Business
794 articles
Antigua Weighs US$100M Chinese Loan for Renewable Energy and Housing
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is considering a US$100 million loan from China to fund a renewable energy plant and large-scale housing development. The announcement comes as the country's debt-to-GDP ratio approaches the international benchmark of 60%.
Sunrise Airways to Launch Antigua-Barbados Route July 22 With Fares From US$129
Sunrise Airways will launch a new direct route between Antigua and Barbados on July 22, with introductory one-way fares starting at US$129. Bookings are open now through July 31 using a promotional code.
APUA Marks 53 Years of Service With Pledge to Modernise Utilities
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority is marking 53 years of service with celebrations that include a commemorative church service and renewed pledges from both APUA leadership and the Government to modernise the nation's electricity, water and telecommunications infrastructure.
UWI Honours 14 Postgraduate Researchers, Sets Sights on 2026 Regional Conference
The University of the West Indies has honoured 14 top postgraduate researchers from its third annual student conference and announced the 4th Annual One UWI Postgraduate Student Conference, scheduled for November 18–21, 2026. The virtual third-edition conference attracted more than 600 participants and featured 51 research presentations across key Caribbean development themes.
Digicel and ACB Caribbean Back Barbuda Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop
ACB Caribbean and Digicel have joined as part-sponsors of the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop in Barbuda, a four-day EU-funded programme that challenged secondary school students aged 13 to 16 to develop and pitch real business solutions to community problems. The initiative, led by barbudanGO, culminates in a Youth Entrepreneurship Trade Show on 4th July 2026.
Antigua and Barbuda Economy Projected to Grow Five Percent in 2026
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced Thursday that Antigua and Barbuda's economy is projected to grow by five percent in 2026, fuelled by construction activity, rising consumer spending and record customs revenues. The government says growing surpluses have already enabled immediate investments, including a EC$2.5 million CT scanner for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
Government Calls High-Income Status 'Bittersweet' as Antigua Loses Access to Development Funds
The government has welcomed Antigua and Barbuda's classification as a high-income economy by the World Bank, but warns the designation cuts off the small island nation from critical concessional financing and development grants. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant described the milestone as "bittersweet" at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing.
Antigua's First LNG Shipment on Track Within 30 Days, Government Confirms
The Antiguan government has confirmed that the country's first liquefied natural gas shipment is expected within 30 days, with an agreement reached between APUA and LNG suppliers and dredging works at Crabs Harbour progressing rapidly. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant delivered the update at Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing.
Antigua and Barbuda's Debt-to-GDP Ratio Approaches 60% After Major Chinese Loan Reduction
Antigua and Barbuda's debt-to-GDP ratio has dropped to approximately 60 percent after the government reduced its Chinese loan obligations from over US$300 million to roughly US$120 million, according to Antigua News Room. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant says the achievement improves the country's ability to secure international financing for future development projects.
Cabinet Freezes Fuel Prices, Reports Sharp Drop in Chinese Debt and Revenue Surge
Cabinet has frozen retail fuel prices, held gasoline at EC$14.50 and diesel at EC$14.25 per gallon, while reporting a sharp reduction in Chinese-funded debt from over US$300 million to roughly US$120 million and a record customs revenue haul of EC$276.85 million for the first half of 2026.
Cabinet Backs Mixed-Use Perry Bay Development and Darkwood Beach Park
Cabinet has endorsed plans to develop the Perry Bay and Keeling Point area into a mixed-use residential, marina, and commercial hub, alongside a public recreational park at Darkwood Beach. Environmental Impact Assessments will be required before either project proceeds.
Customs Revenue Hits EC$276.9M as Antigua Keeps Fuel Prices Among ECCU's Lowest
Antigua and Barbuda's Customs and Excise Division collected EC$276.85 million in the first half of 2026, surpassing the same period last year, as the Government also reported a sharp reduction in Chinese-financed debt and confirmed fuel prices remain among the lowest in the ECCU.
World Bank Classifies Antigua and Barbuda as High-Income Economy
The World Bank has officially classified Antigua and Barbuda as a high-income economy in its July 1 Country Income Classification update, citing a GNI per capita of approximately US$21,380 for 2024. The designation places the twin-island nation among 87 high-income economies worldwide, alongside several Caribbean neighbours.
Antigua and Barbuda Achieves High-Income Status in World Bank Classification
The World Bank has officially classified Antigua and Barbuda as a high-income economy in its latest annual update, with the country's GNI per capita estimated at approximately US$21,380 — well above the qualifying threshold of US$14,375.
ACTIF2026 Postponed Over African Public Health Concerns, Antigua Delegation Affected
The Fifth Annual AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, which had been scheduled for Basseterre in July 2026, has been postponed due to public health concerns in parts of Africa. Antigua and Barbuda, whose delegation was expected to include Prime Minister Gaston Browne, is among those affected by the delay.
Government Plans Marina, Housing and Commercial Hub at Perry Bay-Keeling Point
The Antiguan government has announced plans to develop the Perry Bay-Keeling Point area into a mixed-use hub featuring a marina, residential housing, and commercial lots. Cabinet has endorsed the vision but requires environmental impact assessments and detailed concept designs before work can proceed.
Antigua and Barbuda Has Lowest Urban Population Share in CARICOM, Report Shows
Antigua and Barbuda holds the lowest urban population share among CARICOM member states at just 24.3%, according to new data from the UN World Urbanization Prospects. The figures reveal wide variation across the region, with The Bahamas recording the highest share at 81.3%.
Antigua and Barbuda Slashes Chinese Debt by More Than Half to US$120 Million
Antigua and Barbuda has reduced its debt to China from more than US$300 million to approximately US$120 million, with the loan for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre now fully repaid. The Cabinet credited the achievement to prudent fiscal management, stronger revenue collection and a disciplined approach to debt servicing.
ECAB Ends Aspiring Leaders Scholarship as UWI Five Islands Tuition Goes Free
ECAB is discontinuing its Aspiring Leaders Scholarship after the Government of Antigua and Barbuda announced that tuition at UWI Five Islands Campus will be free for most first-degree programmes. The bank says it will continue to honour its obligations to current scholarship recipient Tajhere Browne.
ABTA Opens Call for Artists as Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Returns in 2026
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has launched a call for artists and creatives to participate in the fourth edition of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, set for November 11–18, 2026. Expressions of interest from exhibitors, venues and event hosts must be submitted by July 30, 2026.