Business
448 articles
LIAT Air in Talks with Ferry Operator L'Express Des Iles to Boost Caribbean Connectivity
LIAT Air CEO Hafsah Abdulsalam has confirmed that the airline is in discussions with regional ferry operator L'Express Des Iles to create integrated air and sea travel options across the Caribbean. The announcement came during the launch of LIAT Air's new twice-weekly Antigua-to-Guadeloupe service.
New LIAT Air Guadeloupe Route Expected to Drive Visitor Arrivals, Tourism CEO Says
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin James says historical travel data supports expectations that the restored LIAT Air route between Antigua and Guadeloupe will increase visitor arrivals. Tourism officials are working to strengthen destination awareness in the French market to sustain the route's long-term success.
IMF Warns Middle East Tensions and Global Uncertainty Threaten Antigua's Economy
The IMF has warned that Middle East tensions and global uncertainty pose risks to Antigua and Barbuda's economy, even as the country posts 3 percent GDP growth and sharply lower inflation in 2025.
IShowSpeed Visit Generates 53 Million Impressions for Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission reports that streaming star IShowSpeed's visit to the island generated over 53 million viewer impressions, positioning the nation as a dynamic global destination for culture and experiential tourism. The initiative was a joint effort between the ABFC and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
Steel Pan Music Welcomes Delegates as Antigua Prepares for Caribbean Travel Marketplace
Delegates arriving for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 were welcomed at V.C. Bird International Airport with steel pan performances by the PMS Serenaders. The major regional tourism business event is set to run from May 12 to 15 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches Advisory Committee to Strengthen Canadian Travel Trade Ties
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has launched a new Canadian Travel Agent Advisory Committee, bringing together top advisors from across Canada to help drive the destination's growth in the Canadian market. The committee, announced on Travel Agent Day, will focus on expanding Antigua and Barbuda's presence and market share through 2026 and beyond.
Novo Banco Bondholders Dealt Major Blow as Portugal's Top Court Rejects Pilot Appeal
Portugal's Supreme Administrative Court has rejected a pilot appeal by Novo Banco bondholders challenging the 2015 transfer of nearly EUR2 billion in senior bonds back to the failed Banco Espirito Santo, and declined to refer the case to the EU's top court, according to Antigua.news. The ruling sets a difficult precedent for other pending investor claims in one of Europe's most contested post-crisis bank resolution disputes.
Social Security Board Urges Self-Employed Workers to Update Earnings After Minimum Wage Hike
The Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board is urging self-employed workers to update their declared earnings following the increase in the national minimum wage to EC$11.50 per hour, effective April 1, 2026. Those declaring monthly earnings below EC$2,000 risk reduced future benefits and non-compliant filings.
IMF Flags Skills Shortages as Key Risk to Antigua and Barbuda's Growth
The International Monetary Fund has warned that labour and skills shortages could hamper Antigua and Barbuda's long-term economic growth, even as the country posts 3 percent real GDP growth in 2025. The IMF is urging authorities to address capacity constraints and pursue structural reforms to strengthen the country's outlook.
LIAT Air Takes Off to Guadeloupe, Bridging English and French Caribbean
LIAT Air has launched twice-weekly flights between Antigua and Guadeloupe, restoring a long-absent air link between the two neighboring islands. Officials from both territories hailed the inaugural service as a milestone for regional connectivity, tourism and Caribbean unity.
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.