Business
273 articles
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.
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.
PM Browne Pledges to Expand Entrepreneurial Development Fund After Elections
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has admitted the Entrepreneurial Development Fund faces a high loan delinquency rate but vowed to expand the programme after the upcoming general election. The fund, currently valued at an estimated $4 million to $5 million, offers low-interest loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Pigs Paradise Owner Thanks Public After Mosquito Bay Access Restored
Pigs Paradise owner Chantelle Winter has publicly thanked the public and authorities for restoring access to Mosquito Bay, as she continues to push for guaranteed long-term access through a community petition targeting property developers.
UPP's Pringle Vows to Ban Ministers from Competing with Private Business
UPP Leader Jamale Pringle has pledged to ban cabinet ministers from competing with private businesses and to eliminate politically motivated barriers to enterprise, as part of a broader economic reform platform ahead of the April 30 general election.
Rotary Club's 'Colours' Returns for 17th Year with Smurf Village Theme
The Rotary Club of Antigua will host the 17th edition of its flagship fundraising event, Colours, on July 4, 2026, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground under the theme "Welcome to Smurf Village." Proceeds will support community programmes including Meals on Wheels, youth development, and health outreach.