Business
729 articles
PM Browne: Gov't Backed Cassada Gardens Redevelopment but Drew Line at Gaming Tax Waiver
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his Government supported the EC$30 million Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment but refused to waive the mandatory eight percent gaming fee for a foreign investor, citing concerns over fairness to existing operators. Browne suggested the concession could instead be offered to a local investor, including the Antigua Turf Club itself.
Antigua and Barbuda Opens Plant Tissue Culture Lab to Bolster Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a state-of-the-art Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, established in partnership with China, to advance agricultural research and strengthen national food security. The facility will support disease-free crop propagation, scientific research, and the training of agricultural personnel.
Antigua Opens Chinese-Backed Plant Tissue Culture Lab to Strengthen Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a Chinese-backed plant tissue culture laboratory aimed at advancing agricultural research and food security. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. called the facility a major milestone established under the Phase II Agricultural Technical Assistance Project.
Agriculture Interns Discover Freshwater Aquaculture Potential at SeaSprings Aqua Farm
Interns in Antigua and Barbuda's Agriculture Summer Internship Programme visited SeaSprings Aqua Farm, where aquaculture farmer Kevin Alexander demonstrated sustainable freshwater prawn and fish farming techniques. The visit highlighted aquaculture's potential to bolster the nation's agricultural sector.
Freeland Champions Antigua and Barbuda's Innovation Drive at Global WIPO Assembly
Minister of State Michael Freeland represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 68th WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva, showcasing the country's intellectual property milestones, digital modernisation efforts and entrepreneurship programmes. His address highlighted achievements including the registration of the nation's first three collective trademarks and IP training for women entrepreneurs.
Antigua Turf Club Defends $30M Cassada Gardens Redevelopment as Industry Game-Changer
The Antigua Turf Club is defending its proposed XCD $30 million redevelopment of Cassada Gardens Racetrack, saying the project — which includes a gaming facility, youth programs, and multi-sport amenities — can transform horse racing into a sustainable, professionally regulated industry. The Club, which reported a stalled concession negotiation with the Government, says an updated proposal will be submitted shortly.
ABWU Shapes Global Tourism Agenda at London Conference
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union participated in a major international tourism conference in London, where ABWU General Secretary David Massiah helped lead discussions on workers' rights, gender equality, and sustainable tourism. The gathering also saw the launch of the first global report examining the role of women across tourism transport sectors.
Retired Banker Calls for Unclaimed Millions to Fund Healthcare, Education Over OECS Airline
Retired banker Everett Christian is calling on regional governments to use millions in long-unclaimed bank deposits to fund healthcare, education, or a university campus rather than a proposed OECS airline. Christian also questioned the financial viability of launching another regional carrier, citing LIAT's troubled ownership history.
Antigua and Barbuda's Debt-to-GDP Ratio Drops to 62%, PM Browne Reports
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda's debt-to-GDP ratio has declined to approximately 62 percent, citing economic growth and fiscal discipline, and projects a national surplus of around a quarter of a billion dollars.
Antigua Turf Club Defends Racetrack Redevelopment Plan Amid Tax Concession Impasse
The Antigua Turf Club has publicly defended its Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment plan, revealing that negotiations with the Government stalled over a tax concession disagreement despite an EC$30 million investment proposal from the USVI-based Caravelle Group. The club says an updated proposal will be submitted and expresses hope that talks can resume.
Flow Launches 'We Live For This' Summer Campaign with CPL Partnership and Weekly Prizes
Flow has launched its 2026 summer campaign, 'We Live For This,' offering Antigua and Barbuda customers weekly prizes and the chance to win a trip to the CPL Finals in Barbados. The campaign, which runs through July and August, is anchored by Flow's new three-year partnership with the Caribbean Premier League.
Antigua Defies EU Demand to Scrap Citizenship by Investment Programme
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has rejected an EU demand to phase out its Citizenship by Investment Programme by 2028, insisting the critical revenue source will continue unless concrete replacement funding is provided. All five OECS states with active CBI programmes have received similar letters from the European Commission.
PM Browne Announces Construction of Two Modern Abattoirs to Boost Food Security
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that construction of two modern abattoirs will begin shortly, alongside the EC$9 million redevelopment of the former CMC facility at Cassada Gardens, as part of a wider push to strengthen local agriculture and reduce the cost of living.
US Development Finance Corporation to Visit Antigua to Discuss Major Project Funding
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that officials from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation are scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda on July 15 to explore funding options for housing, renewable energy, and port expansion. Browne indicated the government could borrow up to US$150 million if the U.S. can match the concessional terms currently offered by China.
Antigua and Barbuda on Track for EC$250 Million Budget Surplus
Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Sunday that Antigua and Barbuda is projected to record a budget surplus exceeding EC$250 million this year, driven by strong revenue collections from the Inland Revenue Department and Customs and Excise Division. The government's debt-to-GDP ratio is also expected to fall to approximately 62 percent.
Antigua Weighs US$100M Chinese Loan for Renewable Energy and Housing
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is considering a US$100 million loan from China to fund a renewable energy plant and large-scale housing development. The announcement comes as the country's debt-to-GDP ratio approaches the international benchmark of 60%.
Sunrise Airways to Launch Antigua-Barbados Route July 22 With Fares From US$129
Sunrise Airways will launch a new direct route between Antigua and Barbados on July 22, with introductory one-way fares starting at US$129. Bookings are open now through July 31 using a promotional code.
APUA Marks 53 Years of Service With Pledge to Modernise Utilities
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority is marking 53 years of service with celebrations that include a commemorative church service and renewed pledges from both APUA leadership and the Government to modernise the nation's electricity, water and telecommunications infrastructure.
UWI Honours 14 Postgraduate Researchers, Sets Sights on 2026 Regional Conference
The University of the West Indies has honoured 14 top postgraduate researchers from its third annual student conference and announced the 4th Annual One UWI Postgraduate Student Conference, scheduled for November 18–21, 2026. The virtual third-edition conference attracted more than 600 participants and featured 51 research presentations across key Caribbean development themes.
Digicel and ACB Caribbean Back Barbuda Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop
ACB Caribbean and Digicel have joined as part-sponsors of the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop in Barbuda, a four-day EU-funded programme that challenged secondary school students aged 13 to 16 to develop and pitch real business solutions to community problems. The initiative, led by barbudanGO, culminates in a Youth Entrepreneurship Trade Show on 4th July 2026.