Business
728 articles
ABNAB to Raise Accreditation Fees Starting July 1, 2026
The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board has announced fee increases for its accreditation and evaluation services, effective July 1, 2026. Applications submitted on or before June 30 will still be processed under the current fee structure.
New Festivals Commission Board Sworn In to Drive Economic Growth Through Culture
Antigua and Barbuda has sworn in a new 12-member Festivals Commission Board, charged with turning the country's major cultural events into drivers of economic growth. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams called on the commission to harness the expanding global "orange economy" and leverage festivals as tools for tourism and development.
ABNAB to Raise Accreditation Fees in 2026 to Fund Service Upgrades
The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board will raise fees for several accreditation and verification services starting July 1, 2026, as part of efforts to upgrade its digital platforms and improve service delivery. A grace period allowing applications to be processed at current rates remains in effect until June 30.
Cabinet Approves Scrap Metal Export Deal for Cook's Landfill Cleanup
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a no-cost agreement with Atlantic Ship Breakers Antigua Limited to remove, process and export scrap metal from Cook's Landfill and other sites across the country. The deal aims to rehabilitate affected lands and improve environmental and public safety conditions.
Cabinet Takes Lead on Fort James Beach Redevelopment to Boost Tourism and Heritage
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a government-led redevelopment plan for Fort James Beach, encompassing heritage preservation, beach replenishment, vendor spaces, an amphitheatre, and expanded green areas. The project aims to boost tourism while creating economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and community stakeholders.
High Lending Rates Threaten ECCU's 'Decade of Decision' Growth Ambitions
A new financial commentary series examines whether high lending rates across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union — some 820 basis points above Euro Area business lending — threaten the region's stated goal of doubling its economies within a decade. The analysis, reported by Antigua News Room, calls on ECCU institutions to address structural cost-of-capital barriers without sacrificing the region's hard-won macroeconomic stability.
Tourism Minister Fernandez Highlights New Investments and Carnival 2026 at Caribbean Week
Tourism Minister Charles "Max" Fernandez used a Caribbean Week appearance on New York Living to highlight new investments, sustainability efforts, and Antigua Carnival 2026 as part of the twin-island nation's push to strengthen its global tourism appeal.
Verandah Antigua to Host Pickleball Pro Series Featuring U.S. Open Champion
The Verandah Antigua will host a Pickleball Pro Series from June 8 to 17, featuring 2022 U.S. Open champion Frank Solana and other professional players. The event is part of Elite Island Resorts' broader effort to establish Antigua as a premier destination for pickleball tourism.
Antigua and Barbuda's Median Age Reaches 35.5 as CARICOM Ages Unevenly
Antigua and Barbuda's median age has reached 35.5 years, placing it among eleven CARICOM member states now older than the global median of 30, according to Antigua News Room. The trend signals growing pressure on pension and healthcare systems as working-age populations across the region begin to shrink.
Two Antiguan Chefs Represent Nation on BBC MasterChef UK Finals Week
Chefs Eustace Cabral Jr. and Maurine Bowers represented Antigua and Barbuda on BBC MasterChef UK's Finals Week, airing June 3, drawing international attention to the nation's culinary heritage. The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association has congratulated both chefs for the milestone appearance.
Butch Stewart Family Resolves Post-Death Disputes, Unites Behind Sandals Legacy
The family of the late Sandals and Beaches Group founder Gordon 'Butch' Stewart has announced it has resolved internal disputes that arose following his death in January 2021. The family expressed excitement about the continued growth of Stewart's hospitality legacy.
U.S. Tourism Delegation Visits Barbuda to Explore Culture and Industry Ties
A U.S. tourism delegation visited Barbuda on May 27, meeting with local farmers, beekeepers and fisheries representatives as part of efforts to strengthen tourism partnerships and promote the island's cultural and economic offerings.
Liberty Caribbean Declares Readiness Ahead of 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Liberty Caribbean has announced its readiness for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, citing major network investments and emergency response preparations across its Caribbean markets. The telecommunications provider, which operates the Flow and BTC brands, says lessons learned from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica have accelerated its infrastructure resilience efforts.
Calvin Ayre Foundation and Partners Facilitate Emergency Cardiac Transfers for Two Antiguans
The Calvin Ayre Foundation, the Medical Benefits Scheme, and CalvinAir jointly facilitated emergency medical transfers to Martinique for two Antiguan men, Arthur James and Kenneth Edwards, both of whom suffered serious cardiac emergencies requiring specialist care not available locally. The coordinated effort has drawn praise from the families of both patients.
Freeland: Sports Tourism a Key Driver of Antigua and Barbuda's Economic Growth
Minister of State Michael Freeland says sports tourism — anchored by events such as drag racing and cricket — has the potential to become a major driver of Antigua and Barbuda's economy, generating revenue across multiple industries while boosting visitor arrivals during slower tourism months.
Caribbean Fisheries Brace for 2026 Hurricane Season Amid El Niño Uncertainty
Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders are navigating the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season amid added uncertainty from El Niño, which may suppress storm activity but poses its own threats to coral reefs and fish stocks. CRFM Executive Director Dr. Marc Williams is calling on the region to prioritise preparedness as a permanent cornerstone of fisheries development strategy.
Antigua and Barbuda Takes Title Sponsorship of CTO Women in Tourism Leadership Awards
Antigua and Barbuda served as title sponsor of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner and Awards during Caribbean Week in New York, with Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez delivering remarks and the CTO Foundation launching a new scholarship initiative for aspiring female tourism professionals.
Antigua and Barbuda Highlights Tourism Growth at Caribbean Week in New York
Antigua and Barbuda showcased strong growth in visitor arrivals and expanding international market interest on the opening day of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Caribbean Week in New York. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez led the national delegation at the annual regional event.
Former Epicurean Worker Loses Unfair Dismissal Case Over Loyalty Card Misuse
The Industrial Court has ruled against a former Epicurean bag carrier and packer who claimed unfair dismissal, finding the supermarket was justified in firing her for accepting customer loyalty points onto her staff card. The court held that the matter was one of trust and integrity, regardless of the small monetary value involved.
Industrial Court Rules Epicurean's Dismissal of Bag Carrier Over Loyalty Card Fraud Was Lawful
The Industrial Court has upheld Epicurean Fine Foods and Pharmacy's 2015 dismissal of bag carrier Narshebar Richards, ruling her summary termination for loyalty card misuse was lawful under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code. The court rejected all five grounds of her unfair dismissal claim, finding that a single admitted incident of fraud was sufficient to justify her termination.