As Antigua’s aviation industry prepares for the 2026 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit, a pressing need for regulatory precision has emerged. With over a decade of experience as a Corporate Aviation Service Provider, our company has witnessed the sector’s evolution firsthand. From establishing FBO 2000, which set a benchmark for excellence in Antigua, St. Kitts, and Nevis, to its acquisition by global leader Signature Flight Support, the journey has been transformative. Today, equipped with the region’s largest corporate aviation hangar and the logistical capacity to cater to ultra-wealthy clients, we are poised to elevate the industry once more. However, world-class infrastructure alone is insufficient without robust regulation. A critical issue lies in the unique land ownership structure surrounding Runway 10, where 90% of the land is privately owned. This anomaly, coupled with the absence of a “Registration of a Difference” filed with ICAO, creates a regulatory grey area that jeopardizes aviation insurance and operational compliance. As Antigua operates on a decommissioned US Air Base while being a full ICAO member, the implications of private land ownership within an airport have yet to be fully addressed. The 2026 ICAO audit demands clarity and the establishment of proper regulatory procedures to ensure safety, security, and international trust. Antigua’s aviation sector must now harmonize its assets and history with the regulatory discipline required to meet global standards.
分类： business
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Antigua and Barbuda Eyes Sports and Conference Tourism to Diversify Sector
Antigua and Barbuda is poised for significant advancements in its tourism industry, as government officials unveil plans to diversify the sector by emphasizing sports and conference tourism. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, addressing the nation over the weekend, highlighted tourism as the cornerstone of the country’s economy. However, he stressed the importance of developing high-value niches to ensure year-round activity and reduce dependency on conventional leisure travel. This strategic shift aims to attract a broader range of visitors, including sports enthusiasts and business professionals, thereby enhancing economic resilience. The move reflects a long-term vision to position the twin-island nation as a versatile and competitive destination in the global tourism market. By leveraging its natural beauty and infrastructure, Antigua and Barbuda seeks to capitalize on emerging trends and secure sustainable growth for its tourism sector.
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Sunrise Airways suspends all flights to Port-au-Prince
Sunrise Airways has announced the immediate suspension of all flights to and from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, due to escalating security concerns. The airline emphasized that this decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers, crew members, and operational staff. Flights will only resume once the security situation stabilizes and is deemed safe for operations. The company is actively monitoring the developments in collaboration with relevant authorities, reiterating that safety remains its utmost priority. Affected passengers will be contacted directly to discuss rebooking options, travel credits, or refunds in accordance with the airline’s policies. Sunrise Airways expressed gratitude for travelers’ patience and encouraged them to contact customer service for further assistance.
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GDF acquires new helicopters
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has significantly bolstered its aviation capabilities with the acquisition of two state-of-the-art Bell helicopters, the Bell 429 Global Ranger and the Bell 407. Announced by Chief-of-Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan on Sunday, November 23, 2025, these helicopters are set to arrive in Guyana by mid-next week. Manufactured in 2025 by Bell Textron Inc., these aircraft represent a substantial investment, with the Bell 429 costing up to US$10.2 million and the Bell 407 priced at a maximum of US$3.2 million, according to online publications. The helicopters, currently bearing US registration markings, will soon be re-registered under the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The Bell 429, a nine-seater with dual engines, is versatile, serving executive transport, air ambulance, and rapid public safety response roles. Similarly, the Bell 407 is equipped for public safety missions, including fire safety, crew transport, and emergency services. This acquisition follows a tragic incident in December 2023, when a Bell 412Epi helicopter crashed during a military mission, resulting in the loss of five lives, including veteran pilot Michael Charles. The government has yet to release the crash report, underscoring the importance of this new investment in enhancing the GDF’s operational safety and efficiency.
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A showcase of opportunities offered by the Cuban economy
The 41st Havana International Fair (Fihav 2025), the premier trade event in the region, commenced today with a focus on advancing strategic sectors of Cuba’s economy and positioning the nation as a dependable hub for international business. This year’s edition transcends conventional trade discussions by emphasizing high-potential areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and integration into global blocs like BRICS. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, highlighted the fair’s broader mission at a recent press conference, stating, ‘Fihav 2025 is not just a platform for trade; it’s a showcase of Cuba’s economic opportunities, rooted in innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.’ The event features five thematic exhibition zones, including the ‘Made in Cuba’ pavilion, which spotlights the export potential of local products, particularly from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and production hubs. Another key area, ‘Renewable Energy in Cuba,’ promotes the island’s energy transition through panels on sustainable investments. Additionally, the ‘Digital Transformation and AI’ section explores the application of cutting-edge technologies in management and production. A dedicated segment on ‘BRICS and Integration Mechanisms’ highlights cooperative projects within frameworks such as ALBA-TCP, the EAEU, and ALADI. The ‘Unique Cuba’ sector underscores tourism’s role in driving economic growth through service exports and productive chains. Despite challenges posed by the U.S. blockade and the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Fihav 2025 has drawn participation from 47 countries and the European Union, including strategic partners like Russia, China, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. Key sectors represented include agribusiness, biotechnology, medical services, tourism, energy, and logistics. The fair also hosts the 8th Investment Forum, featuring updates on Cuba’s Portfolio of Opportunities, and the Caribbean Banking Forum.
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Dominican Republic gains key insights from ACI-LAC visits to Singapore and Malaysia airports
The Dominican Republic’s Airport Department has garnered significant recognition for its active participation in the Airports Council International for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) annual study tour. The event, hosted at Singapore’s Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia, provided a platform for global airport leaders to exchange strategic insights and foster collaboration. Rafael Echevarne, ACI-LAC director, underscored the tour’s importance, noting that it offers invaluable exposure to global trends, cutting-edge technologies, and operational best practices that can be adapted to the Latin American and Caribbean region. Víctor Pichardo, director of the Dominican Republic’s Airport Department, highlighted that the knowledge acquired is already being implemented to drive innovation and enhance efficiency across the country’s international and domestic terminals. This fourth edition of the study tour brought together airport representatives from various Latin American and Caribbean nations, enabling them to observe the advanced infrastructure, operational models, and management strategies of two of the world’s leading airports. The event not only strengthened regional cooperation but also contributed to ongoing modernization efforts in the aviation sector.
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Suriname, Guyana in energy cooperation says outgoing Ambassador
Suriname and Guyana are deepening their collaboration across multiple sectors, particularly in energy, as highlighted by Suriname’s outgoing Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal. Speaking at a reception marking Suriname’s 50th independence anniversary and 50 years of diplomatic relations with Guyana, Ambassador Blankendal emphasized the progress in joint efforts spanning oil and gas, renewable energy, and electricity interconnection. These initiatives aim to foster sustainable growth and resilience in both nations. The two countries are also exploring shared benefits from a natural gas field straddling their border, though differing production-sharing agreements remain a challenge. Looking ahead, Blankendal underscored the potential for leveraging natural and renewable resources to drive green innovation and inclusive prosperity. Beyond energy, bilateral trade has seen significant growth, and tourism cooperation has advanced with a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025. This agreement paves the way for joint promotion, sustainable travel, and cultural exchanges, positioning Guyana and Suriname as a unique and unspoiled tourism destination. Guyana’s Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, praised the partnership as a model for regional integration, highlighting achievements in energy, infrastructure, trade, and security. As Blankendal concluded her diplomatic tenure, she expressed deep affection for Guyana, vowing to return and continue fostering ties. Her legacy includes co-founding the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce and her long-standing commitment to Rotary initiatives.
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Bigger grants, bigger impact? UWP proposes $25 000 youth business grants
In Saint Lucia, a young entrepreneur’s journey from braiding hair at 15 to owning her own salon exemplifies the transformative power of small-scale grants. With a $5,000 grant from the Youth Economy Agency (YEA), she invested in essential equipment like a hydraulic chair and salon sink, expanding her services and renting out stations for additional income. Her story highlights the YEA’s mission to empower young entrepreneurs through financial support, training, and mentorship. Since its inception, the YEA has disbursed over 1,505 grants, trained 880 individuals, and injected an estimated $9.6 million into the economy. However, with a general election approaching, the United Workers Party (UWP) has pledged to increase start-up grants to $25,000, sparking a debate on the viability and impact of larger funding. UWP leader Allen Chastanet argues that smaller grants, like the YEA’s $3,000 to $5,000 offerings, are insufficient for meaningful business growth. He cites the party’s proposed “Youth SOS Plan” as a more impactful solution for youth-led ventures in agriculture, digital economy, hospitality, and creative sectors. Youth advocates, however, emphasize that the effectiveness of grants depends on alignment with the needs of the target demographic. Franz George, a youth development advocate and business consultant, notes that smaller grants can suffice for micro-enterprises with limited scaling ambitions, while larger grants may be necessary for ventures requiring significant capital. He stresses the importance of monitoring and evaluation to assess the long-term sustainability of grant programmes. As the YEA continues to support young entrepreneurs with its holistic approach, the upcoming election raises questions about the future of youth economic empowerment in Saint Lucia. Will larger grants drive greater impact, or is the key to success a tailored, needs-based approach? The answer may shape the island’s entrepreneurial landscape for years to come.
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RIU says it will reopen all Jamaica hotels before year-end
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, international hotel chain RIU has taken a proactive role in the recovery of the island’s tourism sector. With its hotels already prepared to resume operations, RIU has prioritized both employee welfare and community support as part of its comprehensive recovery strategy.
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Jobless numbers fall: Rate down to 9.3% as nearly 4,000 find work
The Bahamas has witnessed a notable decline in its unemployment rate, which fell to 9.3 percent in the second quarter of 2025, as revealed by preliminary data from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI). This marks a significant improvement from the first quarter’s 10.8 percent, driven by a surge in employment figures between April and June. Total employment rose to 218,620, an increase of 3,895 jobs, while the number of unemployed individuals dropped to 22,470, reflecting a reduction of 3,455. Both genders benefited from this positive trend, with male unemployment decreasing from 12,630 to 10,690 and female unemployment declining from 13,295 to 11,780. Youth unemployment also saw a slight improvement, falling to 20.3 percent, a 0.6 percentage point decrease from the previous quarter. The labour force expanded modestly to 241,090, with the participation rate climbing to 76.7 percent. Male participation rose to 80.7 percent, while female participation reached 72.4 percent. Key sectors such as construction, wholesale and retail, and community services experienced significant employment gains, with construction leading the way at a 17 percent increase. The number of discouraged workers, those who have stopped seeking employment due to perceived lack of opportunities, plummeted by 64 percent to 2,270. Educational qualifications among the workforce varied, with 27 percent reporting no formal examinations as their highest qualification, while 26 percent held a Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education.