Business
523 articles
Carnival City's New Eastern Caribbean-Largest Stage Completed Ahead of Schedule
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has completed installation of a new stage and roof system at Carnival City, described as the largest and most modern of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean, with preparations for Antigua Carnival 2026 running well ahead of schedule.
Automotive Arts Donates Over EC$10,000 to Rotary Club's Colours 2026 Fundraiser
Automotive Arts and Outdoor World Antigua has donated more than EC$10,000 to the Rotary Club of Antigua in support of Colours 2026, the organisation's flagship fundraising fete, scheduled for July 4 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. The event, themed "Welcome to Smurf Village," will raise funds for community projects across Antigua and Barbuda.
U.S. and Iran Reach Peace Deal to End Four-Month War
The United States and Iran have agreed to end their nearly four-month war, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the breakthrough on Sunday. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 19 June in Switzerland, with the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen the same day.
PM Browne Defends Sandals Overwater Bungalows, Calls for Expanded Luxury Tourism
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended plans for overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande Antigua, saying the US$100 million expansion is essential to keeping Antigua competitive in the global luxury tourism market. Browne confirmed the structures will be positioned away from the main beach area to preserve public access to Dickenson Bay.
PM Browne Confirms Construction Underway on Willoughby Bay Residential Development
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that construction is underway at Willoughby Bay, where a Citizenship by Investment Programme investor is developing a high-end residential tourism project on Antigua's southeast coast. Browne provided the update during his weekly radio programme, highlighting the development as part of a broader push to attract foreign investment and expand the country's tourism offerings.
Sandals to Pay $6.5M Tax Settlement, Plans $100M Antigua Expansion
Sandals Resorts International has agreed to pay the Antigua and Barbuda government $6.5 million to resolve outstanding tax issues, while also advancing a US$100 million expansion of its Grande Antigua property that will include over 100 new rooms and approximately 16 overwater bungalows. Prime Minister Gaston Browne disclosed the developments during his weekly radio programme on Saturday.
Club Med, TUI Eye Jolly Beach Resort as PM Vows to Protect Room Stock
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Club Med and TUI are among entities interested in acquiring Jolly Beach Resort, while stressing that the government will not accept any deal that significantly reduces the property's room inventory. The resort currently generates approximately US$4 million in annual profits and welcomes around 75,000 visitors each year.
Jolly Beach Resort Set for $13.5M Upgrade, Including 500-Seat Conference Centre
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a $13.5 million investment in upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort, including new air-conditioning, improved internet connectivity, and a 500-seat conference facility expected to be completed within months. The government-owned resort, managed by Elite Island Resorts, currently generates around $4 million in annual profit and draws approximately 75,000 visitors per year.
Government Plans Concrete Pier Rebuild at Keeling Point Fisheries Site
The government has announced plans to replace the aging pier at Keeling Point with a new reinforced concrete structure, as part of broader efforts to upgrade fisheries infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda. The visit also addressed safety concerns following a recent shark attack involving a local fisherman.
Caribbean Banking Access Under Threat as Stablecoins and De-Risking Reshape the Financial Landscape
A new commentary in the Caribbean Banking Series warns that correspondent banking access across the Caribbean is thinning under the weight of compliance costs and de-risking, even as new U.S. stablecoin regulations and a US$3 trillion projected stablecoin market by 2030 reshape the global financial landscape. The analysis argues that securing reliable banking access is now an enabling condition of the region's most ambitious growth strategies.
Government Plans Housing and Marina Development at Perry Bay
The Antiguan government has announced plans to survey 13 acres at Perry Bay for a mixed-use development featuring condominium housing, a marina, and other amenities. The project is expected to form the next major phase of the government's broader national housing programme.
Barbados Tapped to Host Landmark 45th Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027
Barbados has been named the host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, which will mark the event's landmark 45th edition. The announcement was made during this year's gathering held in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Hotels Nominated for 2026 World Travel Awards
Several Antigua and Barbuda hotels and resorts have been nominated for the 2026 World Travel Awards, competing across categories including luxury accommodation, sustainable tourism and all-inclusive offerings. Public voting is open until 28 August.
Hadeed Family Honours Sir Aziz's Legacy of Business, Education and Service
The Hadeed family has paid tribute to Sir Aziz Fares Hadeed, KCMG, CBE, who passed away on 23 May 2026 at the age of 79. Sir Aziz was widely regarded as one of Antigua and Barbuda's most influential businessmen, philanthropists and champions of higher education.
Antigua and Barbuda Courts Global MICE Market at FIEXPO Latin America
Antigua and Barbuda is showcasing its growing MICE credentials at FIEXPO Latin America 2026 in Costa Rica, following its recognition as the Caribbean's Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards. Chief Marketing Officer Charmaine Spencer is representing the destination at the high-profile industry event.
Caribbean's Largest Carnival Stage Takes Shape at ARG Ahead of 2026 Festival
Construction of what organisers describe as the Caribbean's largest stage is now underway at the Antigua Recreation Grounds, marking a major step in preparations for Antigua Carnival 2026. The structure, being assembled by Sound 2000 of St. Maarten alongside local technicians, will anchor the newly developed Carnival City entertainment hub.
Flow Joins Republic Bank CPL as Official Partner, Boosting Regional Connectivity
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League has named Flow, the Caribbean's leading telecommunications provider, as an official partner for the upcoming tournament. The partnership aims to enhance fan access, engagement, and digital connectivity across the region.
Elon Musk Becomes World's First Trillionaire as SpaceX Goes Public
Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX went public Friday, with shares trading above $150 in what is the largest IPO in history, valuing the company at $2 trillion.
Facebook and Instagram Down for Millions of Users Worldwide
Millions of Facebook and Instagram users worldwide experienced widespread outages on Friday, with nearly 5,000 disruption reports logged within 24 hours. Meta had not publicly commented on the issue at the time of publication.
Two Antigua Resorts Publicly Welcome LGBTQ+ Travelers in Social Media Campaign
Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa have launched nearly identical social media campaigns affirming that LGBTQ+ travelers are welcome at their properties. The advertisements, which feature same-sex couples and messages of inclusion, have sparked online discussion both locally and regionally.