Carib Scope

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  • Cabinet to Address Rising Barbuda Ferry and Flight Costs Next Week

    Cabinet to Address Rising Barbuda Ferry and Flight Costs Next Week

    The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has formally recognized mounting public discontent regarding the deteriorating state of inter-island transportation, specifically highlighting spiraling ferry expenses and a concerning contraction in flight availability. This pressing societal issue, which directly impacts the mobility and economic vitality of Barbuda’s residents, was formally tabled during the government’s weekly briefing session. However, a definitive deliberation and the formulation of potential countermeasures have been strategically postponed until the ministerial body’s subsequent convocation scheduled for the following week.

    Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications within the Prime Minister’s Office, provided official commentary on the deferral. He confirmed that while the Cabinet is acutely aware of the grievances articulated by the populace, the agenda of the most recent assembly did not permit a thorough examination of the subject. Merchant assured stakeholders and concerned citizens that the matter retains a high priority on the governmental docket and is slated for comprehensive review imminently.

    The core of the public’s consternation revolves around a tripartite challenge: exorbitant and rising ferry fares, a significant reduction in reliable air service operators, and profound reliability deficits plaguing the existing transportation infrastructure. This precarious situation generates severe impediments for Barbudans, adversely affecting daily commutes, access to employment opportunities, and the operational capacity of local enterprises. Particular inquiries have been directed toward understanding the rationale behind the temporary suspension of certain air carriers and the long-term strategy for ensuring stable and affordable connectivity.

    While the government’s spokesperson abstained from speculating on prospective solutions or policy interventions, he emphatically guaranteed that the Cabinet intends to confront these logistical and economic challenges directly. The national community now anticipates substantive announcements and a clear, actionable plan from the administration subsequent to the conclusion of the next high-level meeting.

  • Gonsalves takes oaths as MP

    Gonsalves takes oaths as MP

    In a significant political development, veteran opposition leader Ralph Gonsalves formally commenced his parliamentary duties on Thursday by taking the oaths of allegiance and declaration. This ceremony occurred just prior to the newly elected New Democratic Party administration presenting the 2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.

    The swearing-in follows a notable procedural incident where House Speaker Ronnia Durham-Balcombe had previously excluded Gonsalves from a parliamentary committee meeting due to his delayed oath-taking. At 79 years old, Gonsalves now enters his 32nd year as representative for North Central Windward, making him both the longest-serving and oldest sitting parliamentarian.

    Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party suffered a devastating electoral collapse in the November 27 polls, securing only one seat compared to the NDP’s 14-seat victory. This outcome ended the ULP’s 24-year governance period that began with a landslide 12-3 win in 2001.

    The opposition leader had previously expressed uncertainty about his swearing-in timeline, telling a December press conference he was giving the matter “prayerful consideration” while maintaining his constitutional position as opposition leader appointed by the Governor General.

    Accompanying Gonsalves in Thursday’s ceremony were two opposition senators: Carlos James, who lost the North Leeward seat after one term, and Keisal Peter, a former ULP senator and minister who failed to secure the West Kingstown constituency.

    House Speaker Durham-Balcombe formally welcomed the opposition members, declaring “The House is now fully constituted” following the ceremony. The political transition marks a dramatic reversal for the ULP, which had governed since 2001 but faced declining popular support despite major infrastructure projects, ultimately culminating in their recent electoral collapse.

  • Festivals Commission Given Full Control of Carnival and One Nation Concert

    Festivals Commission Given Full Control of Carnival and One Nation Concert

    In a significant administrative overhaul, the Antigua and Barbuda government has formally restructured the management framework for national cultural events. Following Cabinet approval, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has been granted exclusive authority to organize and execute the country’s premier annual celebrations: the summer Carnival and the One Nation Concert.

    The decision emerged from recommendations presented by the minister overseeing creative industries, aiming to expand the Commission’s operational mandate. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed the development during the weekly Cabinet briefing, stating the move is designed to clarify roles and enhance efficiency.

    Concurrently, certain events previously handled by the Festivals Commission—such as National Heroes Day and VC Bird Day—will be transferred to the Department of Creative Industries. This division will now coordinate these activities internally using ministry staff, creating a more specialized distribution of event management responsibilities.

    The Cabinet notably praised the Commission for its exemplary organization of the most recent One Nation Concert, heralding it as a benchmark for future productions. Officials highlighted that the event not only demonstrated national capacity for delivering world-class cultural entertainment but also strengthened community cohesion and bolstered the nation’s reputation as a premier cultural destination.

    This strategic realignment is ultimately intended to streamline event management protocols, delineate institutional duties more clearly, and fortify the execution of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural programming on a national scale.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Targets 15% Cut in Food Imports Through Expanded Local Production

    Antigua and Barbuda Targets 15% Cut in Food Imports Through Expanded Local Production

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally adopted a comprehensive agricultural development strategy targeting a 15% reduction in specific food imports through enhanced domestic production capabilities. This initiative aligns with the broader CARICOM “25 by 2025 plus five” framework, a regional pact designed to bolster food security across Caribbean nations.

    Following a Cabinet endorsement, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture received approval to implement a multi-phase import substitution program. The strategy will concentrate initially on key sectors: livestock rearing and the cultivation of staple root crops and vegetables.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications within the Prime Minister’s Office, articulated the administration’s stance during a post-Cabinet media briefing. He confirmed the 15% target was established as a feasible initial benchmark to advance critical national objectives. These include fortifying food security buffers, enhancing the economic resilience of local farming communities, and stimulating job creation in rural districts.

    A central economic argument presented to Cabinet highlighted the substantial financial savings achievable through increased domestic output. Projections indicate that local production could replace approximately 1,200 heads of imported livestock annually, representing an estimated $1.7 million conservation in foreign expenditure.

    The detailed plan identifies several priority commodities for immediate import substitution. The list encompasses onions, tomatoes, sweet peppers, cassava, sweet potatoes, alongside sheep and swine production. A dedicated focus on scaling output in these categories is expected to significantly curtail dependency on foreign suppliers.

    Merchant emphasized the administration’s serious view of food security as a paramount national concern. Consequently, the Gaston Browne cabinet has issued directives for the expedited execution of the outlined agricultural measures. This policy forms an integral component of a long-term vision to minimize vulnerability to external supply chain disruptions and ensure the enduring sustainability of the nation’s agricultural sector.

  • Cabinet Adds Nine Inspectors to Enforce Price Reductions

    Cabinet Adds Nine Inspectors to Enforce Price Reductions

    In a decisive move to combat cost-of-living pressures, the Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has authorized the recruitment of nine additional enforcement officers. This strategic staffing increase aims to bolster the monitoring and implementation of recent tax and duty reductions on essential food items, ensuring that the intended economic benefits effectively reach consumers. The decision follows reports from the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division, which highlighted significant difficulties in enforcing compliance across supermarkets and retail establishments. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that these new inspectors will be actively deployed to assess whether retailers are transparently transferring reduced costs to the public. Furthermore, Cabinet has mandated an expansion of the enforcement scope, directing officials to identify additional consumer goods for potential price control measures. The government will now dictate pricing on these selected items to provide broader population support. A structured reporting mechanism has also been established, requiring the Division to present bi-weekly updates on enforcement progress directly to Cabinet. This initiative is part of a comprehensive governmental effort to enhance consumer protection frameworks, with forthcoming amendments to existing price control legislation anticipated to strengthen regulatory authority.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Moves to Tighten Price Control Laws After Retailer Pushback

    Antigua and Barbuda Moves to Tighten Price Control Laws After Retailer Pushback

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated urgent legal reforms to bolster price control enforcement mechanisms following widespread non-compliance from retailers. This decisive action comes after inspectors from the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division encountered significant resistance during routine compliance checks, including refusal to provide mandatory invoices and instances of verbal harassment.

    According to Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet members received comprehensive briefings on monitoring efforts following recent fiscal measures that reduced taxes and duties on essential food items. While major supermarket chains demonstrated partial cooperation, numerous retailers and suppliers outright violated legal requirements by withholding pricing documentation and even expelling inspectors from their premises.

    The government identified the Prices Control Act of 1957 as fundamentally inadequate for modern enforcement needs, describing its procedures as ‘cumbersome and slow’ in achieving timely compliance. In response, the Ministry of Legal Affairs has been directed to expedite legislative amendments that will enhance enforcement capabilities and implement stricter penalties for violations.

    Cabinet officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring that tax relief measures actually benefit consumers through transparent price reductions. The nation continues to experience imported inflation from major trading partners, making these market interventions particularly critical for household economic stability.

    To strengthen oversight capabilities, Cabinet approved the recruitment of nine additional staff members for the Prices and Consumer Affairs Division, significantly expanding inspection coverage across retail establishments. The division will now provide bi-weekly compliance reports directly to Cabinet, establishing unprecedented accountability measures.

    Furthermore, officials have been instructed to identify additional consumer goods that may require price control protections as part of broader market fairness initiatives. The government has indicated that additional enforcement measures will be announced in coming weeks as legislative revisions progress through the parliamentary process.

  • ABEC Officials Participate in International Electoral Observation Mission in Costa Rica

    ABEC Officials Participate in International Electoral Observation Mission in Costa Rica

    In a significant development for international electoral cooperation, the Electoral Commission of Antigua and Barbuda (ABEC) has received an official invitation to participate in Costa Rica’s forthcoming electoral observation mission. The mission, operating under the established Tikai Protocol framework, is scheduled to take place from January 29th to February 2nd, 2026.

    The ABEC delegation will be represented by Commissioner Mr. Clovis St. Romaine and Ms. Kisher Esprit, Assistant to the Human Resource and Training Officer. Their selection underscores ABEC’s growing reputation in the field of electoral management.

    The Tikai Protocol serves as a comprehensive cooperative framework that standardizes electoral observation practices among participating nations. This agreement emphasizes core democratic principles including transparency, impartiality, professional conduct, and respect for national sovereignty throughout electoral processes. Through this mechanism, electoral management bodies engage in mutual knowledge exchange, technical collaboration, and professional development initiatives that strengthen democratic governance across jurisdictions.

    His Excellency Ambassador Arthur G.B Thomas, Chairman of ABEC, emphasized the critical importance of such missions, stating: ‘International observation missions represent vital instruments for strengthening electoral integrity worldwide. This engagement allows ABEC to simultaneously enhance our professional capabilities while contributing to regional and international efforts that uphold free, fair, and credible elections.’

    The Commission regards participation in such international missions as invaluable opportunities for institutional learning and improvement. This initiative reaffirms ABEC’s commitment to advancing democratic principles both within its domestic operations and through its contributions to the global democratic community.

  • Antigua and Barbuda welcomes more than 10,000 cruise passengers in single day

    Antigua and Barbuda welcomes more than 10,000 cruise passengers in single day

    Antigua and Barbuda experienced a significant boost in cruise tourism activity as six vessels carrying thousands of visitors docked across multiple ports. Official data from Antigua Cruise Port revealed approximately 10,300 passengers and 3,800 crew members arrived in St John’s, Falmouth, and Barbuda, marking one of the busiest days for the dual-island nation’s tourism sector.

    The MSC Virtuosa, the largest vessel in the fleet, accounted for nearly half of all passengers with 5,149 travelers and 1,684 crew members. It was accompanied by the Valiant Lady (2,577 passengers), Brilliance of the Seas (2,229 passengers), and three smaller luxury vessels—Star Flyer, SeaDream 2, and Le Ponant.

    Tourists engaged in extensive exploration of local attractions, including historical heritage sites, pristine beaches, and retail districts. Many participated in organized tours and authentic cultural experiences, generating substantial revenue for local businesses and tour operators.

    Tourism authorities attribute this surge to growing confidence in Antigua and Barbuda’s appeal as a diverse cruise destination. Strategic investments in port infrastructure and strengthened partnerships with major cruise lines have been instrumental in attracting both large-scale and boutique vessels. This coordinated approach has resulted in a consistent increase in port calls throughout the current season.

    As the islands anticipate an exceptionally busy tourism period, cruise arrivals continue to serve as a vital economic engine, creating employment opportunities and sustaining livelihoods across various communities.

  • Wereldwijde aandelen stijgen, goud bereikt nieuw record

    Wereldwijde aandelen stijgen, goud bereikt nieuw record

    Global financial markets experienced broad-based gains on Thursday, propelled by robust corporate earnings optimism while gold prices shattered records for the ninth consecutive session, breaching the $5,500 per ounce threshold. The simultaneous surge in oil prices, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, further fueled market momentum.

    European equities demonstrated strength with the Euro STOXX 600 index advancing 0.5%, primarily driven by rising oil and precious metal prices. Major European exchanges in the United Kingdom, Spain, and France posted gains, while Germany’s DAX index declined 0.9% following disappointing economic data releases.

    Market participants continue to rely on strong corporate earnings to maintain equity attractiveness amid diminishing expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts before summer. The Federal Reserve maintained current interest rates during Wednesday’s meeting, emphasizing a “clearly improving” economic outlook. Chairman Jerome Powell remained silent regarding his future as Fed governor following his scheduled departure as chair in May.

    Deutsche Bank analysts suggest the Powell-led Fed may have implemented its final rate cut, with increasing balance between risks regarding additional reductions this year.

    Wall Street’s attention centered on Apple, with JPMorgan anticipating quarterly results exceeding expectations due to strong iPhone 17 demand and moderating cost increases. S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures edged higher despite Microsoft’s disappointing figures, offset by Meta’s upgraded revenue and investment projections for 2026.

    Gold surged 2.2% to approximately $5,594 per ounce, achieving nearly 28% monthly gains. Silver similarly benefited, climbing above $120 per ounce. This precious metal rally contributed to a 3% increase in European basic materials indexes, reaching levels unseen since May 2008.

    Oil prices reached four-month highs following President Trump’s warnings to Iran regarding potential attacks absent nuclear agreement progress. Brent crude advanced 2.5% to $70.11 per barrel, while U.S. crude rose 2.6% to $64.83 per barrel.

    Asian markets remained largely stable, with exceptions including South Korea’s 0.6% gain, bringing monthly advances to an impressive 23%. Taiwan’s technology exchange has climbed nearly 13% since January’s commencement.

    Microsoft shares declined 6.5% amid investment profitability concerns, while Meta’s after-hours trading surged 8% following raised 2026 revenue and investment guidance.

    The U.S. dollar faced continued pressure due to policy uncertainty and expanding national debt. The dollar index registered 96.36 against currency baskets, nearing Tuesday’s four-year low of 95.57. Despite U.S. officials advocating for dollar strength, European leaders expressed concern over the decline, with the European Central Bank suggesting a strong euro might justify rate reductions. The euro gained 0.2% to $1.1979, while the dollar weakened against the Swiss franc and Japanese yen.

  • Jamaica’s prime minister calls for a stronger Caribbean presence on the global stage

    Jamaica’s prime minister calls for a stronger Caribbean presence on the global stage

    Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has delivered a compelling address at CAF’s second International Economic Forum in Panama City, challenging Latin American and Caribbean nations to redefine their international standing. Speaking before an assembly of regional leaders, policymakers, and global investors, Holness articulated a vision of regional transformation from perceived vulnerability to recognized global leadership.

    The Prime Minister categorically rejected the conventional narrative of regional fragility, asserting that “vulnerability is not destiny.” He positioned the Caribbean not as peripheral to the global system but as fundamental to its stability, sustainability, and future expansion. Holness enumerated the region’s considerable advantages, including strategic geographical positioning, demographic youth, abundant natural resources, agricultural capacity, renewable energy potential, creative industries, and robust democratic frameworks.

    To translate these assets into global influence, Holness outlined a tripartite strategic approach: developing a cohesive regional competitiveness agenda focused on connectivity, logistics, energy security, and digital transformation; strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure stability; and pursuing dynamic diplomacy that engages both traditional partners and emerging markets.

    Drawing from Jamaica’s recent experience, the Prime Minister highlighted how disciplined fiscal management and institutional reforms enabled rapid recovery from Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm that caused extensive damage. This resilience, he noted, demonstrates the region’s capacity to withstand external shocks when supported by strong governance and international cooperation.

    Holness extended specific invitations to investors to explore Jamaica’s expanding opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and digital innovation. The Jamaican government, in partnership with CAF, has organized a dedicated Investment Forum to channel resources toward rebuilding efforts and sustainable development.

    The overarching message emphasized that the Caribbean’s future as a significant global actor depends on deliberate collective action, regional cohesion, and proactive international engagement rather than passive reaction to global trends.