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OECS Air Takes Shape as Regional Leaders Back Carrier with $100M Funding Potential
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says an OECS regional airline is gaining momentum after leaders at the 78th OECS Authority Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to the project, with potential funding exceeding US$100 million pending the outcome of an ECCB feasibility study expected within weeks.
ECCB to Host Regional Panel Marking 50 Years of EC Dollar Peg
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank will host a panel discussion on July 1 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the EC dollar's fixed peg to the US dollar, a rate that has held steady at EC$2.70 to US$1.00 since 1976. The event will be streamed live across ECCB Connects social media platforms and broadcast on regional radio and television stations.
PM Browne Pushes for Local Ownership Stake in Yepton Beach Hotel Development
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to structure the proposed Yepton Beach hotel as a public-private partnership, allowing Antiguans and Barbudans — including institutions like the Social Security Scheme — to hold an ownership stake in the development.
Government Plans to Raze Rat Island to Expand St. John's Port into Regional Hub
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to demolish Rat Island to reclaim land for a major expansion of the St. John's Port, as Antigua and Barbuda seeks to increase cargo capacity and become a regional transshipment hub. Browne also revealed that the government is in discussions with a U.S. company to serve as the anchor operator of the expanded facility.
PM Browne: Antigua Will Keep Citizenship by Investment Programme Regardless of EU Visa Threat
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will maintain its Citizenship by Investment Programme regardless of whether the European Union follows through on threats to revoke visa-free access for the country's passport holders. Browne described the programme as a critical source of non-tax revenue while defending its integrity and calling for an electronic travel authorisation system as an alternative to losing visa-free privileges.
Browne Unveils Hybrid Jolly Beach Plan to Preserve 200 Rooms and Attract Luxury Investor
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a hybrid redevelopment plan for Jolly Beach Resort that would preserve approximately 200 rooms and set aside 20 acres for a luxury hotel investor, abandoning earlier proposals to sell the entire property. The move is aimed at protecting jobs, maintaining tourism revenue, and avoiding years of economic losses during a full redevelopment.
Local Brewery Partnership with Mantege Distillery to Launch Operations in Early 2027
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that a new local brewery, developed in partnership with Mantege Distillery, is expected to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2027, with construction set to be completed by the end of 2026.
PM Browne: LNG Dispute With U.S. Firm Settled, First Shipment Due Within 30 Days
Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced that a dispute with a U.S.-based LNG contractor — including a rejected US$60 million claim and a standoff over pricing — has been resolved, with the country's first LNG shipment now expected within 30 days.
Senator Newton Attends Morocco-OECS Forum to Boost Trade and Investment Ties
Senator Lamin Newton represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Morocco-OECS Economic Promotion Week, where discussions focused on expanding trade, attracting investment and fostering economic cooperation for small island developing states.
APUA Launches Trenchless Drilling Technology for Overnight St. John's Pipeline Works
APUA will begin overnight trenchless pipeline installation works along High Street and St. Mary's Street from June 29, deploying Horizontal Directional Drilling technology to reduce road disruption. Construction will run nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. as part of the authority's water infrastructure modernisation programme.
Celia Samuel Elected President of Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce
Celia Samuel of Go To Enterprises has been elected president of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce for the 2026–2027 term, leading a newly elected board committed to economic growth and private sector advocacy.
ACB Caribbean and Digicel Sponsor Entrepreneurship Workshop for Barbuda Youth
ACB Caribbean and Digicel have signed on as part-sponsors of the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop in Barbuda, a four-day EU-funded programme that trained secondary school students aged 13 to 16 to develop and pitch real business solutions. The initiative culminates in a Youth Entrepreneurship Trade Show scheduled for July 4, 2026.
Hammock Cove Workers Gain Union Representation Under ABWU
Employees at Hammock Cove Resort & Spa have elected the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union as their bargaining agent, with benefits including a wage increase effective July 2026 and formalised public holiday pay entitlements.
Hadeed Motors' Jeannette Bowery Earns 2025 WOW Factor Award for Sales and Marketing
Jeannette Bowery of Hadeed Motors Ltd. has been named the 2025 WOW Factor Award winner for Sales and Marketing, recognising over two decades of excellence in the automotive industry. The award honours her professionalism, customer service, and leadership as Sales Coordinator and head of the Vehicle Preparation Department.
Sandals Grande Antigua's Karen Wong Wins 2025 WOW Factor Hospitality Award
Karen Wong of Sandals Grande Antigua has been awarded the 2025 WOW Factor Award for Hospitality and Tourism, recognising her exceptional guest service and dedication to showcasing the best of Antigua and Barbuda. Organisers say her professionalism continues to bolster the nation's standing as a premier tourism destination.
Qasim Henry Earns 2025 WOW Factor Award for Tourism Excellence
Qasim Henry, owner of Antigua Inside Out, has been named the recipient of the 2025 WOW Factor Award for Transportation and Tours, recognising his dedication to delivering immersive, culturally rich visitor experiences across Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Joins Global Tax Transparency Pact with OECD Agreement
Antigua and Barbuda has signed an addendum to the OECD's Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement, committing to an expanded framework for the automatic exchange of financial account information to combat offshore tax evasion. The country joins 76 jurisdictions worldwide that have adopted the updated Common Reporting Standard rules.
Good Humans 268 Launches Summer Internship to Cultivate Young Environmental Leaders
Environmental nonprofit Good Humans 268 Inc. has launched a Summer Internship Programme to provide young people in Antigua and Barbuda with hands-on experience in administration, operations, and communications while supporting local climate action efforts. Founder Joshuanette Francis says real-world training must begin before graduation to adequately prepare the next generation of environmental leaders.
Opinion: Can Antigua and Barbuda Build a 'Made at Home' Manufacturing Identity?
A new opinion piece asks why Antiguan and Barbudan products are largely absent from regional supermarket shelves, while calling on consumers and policymakers to invest in and support local manufacturing. According to Antigua News Room, breaking psychological barriers around locally made goods may be key to unlocking the nation's manufacturing potential.
Antigua and Barbuda Named Top Honeymoon Destination in the Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda has topped Caribbean Journal's list of the best honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean, recognised for its 365 beaches, world-class adults-only resorts, and range of luxury retreats suited to every type of couple.