Business
341 articles
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.
Government Launches Subsidised Drip Irrigation Programme to Ease Farmers' Costs
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. has announced a subsidised drip irrigation programme developed with the Department of Environment and the CMC, aimed at cutting farming costs and improving water efficiency. The rollout is expected to begin within a month.
Government Tissue Culture Lab to Revitalise Antigua's Black Pineapple Industry
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. has announced the imminent launch of a tissue culture laboratory aimed at revitalising the Antigua black pineapple industry, with targets to produce up to 200,000 plants locally. The facility will reduce reliance on overseas propagation and support the country's food security goals.
Antigua Cruise Port's Upland Development Moves Forward with New Retail Spaces
Global Ports Holdings reports that Phase 2 of the upland development at Antigua Cruise Port is advancing, with roofing now underway on new retail and commercial structures. The project aims to expand shopping options, support small businesses, and boost the cruise tourism experience.
Commentary: 'Renewal' — A Bold New Tourism Vision for the Caribbean
A new tourism concept called "Renewal" proposes repositioning the Caribbean as a global leader in restorative, heritage-rooted wellness tourism, drawing on Taíno indigenous wisdom and modern medical science. The commentary, published by Antigua News Room, calls for a pilot location to serve as a prototype for a model that could benefit small island economies across the region.
JCI Antigua Marks 11th Customer Care Seminar with Focus on AI and Resilience
JCI Antigua brought together more than 35 business professionals at the Villa Community Centre on March 26 for its 11th Annual Professionalism in Customer Care Seminar, covering topics ranging from service excellence to the role of artificial intelligence in customer care.
House Passes Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill Targeting Money Laundering Compliance
The House of Representatives has passed the Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stricter anti-money laundering compliance requirements, mandatory identity verification, and enhanced regulatory oversight for businesses operating within Antigua and Barbuda's Special Economic Zones. The bill now proceeds to the Senate, with the government citing an upcoming national evaluation in November as a key driver of the legislation's timeline.
Windstar Cruises' Star Seeker Makes Inaugural Port Call to Antigua This Sunday
Windstar Cruises' newly launched luxury yacht Star Seeker will make her inaugural call to St. John's, Antigua, on Sunday, March 29, with a plaque exchange ceremony planned to mark the occasion. The 224-guest, all-suite vessel's visit highlights Antigua and Barbuda's growing profile as a premier luxury cruise destination in the Caribbean.
Parliament Passes Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill to Boost Investment and Compliance
Parliament has passed the Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill 2026, updating the regulatory framework governing investment zones to strengthen compliance with international financial standards. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin urged that Antigua and Barbuda must act decisively to compete for global investment opportunities.
Windstar's Newest Luxury Yacht Star Seeker to Make Inaugural Call to Antigua
Windstar Cruises' newly delivered luxury yacht Star Seeker will make its inaugural call to Antigua and Barbuda this Sunday, with a plaque exchange ceremony planned to mark the occasion. The 224-guest, all-suite vessel is the first purpose-built ship in Windstar's Star Class series.
Antigua Signs Deal With Chinese Firm to Repave North Sound Drag Racing Track
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has signed a contract with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to repave the North Sound Drag Racing Track, with upgrades focused on resurfacing the strip and enhancing safety measures for drivers and spectators.