is requiring self-employed persons to update their declared earnings to reflect the new EC$11.50 national minimum wage, effective April 1, 2026. Those declaring monthly earnings below EC$2,000.00 must update their records to remain legally compliant and protect future benefits.
IMF Reports Sharp Inflation Drop and Steady Growth for Antigua and Barbuda
The International Monetary Fund reports that Antigua and Barbuda's inflation fell sharply to 1.4 percent in 2025, down from over 6 percent the previous year, while the economy grew by an estimated 3 percent. The IMF projects continued steady growth but warns that global uncertainty and domestic constraints remain key risks.
IMF Urges Stronger Credit Union Oversight in Antigua and Barbuda
The International Monetary Fund is urging Antigua and Barbuda to adopt stronger, risk-based supervision of credit unions as part of wider financial sector reforms. The call comes as the IMF estimates the country's economy grew by 3 percent in 2025, with inflation cooling to 1.4 percent.
IMF Calls on Antigua and Barbuda to Clear Arrears and Broaden Tax Base
The IMF has urged Antigua and Barbuda to tackle persistent creditor arrears and broaden its tax base, warning that financing risks continue to threaten debt sustainability despite significant fiscal improvements in recent years.
IMF Urges Antigua and Barbuda to Reform Financial Sector, Boost Connectivity
The IMF has called on Antigua and Barbuda to reform its financial sector, improve connectivity and address skills shortages as part of a broader push to strengthen the country's long-term economic resilience. The Fund estimates real GDP growth of 3 percent in 2025, supported primarily by construction activity.
IMF Cites Steady Growth and Declining Debt in Antigua and Barbuda
The International Monetary Fund estimates Antigua and Barbuda's economy grew by 3% in 2025, with public debt falling to 68% of GDP, though the Fund warned that arrears and financing pressures continue to pose challenges.
IMF: Antigua and Barbuda Economy Grows 3% in 2025, But Debt Risks Persist
The International Monetary Fund estimates Antigua and Barbuda's economy grew 3 percent in 2025, supported by construction activity and improved fiscal discipline, though significant debt arrears and financing pressures remain concerns. The findings were published this week in the IMF's latest Article IV consultation, as reported by Antigua.news.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures Fourth Spot Among Caribbean's Strongest Passports for 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has ranked fourth among the Caribbean's most powerful passports for 2026, with holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 154 destinations worldwide. The country trails only Barbados, the Bahamas, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the regional ranking.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport Ranks 22nd Globally in 2026 Henley Index
Antigua and Barbuda's passport has been ranked 22nd in the world in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 destinations globally. The ranking keeps the nation among the top-performing passports in the Caribbean and the OECS.
Antigua and Barbuda Eligible for Up to €80,000 in Caribbean Plastic Waste Grants
Antigua and Barbuda is eligible to apply for between €30,000 and €80,000 through the Sustainable Small Grants Programme, a new Caribbean initiative targeting plastic waste reduction and circular economy development. Registered community groups, CSOs, and MSMEs may submit one application each, with projects required to conclude by August 2027.
St John's Taxi Association Elects New Executive Board for 2026–2028
The St John's Taxi Association has elected Sean Beazer as President along with a full Executive Board at its bi-annual elections held on May 5, 2026. The newly elected board will serve a two-year term through 2028.
IShowSpeed's Antigua Visit Signals a New Era in Destination Marketing
Internet streaming star IShowSpeed's Expedia-partnered visit to Antigua and Barbuda — which included a helicopter flight over Barbuda, a cricket match with West Indies bowler Alzarri Joseph, and a street car meet attended by Prime Minister Gaston Browne — drew millions of live viewers and highlights a powerful new model for destination marketing.
CIBC Caribbean Alerts Customers to Rise in Phishing Scams
CIBC Caribbean is warning customers of an increase in phishing scams conducted via phone, email, and social media, urging the public to safeguard their personal banking information and report any suspicious activity to the bank's Fraud Team.
Dockyard Day 2026 Draws Large Crowds to Nelson's Dockyard National Park
The Antigua and Barbuda National Parks Authority welcomed a large crowd of residents and visitors to Nelson's Dockyard National Park on May 2nd for Dockyard Day 2026, featuring competitions, live entertainment, and a ceremonial Beating of the Retreat by the Royal Police Force. Parks Commissioner Mrs. Ann Marie Martin praised the turnout and promised an even bigger event in 2027.
IShowSpeed's Antigua Visit Draws 2.5 Million Viewers, Spotlighting Island's Culture
International YouTube streaming star IShowSpeed broadcast a full-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda on May 3, drawing over 2.5 million viewers and showcasing the twin-island nation's culture, cuisine, marine environment, and heritage to a global audience.
ABCAS Launches Electric Vehicle Battery Technologies Workshop with Regional Partners
ABCAS has launched a four-day Electric Vehicle Battery Technologies Workshop in partnership with UWI Mona and ABNTA, gathering key national and regional stakeholders for specialised training in electric mobility. The initiative is backed by German federal funding through the International Climate Initiative.
Opinion: China's Caribbean Port Strategy — What Small Island States Stand to Lose
A delegation of Caribbean port managers, led by Antigua and Barbuda's Darwin Telemaque, secured a US$10 million U.S. grant for regional port infrastructure in Washington — prompting a pointed analysis of what Caribbean governments risk trading away by accepting Chinese port financing without rigorous scrutiny of operational, data, and strategic terms.