Business
794 articles
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.
ABWU Shapes Global Tourism Agenda at London Conference
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union participated in a major international tourism conference in London, where ABWU General Secretary David Massiah helped lead discussions on workers' rights, gender equality, and sustainable tourism. The gathering also saw the launch of the first global report examining the role of women across tourism transport sectors.
Retired Banker Calls for Unclaimed Millions to Fund Healthcare, Education Over OECS Airline
Retired banker Everett Christian is calling on regional governments to use millions in long-unclaimed bank deposits to fund healthcare, education, or a university campus rather than a proposed OECS airline. Christian also questioned the financial viability of launching another regional carrier, citing LIAT's troubled ownership history.
Antigua and Barbuda's Debt-to-GDP Ratio Drops to 62%, PM Browne Reports
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda's debt-to-GDP ratio has declined to approximately 62 percent, citing economic growth and fiscal discipline, and projects a national surplus of around a quarter of a billion dollars.
Antigua Turf Club Defends Racetrack Redevelopment Plan Amid Tax Concession Impasse
The Antigua Turf Club has publicly defended its Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment plan, revealing that negotiations with the Government stalled over a tax concession disagreement despite an EC$30 million investment proposal from the USVI-based Caravelle Group. The club says an updated proposal will be submitted and expresses hope that talks can resume.
Flow Launches 'We Live For This' Summer Campaign with CPL Partnership and Weekly Prizes
Flow has launched its 2026 summer campaign, 'We Live For This,' offering Antigua and Barbuda customers weekly prizes and the chance to win a trip to the CPL Finals in Barbados. The campaign, which runs through July and August, is anchored by Flow's new three-year partnership with the Caribbean Premier League.
Antigua Defies EU Demand to Scrap Citizenship by Investment Programme
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has rejected an EU demand to phase out its Citizenship by Investment Programme by 2028, insisting the critical revenue source will continue unless concrete replacement funding is provided. All five OECS states with active CBI programmes have received similar letters from the European Commission.
PM Browne Announces Construction of Two Modern Abattoirs to Boost Food Security
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that construction of two modern abattoirs will begin shortly, alongside the EC$9 million redevelopment of the former CMC facility at Cassada Gardens, as part of a wider push to strengthen local agriculture and reduce the cost of living.
US Development Finance Corporation to Visit Antigua to Discuss Major Project Funding
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that officials from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation are scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda on July 15 to explore funding options for housing, renewable energy, and port expansion. Browne indicated the government could borrow up to US$150 million if the U.S. can match the concessional terms currently offered by China.
Antigua and Barbuda on Track for EC$250 Million Budget Surplus
Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Sunday that Antigua and Barbuda is projected to record a budget surplus exceeding EC$250 million this year, driven by strong revenue collections from the Inland Revenue Department and Customs and Excise Division. The government's debt-to-GDP ratio is also expected to fall to approximately 62 percent.