Business
157 articles
ECCB to Introduce Deposit Insurance Across ECCU Under New 2026-2031 Strategic Plan
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has announced it will introduce deposit insurance across the ECCU as part of its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, with Governor Timothy Antoine citing stronger depositor protection as a core priority. The plan is organised around six themes and also includes the establishment of a new Office of Financial Conduct to oversee bank accountability and customer treatment.
ECCB Governor Warns Falling Populations Pose Serious Risk to Regional Economies
ECCB Governor Dr. Timothy Antoine has warned that six of eight Eastern Caribbean Currency Union member states face stagnant or declining populations, cautioning that the trend poses a serious long-term threat to regional economic growth. He called for diaspora engagement and carefully managed skilled immigration as part of the bank's broader development strategy.
How Antigua and Barbuda Built One of the Caribbean's Thriving Online Casino Markets
Antigua and Barbuda's online casino market is thriving, fuelled by decades of regulatory stability, mobile accessibility, advancing technology and sophisticated player retention strategies. According to Antigua News Room, the country's early entry into online gaming regulation has given it a lasting competitive edge in the regional digital entertainment landscape.
ECCB Reaffirms EC Dollar Peg to US Dollar Ahead of 50th Anniversary
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has reaffirmed there are no plans to change the EC dollar's fixed peg to the US dollar, with Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine citing a near-99 percent backing ratio as the bank prepares to mark the arrangement's 50th anniversary in July.
ABFC Partners With Caribbean Music Producer Kitwana Israel to Elevate Antiguan Sound
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has partnered with internationally recognised Caribbean music producer Kitwana Israel to develop a Carnival rhythm and provide local artistes with professional industry exposure. The initiative is part of the Commission's broader strategy to grow and elevate the nation's creative industries.
Senate Passes Stricter Anti-Money Laundering Rules for Special Economic Zones
The Antiguan Senate has passed amendments to the country's Special Economic Zone legislation, introducing stricter anti-money laundering rules and expanded regulatory powers for both new applicants and existing operators. Existing businesses within the zones have six months to comply with the new requirements.
Antigua and Barbuda Records Nearly 14,000 Cruise Visitors in a Single Day
Antigua and Barbuda recorded more than 13,900 cruise passengers and crew arriving in a single day at the close of March, with four vessels docking across St. John's and Falmouth Harbours. The milestone underscores the continued strength of the country's cruise tourism sector.
Norway-Funded Recycling Pilot Launches in Fitches Creek Bay to Tackle Household Waste
The Fitches Creek Residents Association has launched a household waste sorting pilot in Fitches Creek Bay, receiving sorting bins through the Norway-funded ReMLit Project to promote recycling and protect a key wetland biodiversity area. The initiative, years in the making, is implemented locally by the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Department of Environment.
Antigua and Barbuda Posts Record Tourism Arrivals Across All Sectors in January 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has posted its best-ever January tourism results, with record arrivals recorded across the cruise, air, and yachting sectors. Cruise passengers topped 197,000 while air arrivals reached a new high of 36,052 visitors.
CARICHAM Strengthens Regional Resilience with UNDRR Workshop and Strategic Retreat
CARICHAM has concluded a series of high-level meetings in Barbados, held in partnership with UNDRR, focused on disaster risk reduction and private sector resilience. Key outcomes include the establishment of dedicated committees to drive the network's strategic agenda for 2026–2027.
CIBC Caribbean Elevates Two Antiguan Leaders in Regional Management Shake-Up
CIBC Caribbean has appointed Ladesa James-Williams as Senior Director of its Country Management Office and Priscilla Leonce as the new Head of Country for Antigua, in a move the bank says strengthens its regional leadership structure.
Antigua and Barbuda Shatters January Tourism Records Across All Sectors
Antigua and Barbuda has recorded its highest-ever January tourism figures, with 197,206 cruise passengers, 36,052 air arrivals, and 3,633 yachting arrivals all setting new records for the month. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez called the results historic and credited strategic investments in airlift, cruise partnerships, and marketing.
Caribbean Airlines Rejects Closure Rumours, Confirms Normal Operations
Caribbean Airlines has categorically denied rumours of closure, with its board of directors confirming that operations remain fully active and no discussions about shutting down have taken place.
New CMC Hub to Connect Local Farmers Directly with Hotels and Supermarkets
The government is developing a new Central Marketing Corporation facility at the former Tennis Club property in Cassada Gardens to purchase produce directly from local farmers and supply it to hotels and supermarkets. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. described the project as a "game changer" for local agriculture and food security.
UWI Five Islands Campus Posts EC$3.7M Surplus, Expands Regional Footprint
The UWI Five Islands Campus posted an EC$3.7 million surplus for its last academic year while absorbing a EC$4.2 million investment in a new digital platform. The campus also announced expanded regional government funding, a US$50 million endowment target, and new academic programmes in technology and other fields.
ECCB to Launch 2026–2031 Strategic Plan Aimed at Doubling Regional GDP
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank will launch its 2026–2031 Strategic Plan on 31 March, centered on "The Big Push" — an initiative aimed at doubling the ECCU's GDP and citizens' wealth within a decade. The event will be streamed live across the region.
Flow Antigua and Barbuda Partners with Scrub Life Cares in Women's Month Giving Drive
Flow Antigua and Barbuda partnered with nonprofit Scrub Life Cares this March to collect and donate essential hygiene items for women and girls, with the company matching all staff contributions to double the initiative's impact.
UWI Five Islands Posts EC$3.7M Surplus After Major Digital Infrastructure Investment
UWI Five Islands Campus recorded a EC$3.7 million surplus for its last academic year, with Principal Professor Justin Robinson attributing a dip in two financial metrics to a strategic EC$4.2 million one-time investment in a new digital enterprise system, as reported by Antigua.news.
UWI Five Islands Campus Partners with Chinese University to Launch Software Engineering Degree
The UWI Five Islands Campus will launch a joint Software Engineering degree with a Chinese university partner this August, with students splitting their studies between Antigua and China. Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson also announced a broader expansion of programmes including FinTech, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Law.
Antigua Plans Two New Abattoirs to Slash $175M Annual Meat Import Bill
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. says the government is building two new abattoirs in the Betty's Hope area to boost local meat processing capacity and reduce Antigua's $175 million annual livestock import bill.