Business
376 articles
Antigua Targets Direct UAE Flights by 2027 to Boost Tourism and Investment
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formed a Working Committee to establish direct non-stop flights between the country and the United Arab Emirates by 2027. Officials say the route would significantly boost tourism, foreign investment, and business ties between the Gulf region and the Eastern Caribbean.
Fernandez Touts $1.5B Tourism Pipeline, Calls Sector 'Lifeblood' of Economy
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has unveiled an approximately US$1.5 billion investment pipeline and declared tourism the "lifeblood" of Antigua and Barbuda's economy at the ABLP's 2026 manifesto launch. The minister cited record cruise arrivals and major upcoming developments as evidence of sustained growth and international confidence in the destination.
ABDA Launches 'Legacy Board' to Blend Youth and Experience in Dental Leadership
The Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association has elected a new "Legacy Board" that sees nearly one-third of its members under 35, introducing new constitutional roles to better represent younger dentists and strengthen community engagement.
ILO Report: Over 840,000 Deaths Annually Tied to Workplace Psychosocial Risks
A new International Labour Organization report finds that more than 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to workplace psychosocial risks, including long working hours, job insecurity, and harassment. The report estimates the economic impact of these risks at 1.37 per cent of global GDP annually.
ILO Report: Over 840,000 Deaths Annually Tied to Workplace Psychosocial Risks
A new ILO report reveals that over 840,000 people die annually from health conditions linked to workplace psychosocial risks, including long working hours, job insecurity, and harassment. The findings also point to significant economic losses equivalent to 1.37 per cent of global GDP each year.
CIBC Caribbean Named Exclusive Banking Sponsor of Antigua Sailing Week
Antigua Sailing Week has announced CIBC Caribbean as its official exclusive banking sponsor, with the bank set to engage attendees throughout the event and highlight its Platinum Banking Service for regional investors and professionals.
Antigua Targets Africa, Middle East and Latin America in Tourism Diversification Drive
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has outlined plans to expand Antigua and Barbuda's tourism reach into Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, including a potential Emirates Airlines service from Dubai by 2027. The strategy also includes upgrades to airport cargo infrastructure as part of a broader push to establish the island as a Caribbean logistics hub.
Judge Steps Aside in Stroll v. Global Bank Case; New Justice Takes Over
Justice Renee Williams has recused himself from the Stroll v. Global Bank of Commerce case, citing personal reasons. The matter has been reassigned to Justice Birnie Stephenson and adjourned to July 23.
Antiguan HR Executive Chosen to Lead Diversity Session at Regional LOUD26 Conference
Antiguan HR executive Marlene Bailey, Chief Human Resources Officer at WIOC, has been selected to lead a session on multigenerational workforce dynamics at LOUD26, the Caribbean's top HR conference, to be held in St. Kitts from May 28–30. Her session, "Turning Differences into Dynamism," will offer practical strategies for building high-performing, inclusive teams across generations.
U.S. Commits $10M to Caribbean Port Security as Antiguan Official Leads Regional Push
The United States has pledged US$10 million through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to bolster port infrastructure across the region, following a State Department roundtable where Antiguan port official Darwin Telemaque delivered a keynote address on behalf of Caribbean ports.
PM Browne Pushes for Separate $3,000 Minimum Wage for Hotel Workers
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has proposed a separate, higher minimum wage for hotel workers, suggesting a benchmark of $3,000 per month — well above the $2,200 baseline planned for other sectors. Browne cited the industry's reliance on tips and service charges as leaving workers financially vulnerable.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures Surge in Cruise Calls After Major Industry Summit
Antigua and Barbuda's tourism delegation secured major commitments at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, including a sharp rise in MSC Group calls and a maiden visit from the MSC World Europa in December. The country is projecting over one million cruise passengers and more than 400 annual calls in the coming season.
Fernandez Claims Record 800,000+ Cruise Passengers as Tourism Rebounds
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez announced that Antigua and Barbuda has surpassed 800,000 cruise passenger arrivals this season, calling it evidence of a strong post-pandemic recovery. The figures were revealed at the ABLP manifesto launch ahead of the April 30 general election.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures Major Cruise Growth at Seatrade Global Conference
Antigua and Barbuda has secured major increases in cruise calls from partners including MSC Group and Royal Caribbean following high-level meetings at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami. The country is projecting over one million cruise passengers and more than 400 port calls in the upcoming season.
PM Browne Defends CIP, Cites EC$1.4 Billion in Revenue Over 11 Years
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Programme, revealing it has generated over EC$1.4 billion in non-tax revenue in 11 years. Speaking at the ABLP's 2026 manifesto launch, Browne challenged critics to identify alternative revenue sources and pledged to strengthen, not dismantle, the programme.
Fernandez: $1.5 Billion in Tourism Investments Planned for Antigua and Barbuda
Tourism Minister Charles "Max" Fernandez has announced a pipeline of more than US$1.5 billion in tourism-related investments expected to enter Antigua and Barbuda over the next two to three years. The projects span major hotel, residential, and infrastructure developments and are projected to generate significant construction and long-term employment.
CIBC Caribbean Doubles Top Prize in Second Year of Unsung Heroes Programme
CIBC Caribbean has launched the second year of its Unsung Heroes programme, doubling the top regional prize to US$10,000 as it searches across 10 Caribbean territories for individuals making quiet but meaningful contributions to their communities. Nominations are open through the end of July.
High Court Rules Against Soca Star Patrice Roberts in Management Dispute
A Trinidad High Court has ordered Soca star Patrice Roberts to pay a net sum of US$25,104.12 to her former management company following a dispute rooted in an informal verbal agreement. The ruling serves as a stark reminder for Caribbean entertainers, including those in Antigua and Barbuda, of the risks of operating without written contracts.
Antigua Secures Up to €5M European Investment for Beverage Plant, 150 Jobs Projected
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a concessions package to support a European-backed beverage production facility valued between €3.5 million and €5 million, with roughly 150 direct jobs expected upon completion.
Antigua in Talks to Become Regional Trade Hub as Port Expansion Plans Take Shape
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced negotiations with a Japanese car dealership to use Antigua and Barbuda as a vehicle transshipment point, as part of a multi-phase plan to expand the St. John's port into a regional trade hub. The broader development includes new marinas, LNG storage, bunkering facilities, and a separate shipping hub agreement, with Browne projecting the port could contribute up to 10% of GDP.