Business
341 articles
IMF Urges Antigua and Barbuda to Reform Financial Sector, Boost Connectivity
The IMF has called on Antigua and Barbuda to reform its financial sector, improve connectivity and address skills shortages as part of a broader push to strengthen the country's long-term economic resilience. The Fund estimates real GDP growth of 3 percent in 2025, supported primarily by construction activity.
IMF Cites Steady Growth and Declining Debt in Antigua and Barbuda
The International Monetary Fund estimates Antigua and Barbuda's economy grew by 3% in 2025, with public debt falling to 68% of GDP, though the Fund warned that arrears and financing pressures continue to pose challenges.
IMF: Antigua and Barbuda Economy Grows 3% in 2025, But Debt Risks Persist
The International Monetary Fund estimates Antigua and Barbuda's economy grew 3 percent in 2025, supported by construction activity and improved fiscal discipline, though significant debt arrears and financing pressures remain concerns. The findings were published this week in the IMF's latest Article IV consultation, as reported by Antigua.news.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures Fourth Spot Among Caribbean's Strongest Passports for 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has ranked fourth among the Caribbean's most powerful passports for 2026, with holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 154 destinations worldwide. The country trails only Barbados, the Bahamas, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the regional ranking.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport Ranks 22nd Globally in 2026 Henley Index
Antigua and Barbuda's passport has been ranked 22nd in the world in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 destinations globally. The ranking keeps the nation among the top-performing passports in the Caribbean and the OECS.
Antigua and Barbuda Eligible for Up to €80,000 in Caribbean Plastic Waste Grants
Antigua and Barbuda is eligible to apply for between €30,000 and €80,000 through the Sustainable Small Grants Programme, a new Caribbean initiative targeting plastic waste reduction and circular economy development. Registered community groups, CSOs, and MSMEs may submit one application each, with projects required to conclude by August 2027.
St John's Taxi Association Elects New Executive Board for 2026–2028
The St John's Taxi Association has elected Sean Beazer as President along with a full Executive Board at its bi-annual elections held on May 5, 2026. The newly elected board will serve a two-year term through 2028.
IShowSpeed's Antigua Visit Signals a New Era in Destination Marketing
Internet streaming star IShowSpeed's Expedia-partnered visit to Antigua and Barbuda — which included a helicopter flight over Barbuda, a cricket match with West Indies bowler Alzarri Joseph, and a street car meet attended by Prime Minister Gaston Browne — drew millions of live viewers and highlights a powerful new model for destination marketing.
CIBC Caribbean Alerts Customers to Rise in Phishing Scams
CIBC Caribbean is warning customers of an increase in phishing scams conducted via phone, email, and social media, urging the public to safeguard their personal banking information and report any suspicious activity to the bank's Fraud Team.
Dockyard Day 2026 Draws Large Crowds to Nelson's Dockyard National Park
The Antigua and Barbuda National Parks Authority welcomed a large crowd of residents and visitors to Nelson's Dockyard National Park on May 2nd for Dockyard Day 2026, featuring competitions, live entertainment, and a ceremonial Beating of the Retreat by the Royal Police Force. Parks Commissioner Mrs. Ann Marie Martin praised the turnout and promised an even bigger event in 2027.
IShowSpeed's Antigua Visit Draws 2.5 Million Viewers, Spotlighting Island's Culture
International YouTube streaming star IShowSpeed broadcast a full-day visit to Antigua and Barbuda on May 3, drawing over 2.5 million viewers and showcasing the twin-island nation's culture, cuisine, marine environment, and heritage to a global audience.
ABCAS Launches Electric Vehicle Battery Technologies Workshop with Regional Partners
ABCAS has launched a four-day Electric Vehicle Battery Technologies Workshop in partnership with UWI Mona and ABNTA, gathering key national and regional stakeholders for specialised training in electric mobility. The initiative is backed by German federal funding through the International Climate Initiative.
Opinion: China's Caribbean Port Strategy — What Small Island States Stand to Lose
A delegation of Caribbean port managers, led by Antigua and Barbuda's Darwin Telemaque, secured a US$10 million U.S. grant for regional port infrastructure in Washington — prompting a pointed analysis of what Caribbean governments risk trading away by accepting Chinese port financing without rigorous scrutiny of operational, data, and strategic terms.
YouTube Star IShowSpeed Calls Antigua 'Unreal' During CalvinAir Helicopter Tour
Global YouTube star IShowSpeed declared Antigua 'Unreal' during a CalvinAir helicopter tour of the island, with footage of his reaction drawing widespread attention online. The visit offers significant tourism exposure for Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda to Host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 in May
Antigua and Barbuda will host the 44th edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace from May 12 to 15, 2026, with hundreds of international delegates, media outlets, and tourism industry leaders expected to attend. The event, organised by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, is the Caribbean's leading tourism trade forum.
Spirit Airlines Ceases All Operations After Second Bankruptcy, 17,000 Jobs at Risk
Spirit Airlines has permanently halted all flights following its second bankruptcy, stranding thousands of passengers and putting approximately 17,000 jobs at risk. As reported by Antigua.news, the carrier's abrupt closure marks one of the most significant airline failures in recent U.S. history.
Rotary Club of Antigua Donates XCD 2,500 to Women's Health Expo
The Rotary Club of Antigua has donated XCD 2,500 to Scrub Life Cares in support of the 5th Annual Grow With the Flo Women and Girls Health Expo, set for May 23, 2026, in Swetes Village. The funding will advance health education and services focused on menstrual equity and reproductive health for women and girls across Antigua and Barbuda.
ECAB to Permanently Close Woods Branch on June 1, 2026
The Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank Limited has announced the permanent closure of its Woods Branch (ECAB Legacy) effective June 1, 2026, with key transition deadlines set for May 29, 2026. The bank has outlined arrangements for night deposit, safe deposit box, and other services to ensure continued access for affected customers.
Caribbean Groups Can Apply for Grants to Fight Plastic Pollution
Organisations and small businesses in Antigua and Barbuda can now apply for grants of up to EUR 80,000 under the Sustainable Small Grants Programme, a regional initiative to combat plastic pollution through community-driven circular economy solutions. The application deadline is 31 May 2026.
Court Blocks Audit Bid in Butch Stewart Estate Battle, Executors File Appeal
A Jamaican Supreme Court has struck out an application by executors of the late Butch Stewart's estate seeking to conduct an audit before transferring ATL Group shares to his son Adam, as reported by Antigua News Room. The executors have since filed an appeal, keeping the high-profile succession dispute ongoing.