Business
794 articles
YouTube Star Sells Pikachu Pokémon Card at Auction for $16.5 Million
A YouTube personality has auctioned a rare Pikachu Pokémon card for $16.5 million, according to Antigua.news, in what ranks among the most expensive trading card sales ever recorded.
Trade Minister Pushes for Services Sector Inclusion in Revised EU Trade Agreement
Antigua and Barbuda's Trade Minister has called for services trade to be included in a revamped EU trade deal, arguing the sector is critical to the region's economic future. The appeal highlights longstanding concerns that Caribbean nations' services industries have been underrepresented in major trade agreements.
AI Now a Fixture in Calypso and Soca Production, Expert Says
AI strategist Timothy Temal says artificial intelligence is now widely used in Calypso and Soca production, with most of Trinidad's 2027 Carnival releases expected to feature the technology. Temal made the remarks during an interview on Observer AM, as reported by Antigua Observer.
AI Strategist Warns Caribbean Faces Being 'Overwhelmed' Without Urgent Action
AI strategist Timothy Temal has warned that the Caribbean risks being overwhelmed by artificial intelligence if the region does not act urgently to adapt to the rapidly advancing technology. Temal, speaking on Observer AM, cautioned that a narrow window exists for Caribbean nations to engage with AI before it reshapes their economies without local input.
ABTA Opens Call for Artists Ahead of Fourth Annual Antigua & Barbuda Art Week
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has opened its call for artists and creatives to participate in the fourth edition of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, set for November 11–18, 2026. Planning is now officially underway for the destination-wide celebration of visual arts, culture, and creativity.
HR Consultant Urges Workers to Shed Guilt Around Mental Health
HR consultant Hadasha Buckmire is urging Caribbean workers to stop feeling guilty for putting their mental health first, warning that ignoring early warning signs can result in serious burnout.
Govt Considers Removing Rat Island to Boost Port Container Capacity
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that the government is considering cutting down Rat Island to expand container storage capacity at the St. John's port, as Antigua and Barbuda eyes development of a major transshipment hub.
Antigua Eyes Geothermal Power Import from Nevis Via Undersea Cable
Antigua and Barbuda is considering importing geothermal electricity from Nevis via an undersea transmission line, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed. Key details including cost, financing, and a timeline remain unclear, according to Antigua Observer.
SLBMC Launches First Leadership Development Program to Strengthen Healthcare Management
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has launched its first comprehensive Leadership Development Program, a six-month initiative designed to strengthen healthcare leadership across the institution. The program was developed by Lyandra Richards, Head of the Learning & Development Unit within the hospital's Human Resources Department.
ABFC Forms Finance Committee to Tighten Spending Controls Ahead of Carnival 2026
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has appointed a new Finance Committee comprising treasury, finance ministry, and private sector professionals to strengthen spending oversight ahead of Carnival 2026. The move follows the Commission's acknowledgment of past weaknesses in financial control and record-keeping.
Barbuda ABYETS Trade Show to Showcase Young Entrepreneurs on July 4th
The ABYETS Trade Show, set for July 4th at Holy Trinity School in Barbuda, will spotlight the work of young entrepreneurs under the theme "Empowering Future Leaders." The event represents the conclusion of an intensive period of preparation by the nation's emerging youth business community.
Local Beekeeper: Antigua Cannot Meet Raw Honey Demand as Nutrition Month Highlights Benefits
Antiguan beekeeper Jamal Philip of Beecanic Enterprises is calling on residents to choose raw honey over refined sugar during Nutrition Month, while warning that local production falls far short of meeting demand.
Union Warns Fintech's Regulatory Gaps Threaten Caribbean Banking Workers
UNI Global Union has raised concerns that fintech companies operating in the Caribbean face fewer regulatory and tax obligations than traditional banks, warning that workers in the financial sector are paying the price. The union made its call for action during a regional visit that concluded in Antigua and Barbuda.
Regional Leaders Push Back as EU Maintains Concerns Over Citizenship by Investment
Caribbean governments are intensifying diplomatic talks with European officials over Citizenship by Investment Programmes, even as regional leaders say they have already enacted legislative changes to meet EU objections. According to Antigua Observer, the EU's concerns persist despite those reforms.
ACB Caribbean and Digicel Back 2026 New Gen Innovators Workshop in Barbuda
ACB Caribbean and Digicel have joined as part-sponsors of the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop in Barbuda, backing a youth enterprise initiative led by BarbudanGO in partnership with the Barbuda Council and the Ministry of Education.
Antigua and Barbuda Earns Second Consecutive World Culinary Awards Nomination
Antigua and Barbuda has been nominated for 'Caribbean's Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2026' at the World Culinary Awards, following the nation's win in the same category in 2025.
One Month to Go: Antigua Carnival 2026 Set to Ignite the Nation
Antigua and Barbuda is one month away from hosting Antigua Carnival 2026, scheduled from July 25 to August 4 under the theme 'Feel the Rhythm.' The 11-day festival is expected to welcome visitors and returning nationals for culture, music, mas' and revelry.
Cabinet Greenlights Public-Private Hotel Deal at Yepton's Beachfront
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a public-private partnership to build a new hotel on 15 acres of beachfront land at Yepton's, aiming to expand local ownership in the tourism sector. The deal involves the Government alongside state-owned enterprises and statutory corporations.
ABCAS Hosts Pathways Summit to Prepare Graduands for Careers
ABCAS held its Graduate Seminar and Pathways Summit 2026 on June 23 at People's Place, offering graduands networking and career opportunities ahead of the institution's inaugural graduation ceremony on July 2.
Local Beekeeper Warns Antigua's Food Chain at Risk as Bee Population Declines
Local apiculturist Jamaul Philip of Beechanic Enterprises is warning that land clearing, pesticide misuse, and poor hive management are threatening Antigua's bee population — and, by extension, the island's food supply. According to Antigua Observer, Philip says urgent action is needed to prevent lasting damage to the local apicultural sector.