Business
341 articles
APUA Bids Farewell to Longest-Serving Employee After 46 Years
Claudette Martin-Ladoo has retired from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority after 46 years of service, the longest tenure of any employee in the organisation's history. She began her career in the Billing Department in 1979 and retired as Accounts Receivable Controller on April 20, 2026.
Toyota Recalls 73,528 Corolla Cross Hybrids Over Pedestrian Warning Sound Defect
Toyota has recalled 73,528 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles from the 2023–2025 model years over a defect that may cause the backup pedestrian warning sound to be too quiet, violating federal safety standards. Affected owners will receive a free software fix from Toyota dealerships, with notification letters expected by late May 2026.
Ford Recalls Over 83,000 Vehicles for Headlight and Engine Defects
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 83,000 vehicles due to a headlight software defect and a faulty exhaust-gas recirculation valve, with the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division reminding consumers that recall-related repairs are free of charge.
Kia Recalls 141,000 Carnival SUVs Over Fire Risk Fuel Pipe Defect
The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division is warning local owners that Kia America has recalled approximately 141,000 Kia Carnival SUVs built between 2022 and 2026 due to a fuel pipe defect that could cause a fire. Affected owners are urged to act proactively and are reminded that recall-related repairs are free of charge.
Toyota Recalls 73,528 Hybrid Vehicles Over Faulty Reverse Warning Sound
Toyota is recalling 73,528 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles from model years 2023–2025 due to a backup pedestrian warning sound that may be too quiet. The recall extends to Antigua and Barbuda, with dealers set to provide a free software fix and owner notifications expected by late May 2026.
Lexus Recalls Over 9,000 Vehicles Over Fuel Pump Failure Risk
The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division is alerting the public to a Toyota recall of 9,139 Lexus vehicles due to a fuel pump defect that can cause stalling and increase crash risk. Affected owners are entitled to a free replacement at an authorised dealership under the Consumer Protection Act 2025.
Kia Recalls 141,000 Carnival Vehicles Over Fire Risk; Local Consumers Urged to Act
The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division is urging local Kia Carnival owners to act promptly following a Kia America recall of approximately 141,000 vehicles due to a fuel-pipe defect that increases the risk of fire. Owners are reminded that recall-related repairs are free of charge.
Ford Recalls 83,000 Vehicles Over Headlight and Engine Safety Defects
Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 83,000 vehicles due to a headlight software defect and a faulty exhaust-gas recirculation valve, with the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division urging affected owners to seek free repairs. The recall covers several 2025 and 2026 Ford and Lincoln models.
ABCAS Signs Historic Culinary MOU with Chinese College in Caribbean First
The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China's Qingdao Vocational and Technical College of Hotel Management, establishing what delegation leaders described as the first overseas Chinese cuisine college in the Caribbean. The agreement, brokered by the Chinese Embassy and the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, launches formal cooperation in culinary arts, tourism management and vocational education.
Antigua and Barbuda to Host Caribbean Travel Marketplace for Second Consecutive Year
Antigua and Barbuda will host the 44th annual CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace for the second year in a row, welcoming around 500 global tourism industry partners to the American University of Antigua from May 12–15, 2026. The event reinforces the nation's growing reputation as a premier destination for major regional tourism and MICE events.
Ethiopia's $12.5 Billion Bishoftu Airport Set to Reshape African Aviation
Ethiopia has broken ground on a $12.5 billion international airport near Addis Ababa that is projected to become the largest on the continent, with capacity for up to 110 million passengers annually by full build-out. Led by state-owned Ethiopian Airlines, the Bishoftu International Airport is scheduled to open in 2030, though financing gaps and community displacement concerns pose significant challenges.
Consumer Sounds Alarm Over Foreign Substance Found in Pinehill Apple Juice
A local consumer has raised food safety concerns after discovering a foreign substance at the bottom of a Pinehill apple juice carton, with attempts to contact the company going unanswered. Neither the manufacturer nor a local distributor had responded publicly at the time of reporting.
Calvin Ayre Foundation and MBS Unite to Secure Lifesaving Spinal Surgery for Antiguan Woman
The Calvin Ayre Foundation and the Medical Benefits Scheme collaborated to facilitate the urgent medical transfer of Antiguan resident Mary Jean Samantha Baptiste to Trinidad and Tobago for specialized spinal surgery. Ms. Baptiste has since returned home and is reported to be recovering well.
Antigua Targets Direct UAE Flights by 2027 to Boost Tourism and Investment
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formed a Working Committee to establish direct non-stop flights between the country and the United Arab Emirates by 2027. Officials say the route would significantly boost tourism, foreign investment, and business ties between the Gulf region and the Eastern Caribbean.
Fernandez Touts $1.5B Tourism Pipeline, Calls Sector 'Lifeblood' of Economy
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has unveiled an approximately US$1.5 billion investment pipeline and declared tourism the "lifeblood" of Antigua and Barbuda's economy at the ABLP's 2026 manifesto launch. The minister cited record cruise arrivals and major upcoming developments as evidence of sustained growth and international confidence in the destination.
ABDA Launches 'Legacy Board' to Blend Youth and Experience in Dental Leadership
The Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association has elected a new "Legacy Board" that sees nearly one-third of its members under 35, introducing new constitutional roles to better represent younger dentists and strengthen community engagement.
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.
ILO Report: Over 840,000 Deaths Annually Tied to Workplace Psychosocial Risks
A new ILO report reveals that over 840,000 people die annually from health conditions linked to workplace psychosocial risks, including long working hours, job insecurity, and harassment. The findings also point to significant economic losses equivalent to 1.37 per cent of global GDP each year.
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.