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Antigua and Barbuda has been honored as the Caribbean’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination for 2025 at the prestigious World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony. The event, held in Saint Lucia on Saturday night, saw the twin-island nation triumph over strong regional competitors such as Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and The Bahamas. This accolade underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s growing stature as a preferred hub for high-profile international conferences and events. The award follows a series of significant gatherings hosted in the country, including the United Nations SIDS4 Conference, the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly, and the Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Additionally, the nation is gearing up to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), further solidifying its position on the global stage. Tourism officials have celebrated this recognition, attributing it to the country’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, exceptional hospitality services, and dedication to sustainable development. For more information about the award and the destination, visit visitantiguabarbuda.com.

In a significant move to enhance national self-sufficiency in marine infrastructure, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has acquired a majority stake in Blue Ocean, a newly established state-linked dredging and reclamation company. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the decision during an interview on the *Browne and Browne Show* on Pointe FM, revealing that the government will hold approximately 75 percent ownership of the company. As part of this initiative, the government has invested $2.5 million in state-of-the-art dredging equipment, including a $1.2 million dredge machine and a $1.3 million barge, both expected to arrive within four weeks. This strategic acquisition aims to reduce reliance on foreign contractors and position Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in maritime engineering. The equipment will enable the government to undertake harbor and reclamation projects independently, fostering cost savings and generating revenue through regional contracts. Prime Minister Browne emphasized that this investment aligns with a broader strategy to strengthen public-sector capacity in critical areas such as construction, port management, and coastal defense. Blue Ocean is part of a suite of government-owned enterprises, including a concrete and block plant and a modern port crane, designed to retain economic value within the country. The Prime Minister highlighted the dual benefits of this approach: reducing taxpayer costs and creating practical, revenue-generating assets. The new dredging equipment is expected to support future port expansion, coastal protection, and marine restoration projects, further solidifying Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a hub for maritime innovation in the Caribbean.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that the nation is on the brink of a decade-long period of sustained economic growth. Speaking on the ‘Browne and Browne Show’ on Pointe FM, Browne highlighted the country’s robust fiscal performance, infrastructure development, and unprecedented levels of investment as key drivers of this growth. He emphasized that all major economic indicators are trending upward, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as one of the strongest economies in the Eastern Caribbean. Browne pointed to significant achievements in attracting investments, increasing per capita income, and fostering growth across various sectors, including tourism, construction, and services. He also noted a sharp decline in inflation from post-pandemic highs of 9–10%, with forecasts predicting stabilization around 3% by early next year. Beyond economic stabilization, Browne outlined the government’s expanded focus on social and environmental progress, with upcoming investments in education, healthcare, and community infrastructure. ‘With sustained growth, our goal is to improve living standards and create a society where everyone shares in the progress,’ he stated. The prime minister’s remarks coincide with strong performance in key sectors, particularly tourism, which is expected to welcome over one million cruise visitors this season.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that Antigua and Barbuda’s inflation rate is showing signs of easing, marking a significant turnaround after months of economic challenges. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne highlighted that inflation decreased by 0.5% in June and is projected to stabilize at around 3% by early next year. This development follows a period when inflation soared to double-digit figures, reaching as high as 9–10%. Browne emphasized that the current trend reflects a sharp improvement, with key economic indicators now pointing toward sustained stability and growth. He attributed this progress to the government’s robust policies, including fiscal discipline, strategic investment attraction, and effective post-pandemic recovery measures. Browne also noted that per capita income is on the rise, and the nation’s economy is performing well across all metrics. Looking ahead, the government plans to shift its focus beyond economic growth to encompass social and environmental development, aiming to enhance the overall quality of life for citizens. Initiatives will include strengthening education, healthcare, and community infrastructure while maintaining growth across various sectors. Browne’s optimistic outlook underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s resilience and its position as one of the region’s most stable economies.