Business
274 articles
Windstar Cruises' Star Seeker Makes Inaugural Port Call to Antigua This Sunday
Windstar Cruises' newly launched luxury yacht Star Seeker will make her inaugural call to St. John's, Antigua, on Sunday, March 29, with a plaque exchange ceremony planned to mark the occasion. The 224-guest, all-suite vessel's visit highlights Antigua and Barbuda's growing profile as a premier luxury cruise destination in the Caribbean.
Parliament Passes Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill to Boost Investment and Compliance
Parliament has passed the Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill 2026, updating the regulatory framework governing investment zones to strengthen compliance with international financial standards. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin urged that Antigua and Barbuda must act decisively to compete for global investment opportunities.
Windstar's Newest Luxury Yacht Star Seeker to Make Inaugural Call to Antigua
Windstar Cruises' newly delivered luxury yacht Star Seeker will make its inaugural call to Antigua and Barbuda this Sunday, with a plaque exchange ceremony planned to mark the occasion. The 224-guest, all-suite vessel is the first purpose-built ship in Windstar's Star Class series.
Antigua Signs Deal With Chinese Firm to Repave North Sound Drag Racing Track
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has signed a contract with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to repave the North Sound Drag Racing Track, with upgrades focused on resurfacing the strip and enhancing safety measures for drivers and spectators.
Paperclips Ltd. Funds 100 Free Animal Sterilisations Through Monthly Clinic Partnership
Paperclips Ltd. has reached a milestone of 100 funded animal sterilisations through its monthly partnership with the Antigua Spay and Neuter Clinic. The clinic's president is now calling on other local businesses to make similar contributions to tackle pet overpopulation.
Antigua and Barbuda Inflation Falls 0.8% as Food Prices Ease
Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda fell by 0.8 percent in February, with declining fruit, vegetable, and meat prices driving relief for household budgets, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Fish and seafood prices, however, bucked the trend, rising 12.3 percent over the year.
Rental Costs Drop Nearly 4% as Housing Prices Continue to Fall
Rental costs in Antigua and Barbuda fell 3.9 percent year-on-year and 1.6 percent month-on-month in February 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data. The decline offers some relief to tenants, though broader affordability concerns persist.
Falling Food Prices Push Antigua's Inflation Down 0.8% in February
Antigua's Consumer Price Index fell 0.8 percent in the 12 months ending February 2026, driven by lower prices for meat, bread and non-alcoholic beverages, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. However, sharp increases in fish and seafood prices highlighted uneven trends across the food sector.
Six Cruise Ships Bring Over 10,000 Visitors to Antigua in Single Day
Six cruise ships docked at ports across Antigua and Barbuda in a single day, bringing more than 10,000 passengers and crew ashore and generating increased activity for local businesses and tourism operators.
ESFN Unites Generations Through Creative Expression Workshop in Antigua
The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network hosted a Creative Expression Workshop at Wadadli Spaces on March 21st, 2026, uniting participants aged 5 to 35 in art, writing, and community-building inspired by a single creative prompt. The event also celebrated youth winners from ESFN's Creative Young Voices for Wetlands Competition and featured a collective tribute to World Water Day.
First Phase of VC Bird International Airport Runway Rehabilitation Complete
The first phase of the runway rehabilitation project at VC Bird International Airport has been completed, with Canadian firm Aecon Group Inc. set to advance to the next stage in the coming months. The upgrade aims to improve runway safety, performance, and long-term durability at Antigua and Barbuda's primary aviation gateway.
Middle East War Disrupts Global Used-Car Trade from Japan and South Korea
The Middle East conflict sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran is severely disrupting global used-car exports from Japan and South Korea, stranding shipments and forcing dealers into costly holding patterns. As reported by Antigua News Room, the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz is hitting small exporters especially hard, with billions of dollars in trade at risk.
CHTA and Triptease to Host Second Direct Booking Summit Caribbean in Antigua
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Triptease will bring their Direct Booking Summit back to Antigua on May 15, 2026, offering hoteliers practical strategies on AI, digital marketing, and reducing reliance on third-party booking channels. Registration is now open, with limited capacity available.
APUA Absorbing Fuel Cost Increases to Keep Electricity Rates Stable, Minister Says
Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas says APUA is absorbing rising fuel costs to keep electricity rates stable in Antigua and Barbuda, while outlining renewable energy plans aimed at long-term relief. The government is targeting up to 50 megawatts of solar production over the next three to four years.
Ministry of Agriculture Expands Heavy-Duty Fleet to Boost Farmer Support
The Ministry of Agriculture has begun receiving new heavy-duty equipment and tractors to expand its support capacity for farmers across Antigua and Barbuda. Minister Anthony Smith says the machinery will be used for land clearing, construction, land preparation, and farm road repair.
PM Browne: Emirates Direct Flight to Follow One & Only Resort Completion
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says a direct Emirates flight from Dubai is expected to materialise once the One & Only resort at Half Moon Bay is completed, as he outlined a series of major luxury tourism investments currently underway across Antigua and Barbuda.
ABHTA Completes Conflict Management Course for Tourism and Hospitality Professionals
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has wrapped up a four-week Conflict Management and Resolution Course, certifying hospitality and tourism professionals in workplace conflict strategies. The programme, led by Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, concluded with an in-person session at the Trade Winds Hotel Conference Centre.
CIBC Caribbean Sets Fundraising Record with $177,000 Donation to Cancer Groups
CIBC Caribbean has donated a record $177,000 to the Breast Friends support group and the Oncology Department at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, surpassing last year's total of $105,000 raised through its annual cancer fundraising campaign.
Crabbs Channel Dredging Near Complete, LNG Plant to Come Online by June
Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas says dredging at Crabbs Peninsula is nearly complete, with LNG vessels expected to begin using the channel by June and the US$50 million plant projected to deliver annual savings of around EC$60 million. The 40-megawatt facility, a partnership between APUA, the Antigua Power Company, and Eagle LNG, is also planned to serve as a regional LNG distribution hub.
LNG Plant Inches Toward Full Operation as Crabbs Channel Dredging Nears Finish
Minister of Utilities and Energy Melford Nicholas has announced the dredging channel at Crabbs Peninsula is 98 percent complete, with LNG vessels expected to begin moving through by June and the US$50 million power plant set to reach full operation shortly thereafter. The project is projected to deliver EC$60 million in annual savings for APUA and establish Antigua and Barbuda as a regional energy hub.