Business
763 articles
Agricultural Specialist Urges Banks to Finance Farmers Directly
Agricultural specialist Owolabi Elabanjo is urging local banks to offer low-interest loans to farmers, warning that growers currently fund months of production costs out of pocket before seeing any return. Speaking at a workshop at the American University of Antigua, he also highlighted gaps in seed selection as a key barrier to consistent local food production.
OECS Extends Blue Economy Grant Deadline to July 24 for MSMEs in Three Countries
The OECS Commission has extended the Window 2 application deadline for the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme to July 24, 2026, giving Blue Economy value chain groups in Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines more time to access grant funding. Women-led enterprises are especially encouraged to apply.
Antigua Opens First Tissue Culture Lab, Boosting Food Security and Local Agriculture
Antigua and Barbuda has inaugurated its first tissue culture laboratory, a milestone investment that will allow the country to produce disease-free planting material locally and reduce reliance on overseas facilities. The Ministry of Agriculture says the facility is a cornerstone of the nation's food security strategy.
Ministry Opens Registration for 2026 Agricultural Water and Irrigation Training
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has opened registration for a month-long training course on agricultural water and irrigation technologies, set to take place in St. John's from November 19 to December 16, 2026.
UWI and Caribbean Telecommunications Union Sign MoU to Drive Regional Digital Growth
The University of the West Indies and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise strategic cooperation on digital policy, capacity development, and regional digital transformation. The partnership moves the two institutions from informal collaboration to a structured framework, with joint initiatives already scheduled for mid-2026.
PM Browne Meets Romanian Ambassador to Explore Trade, Education and Investment Ties
Prime Minister Gaston Browne met with Romanian Ambassador Theodora Magdalena Mircea on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in St. Lucia to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, education and investment. Among the proposals was a Romanian business mission to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as academic and professional training opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans in Romania.
PiAngo Fest Cancelled for 2026 as Ministry Cites Resource Constraints and Mango Crop Uncertainty
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has announced that PiAngo Fest will not be held in 2026, citing resource constraints and uncertainty surrounding this year's national mango harvest. Officials say the decision, though difficult, is aimed at safeguarding the long-term future of one of Antigua and Barbuda's most popular agricultural celebrations.
APUA Adjusts Hours and Access During Operation Stronghold Security Exercise
APUA has announced temporary service changes and adjusted operating hours this week as the national Operation Stronghold security exercise limits access to parts of St John's ahead of CHOGM. Customers are encouraged to use online payment options and alternative service locations during the disruptions.
APUA Adjusts Business Centre Hours During Operation Stronghold Security Exercise
APUA has announced temporary changes to service hours and access at its Independence Avenue Business Centre this week as Operation Stronghold, a multi-agency security exercise tied to Antigua and Barbuda's CHOGM preparations, restricts movement in parts of St. John's. Customers are encouraged to use digital payment platforms or visit the APUA Mobile Bus at Cassada Gardens during the period.
UWI to Host Inaugural International Undergraduate Leadership Conference in 2026
The University of the West Indies will host its first-ever International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Exhibition in Jamaica in September 2026, welcoming participants from across the Caribbean and beyond. Registration and submission calls are now open, with a deadline of September 3, 2026.
Freeland Represents Antigua and Barbuda at WIPO Global Assembly in Geneva
Minister of State Michael Freeland represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 68th WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, highlighting the country's intellectual property milestones, including its first three collective trademarks and a mentorship programme for women entrepreneurs. Freeland also announced plans for a Cricket West Indies campus and reaffirmed the government's commitment to innovation-led development.
ABYETS Tradeshow Puts Barbuda's Young Entrepreneurs in the Spotlight
More than 30 young entrepreneurs aged five to 18 showcased a wide range of trades and talents at the annual ABYETS tradeshow held at Holy Trinity School in Codrington, Barbuda, on July 4th, 2026. The event, reported by Antigua Observer, highlighted the Community Charitable Ministry's mission of fostering professional skills in the next generation.
Antigua and Barbuda Transfers ECCB Monetary Council Chair to Dominica
Antigua and Barbuda will formally transfer the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship to Dominica on 9 July 2026, with the ceremony also set to feature the unveiling of redesigned EC banknotes and coins marking the currency's 50th anniversary.
PiAngo Fest Cancelled for 2026 as Ministry Cites Crop Uncertainty
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has cancelled PiAngo Fest for 2026, citing weather-related uncertainty surrounding the mango crop and a need to reassess the festival's long-term framework.
PM Browne: Gov't Backed Cassada Gardens Redevelopment but Drew Line at Gaming Tax Waiver
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his Government supported the EC$30 million Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment but refused to waive the mandatory eight percent gaming fee for a foreign investor, citing concerns over fairness to existing operators. Browne suggested the concession could instead be offered to a local investor, including the Antigua Turf Club itself.
Antigua and Barbuda Opens Plant Tissue Culture Lab to Bolster Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a state-of-the-art Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, established in partnership with China, to advance agricultural research and strengthen national food security. The facility will support disease-free crop propagation, scientific research, and the training of agricultural personnel.
Antigua Opens Chinese-Backed Plant Tissue Culture Lab to Strengthen Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a Chinese-backed plant tissue culture laboratory aimed at advancing agricultural research and food security. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. called the facility a major milestone established under the Phase II Agricultural Technical Assistance Project.
Agriculture Interns Discover Freshwater Aquaculture Potential at SeaSprings Aqua Farm
Interns in Antigua and Barbuda's Agriculture Summer Internship Programme visited SeaSprings Aqua Farm, where aquaculture farmer Kevin Alexander demonstrated sustainable freshwater prawn and fish farming techniques. The visit highlighted aquaculture's potential to bolster the nation's agricultural sector.
Freeland Champions Antigua and Barbuda's Innovation Drive at Global WIPO Assembly
Minister of State Michael Freeland represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 68th WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva, showcasing the country's intellectual property milestones, digital modernisation efforts and entrepreneurship programmes. His address highlighted achievements including the registration of the nation's first three collective trademarks and IP training for women entrepreneurs.
Antigua Turf Club Defends $30M Cassada Gardens Redevelopment as Industry Game-Changer
The Antigua Turf Club is defending its proposed XCD $30 million redevelopment of Cassada Gardens Racetrack, saying the project — which includes a gaming facility, youth programs, and multi-sport amenities — can transform horse racing into a sustainable, professionally regulated industry. The Club, which reported a stalled concession negotiation with the Government, says an updated proposal will be submitted shortly.