Business
525 articles
Airfares and Recreation Push Antigua's Inflation to 3.1% in April 2026
Antigua and Barbuda's inflation rate reached 3.1% in April 2026, with soaring airfares and recreation costs leading the way, while fruit and clothing prices declined, according to National Bureau of Statistics data reported by Antigua.news.
Antigua and Barbuda Champions Culture and Carnival in New York TV Debut
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez led an Antigua and Barbuda delegation on PIX11 News during Caribbean Week in New York, promoting the nation's cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, Carnival, and culinary offerings. The appearance was part of a wider series of trade and media engagements at the annual Caribbean tourism event.
CHTA Urges Antigua and Caribbean to Regulate Short-Term Rentals for Economic Gain
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has released a comprehensive framework urging Antigua and other regional destinations to regulate short-term rentals, warning that unregulated growth costs governments hundreds of millions in lost tax revenue. The framework, developed with input from 14 national tourism associations, provides practical tools for registration, tax collection, and oversight.
AUA Donates Whiteboards and Flip Charts to ABCAS in Support of National Education
The American University of Antigua has donated whiteboards and flip charts to the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, supporting teaching and training across its campuses. The contribution comes ahead of ABCAS's planned launch of a new Associate Degree in Agriculture programme.
Anthropic Calls for Coordinated AI Pause, Warns of Human Control Risk
Anthropic has called on the world's leading AI companies to establish a coordinated mechanism to pause or slow the development of advanced AI systems, warning the technology is advancing so fast that humans risk losing control. The proposal, reported by Antigua News Room, comes as rival OpenAI argues regulation should be led by democratic governments rather than private companies.
Government Scraps Royal Caribbean Deal, Takes Charge of Fort James Redevelopment
Cabinet has approved a government-led redevelopment of the Fort James Beach area, setting aside a long-stalled Royal Caribbean beach club proposal first announced in 2019. The plan envisions a heritage and leisure destination featuring an amphitheatre, local vendor spaces, and beach restoration works, funded through a public-private partnership.
Government Transfers Fisheries Complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited
The government has transferred management of fisheries complexes at Point, Parham, Urlings and Barbuda to Antigua Fisheries Limited, with a newly approved board of directors to oversee the transition. The move aims to improve efficiency, accountability and services for fishing communities nationwide.
Cabinet Transfers Management of Fisheries Complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited
Cabinet has approved transferring management of Antigua and Barbuda's fisheries complexes — at Point, Parham, Urlings and Barbuda — from the Fisheries Division to Antigua Fisheries Limited, citing the need for greater operational efficiency and accountability.
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.