Business
341 articles
IMF Warns Caribbean Tourism Economies Face Hardest Hit from Middle East Conflict
The IMF has identified tourism-dependent Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, as the hemisphere's most economically vulnerable group amid the Middle East conflict, citing high debt, limited fiscal space, and heavy reliance on energy imports. The fund has revised the subgroup's 2026 GDP growth down to just 0.9 percent and is urging governments to avoid broad energy subsidies in favour of targeted support.
WIOC and PDV Caribe Unite to Fund Health Expo and Steel Orchestra
WIOC and PDV Caribe have jointly donated funding and supplies to the Scrub Life Care Project and the Original Steel Orchestra, supporting an upcoming health expo and ongoing youth cultural development in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua's Inflation Reaches 1.7% in March as Food Prices Continue to Drop
Antigua and Barbuda's overall inflation reached 1.7% in March 2026 on a year-on-year basis, even as food prices fell 1.8%, with surging airfare costs and rising rents among the key drivers of broader price increases.
Antigua and Barbuda to Host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 44 Amid Culinary Month Celebrations
Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's Caribbean Travel Marketplace 44 from May 12–15, 2026, timed to coincide with the destination's annual Culinary Month. Delegates will enjoy exclusive dining experiences across the island, including Restaurant Week, Eat Like A Local, and a Culinary Crawl.
Air Peace to Launch Twice-Monthly Antigua-Barbados-Lagos Flights from May 2026
Nigeria's Air Peace will begin twice-monthly scheduled flights connecting Antigua and Barbados to Lagos from May 25, 2026, as reported by Antigua.news. The new service marks a further expansion of the airline's Caribbean footprint, which already includes a 70% stake in regional carrier LIAT 2020.
Antigua and Barbuda Expands Sweet Potato Research Under Caribbean Climate-Resilience Project
Antigua and Barbuda is advancing sweet potato research and genetic resource preservation as part of a five-nation Caribbean initiative backed by IICA, FAO, and the European Union. The four-year project aims to strengthen climate-resilient crop production and food security across the region.
Antigua and Barbuda Among Lowest in Caribbean for Out-of-Pocket Health Costs
New regional data show Antigua and Barbuda's out-of-pocket health spending stands at 20.8% of total health expenditure — among the lowest in the Caribbean, but still above the global average of 17.3%. The figures highlight ongoing gaps in insurance coverage and healthcare financing across the CARICOM region.
UWI Five Islands Expands Academic Programmes and Community Outreach Efforts
The UWI Five Islands Campus is expanding its community outreach and academic offerings, including a forthcoming law degree and new regional partnerships, as it prepares to graduate approximately 200 students this year. According to Antigua News Room, the campus has also resumed its Walk-In Wednesdays initiative to assist prospective students with admissions.
Antigua Cruise Port Upland Development Nears Completion as Roofing and Finishing Work Advances
Roofing and exterior finishing work at the Antigua Cruise Port's upland development are advancing rapidly, with Caribbean-inspired colours now being applied and the Day Club pool taking shape. The project, led by Global Ports Holding and built by LICCOM, aims to create a vibrant hub for cruise passengers and local businesses.
Contract Workers in Antigua's Hospitality Sector Hit by Payment Delays of Up to Three Months
Contract workers in Antigua and Barbuda's hospitality sector are facing payment delays of up to three months, sparking growing calls for greater transparency and accountability from industry organisations and labour authorities.
Antigua Cruise Port Upland Development Takes Shape with Colour and Construction Milestones
The Antigua Cruise Port Upland Development is advancing steadily, with Caribbean-inspired colours now adorning exterior structures and roofing installations progressing across multiple sections. Key features including a Day Club pool are also taking shape as the project moves closer to completion.
Fuel Station Operators Demand Margin Increase, Warn Government of Escalating Crisis
Twenty-one Antiguan service station operators have petitioned the Prime Minister for a fuel margin increase, saying the current 8% rate — unchanged since the early 1990s — is unsustainable and well below the 15% margin afforded to food retailers. The group warns it will consider all options if the government fails to respond.
CIBC Caribbean Mortgage Fair Returns to Antigua This Saturday
CIBC Caribbean returns with its annual Mortgage Fair this Saturday, April 18, at the Caribbean Cinemas parking lot on Friars Hill Road, offering prospective homeowners access to financing, professional advice, and industry services under one roof.
Antigua Sailing Week 2026 Draws Broad Local Business Support Ahead of Island-Wide Event
Antigua Sailing Week 2026 has secured broad local business sponsorship ahead of its April 22 opening, with partners including the CIU, Antigua Distillery Ltd., APUA INET, and first-time sponsor Signpro Antigua backing the 57th edition of the renowned regatta.
Antigua Service Stations Demand Margin Increase, Warn 8% Rate Unsustainable
Twenty-one Antiguan service station operators have petitioned the Prime Minister demanding an increase to their regulated 8% profit margin, unchanged since the early 1990s, warning they will consider all available options if the government continues to ignore their concerns.
APUA Enters Final Phase of Newgate Street Pipeline Upgrade
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority is in the final stage of installing new HDPE pipes along Newgate Street in St. John's, with temporary traffic disruptions expected as the project nears completion. The upgrade is part of APUA's broader push to modernise aging water infrastructure and reduce service outages.
APUA Installs New 10-Inch Pipeline on Buckleys Line to Boost Water Reliability
APUA's Water Business Unit is conducting overnight works along Buckleys Line to install a new 10-inch HDPE pipeline, replacing an older line prone to frequent breaks. Testing and commissioning are expected to begin tomorrow.
APUA Night Works on Buckleys Line Aim to End Recurring Water Disruptions
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority is conducting overnight works along Buckleys Line to install a new 10-inch HDPE pipeline, replacing an older line prone to frequent breaks. The upgrade is expected to deliver more consistent water service and fewer outages to residents in the area.
Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Canada Airlift Ahead of Busy Summer Season
Antigua and Barbuda is expanding its air links with Canada ahead of the 2026 summer season, with WestJet set to reintroduce a midweek Toronto service alongside a calendar of major events including Carnival and the Caribbean Premier League.
Antigua and Barbuda Expands Canadian Air Access Ahead of Summer 2026
WestJet will restore midweek Toronto-to-Antigua service for July and August 2026, boosting Canadian airlift ahead of a summer season packed with Carnival, culinary festivals, and CPL cricket. Tourism officials are encouraging early bookings to take advantage of competitive fares.