Business
763 articles
AccuWeather Warns Strong El Niño Could Trigger Multi-Year Drought and 'Mini-Dust Bowl'
AccuWeather climate experts are warning that a potentially historic El Niño event, with a 70% chance of becoming a Super El Niño, could trigger a multi-year drought across U.S. Plains states and raise the specter of a so-called mini-Dust Bowl. Plains regions are already recording precipitation levels 40% or more below normal, threatening crop yields, water supplies, and food prices.
Antigua Government Owes WIOC Over EC$6M as Fuel Subsidy Strains Public Finances
The Antigua and Barbuda government owes more than EC$6 million to the West Indies Oil Company after months of subsidising fuel prices to protect consumers from rising global energy costs. Prime Minister Gaston Browne acknowledged the policy is straining public finances but warned that ending it could result in significantly higher prices at the pump.
PM Browne Pushes for OECS-Panama Partnership to Cut Costs and Boost Trade
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking upon assuming the Chairmanship of the OECS Authority, has called on member states to forge a strategic partnership with Panama to diversify supply chains, strengthen food security, and reduce the cost of living across the sub-region. His remarks form part of a broader vision he has termed an "OECS Renaissance," built on deeper regional integration and expanded ties with Latin America.
Long Bay Zen Resort to Bring AI Concierge, Robotics and Over-Water Chapel to Antigua
A US$200 million resort planned for Antigua's Long Bay will feature AI concierge technology, robotic services and an over-water chapel, with major construction set to begin later this year. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez have both voiced support for the project, citing its alignment with the government's focus on high-value tourism.
UWI Five Islands to Host Blue Finance Event at CHOGM 2026
The Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy at UWI Five Islands Campus has announced a Blue Finance and Ocean Innovation Side Event to be held during CHOGM 2026, bringing together global leaders in ocean conservation and financing. The event, organised in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, will feature exhibitions, high-level discussions, and addresses from heads of government.
ABFC Launches Panorama 2026, Hands Pan Association $165,000 Cheque
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has launched Panorama 2026 and presented a $165,000 cheque to the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association as part of a three-year funding agreement. The finals are set for August 1, 2026, at Carnival City, with tickets available islandwide for $40.00.
Expert Outlines Key Success Factors for Antiguan Students Entering Tertiary Education
Business executive and former UWI lecturer Garfield Joseph has outlined a framework of key success factors drawn from the corporate world to help Antiguan and Barbudan students navigate the demands of tertiary education. Writing for Antigua News Room, Joseph argues that clarity of purpose, time management, consistency, and well-being are as essential in the lecture hall as they are in the boardroom.
Browne Calls for Panama-Centred Trade Strategy to Cut Caribbean Food Costs
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in his inaugural address as OECS Authority chairman, urged Caribbean nations to leverage Panama as a trade gateway and deepen ties with Latin America to reduce food costs and strengthen regional resilience. Browne noted that the Caribbean imports between 80 and 90 percent of its food while remaining largely disconnected from its 447 million Spanish-speaking neighbors.
Fort James Renaissance Park to Break Ground by September, PM Browne Announces
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that groundbreaking on the Fort James Renaissance Park is expected by September, with $5 million drawn from a Sandals Resorts tax settlement allocated to kick off the project. Plans include beach enhancements, restaurants, recreational facilities and an artificial reef attraction ahead of Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Sports Minister Meets Cedar Valley Golf Course Management to Chart Development Path
Minister of Sports Dwayne George met with Cedar Valley Golf Course General Manager Clint Gilpin to explore investment and modernisation opportunities for the facility. The talks focused on boosting sports tourism and securing the course's long-term growth and sustainability.
Air Peace Denies Involvement in Birth Tourism Ads Targeting Caribbean Routes
Nigerian airline Air Peace has denied any involvement in online campaigns allegedly promoting travel to Barbados for birth tourism, calling the material unauthorized and not reflective of its policies. The airline issued a formal statement on June 21 distancing itself from the content and an unaffiliated individual featured in it.
ABYETS Retreat Primes 29 Young Entrepreneurs for July Barbuda Trade Show
Twenty-nine young entrepreneurs attended an ABYETS preparatory retreat at River Run, Barbuda, building the skills and confidence needed for the national youth trade show set for July 4, 2026. The gathering, themed "Restore, Connect, Empower," featured pitch sessions and vision board workshops designed to ready participants for the exhibition at the Holy Trinity School grounds.
APUA Welcomes 17 Interns as Summer Programme Marks 13th Year
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority has launched the 13th edition of its Summer Internship Programme, welcoming 17 young professionals for six weeks of hands-on experience across the utility provider's operations. Several APUA managers and staff members are alumni of the programme, which the Authority says reflects its long-standing commitment to youth development.
Sports Minister Meets Cedar Valley Golf Course Management Over Facility Upgrades
Sports Minister Dwayne George has met with Cedar Valley Golf Course management to discuss plans for modernising the facility and boosting its role in Antigua and Barbuda's sports tourism sector. Both parties identified strategies for future collaboration and investment, according to Antigua News Room.
Property Owners Urged to Register as CHOGM 2026 Accommodation Bookings Accelerate
With CHOGM 2026 bookings already underway for dozens of Commonwealth nations, officials are urging Antigua and Barbuda property owners to register their accommodations immediately. Only properties inspected and approved by the Ministry of Tourism's Quality Assurance Unit will be listed on the official delegate booking portal.
ECAB Warns Customers: Visa and Mastercard Cards No Longer Accepted in Cuba
ECAB has advised customers that Visa and Mastercard cards can no longer be used in Cuba following a U.S. Executive Order issued on May 1, 2026, which led to the suspension of credit card processing operations in the country. Customers travelling to Cuba are urged to arrange alternative payment methods.
Tropical Storm Arthur Causes Up to $6 Billion in Damage, AccuWeather Estimates
Tropical Storm Arthur has caused an estimated $4 to $6 billion in total damage and economic loss after dumping more than 20 inches of rain across the Gulf Coast, according to preliminary figures from AccuWeather. At least two fatalities and hundreds of flooded homes have been reported, with damage assessments still ongoing.
Opinion: Does Extending Antigua's Windfall Tax Truly Serve the Public Interest?
A governance professional has responded to a recent Antigua News Room opinion piece by challenging the framing of a proposal to extend and expand the Windfall Tax, arguing that critical questions about spending, accountability, and measurable outcomes must be answered before any expansion is considered.
Dominica Launches Caribbean's First Digital Platform for Sickle Cell Patients
Dominica has launched SickleConnect, the Caribbean's first dedicated digital health platform for sickle cell patients, offering AI-powered clinical reporting, medication tracking, and emergency alerts. The free platform was developed by the Sickle Cell Cares Foundation and went live on World Sickle Cell Day.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches Seed Bank and Sweet Potato Projects to Boost Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda is advancing two major agricultural initiatives — a Mobile Seed Bank Project and a regional Sweet Potato Production Programme — aimed at bolstering food security, disaster preparedness and climate resilience. The projects, developed in partnership with IICA and CARDI, were presented to Cabinet by the Minister for Agriculture.