Antigua & Barbuda PM condemns Cuba’s continued inclusion on list of countries sponsoring terrorism

Antigua and Barbuda is taking decisive steps to enhance its port infrastructure by acquiring a barge to support ongoing dredging projects at St. John’s and Crabbs harbours. This initiative is a critical component of the nation’s broader port expansion strategy, aimed at boosting cargo handling and cruise ship capacity. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized the necessity of the barge during a recent Cabinet press briefing, stating that previously procured equipment cannot function without it. Two barges have been identified, and the government is currently evaluating the most cost-effective option without compromising quality. The dredging efforts are part of a comprehensive upgrade that includes the introduction of a US$6.2 million mobile harbor crane. Additionally, the government plans to relocate the Coast Guard to Camp Blizzard, freeing up valuable waterfront space for future development. These upgrades are expected to enhance operational efficiency, attract more business, and contribute to national revenue growth, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a competitive shipping and tourism hub in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Statistics Division, operating under the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance, has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for May 2025, revealing a continued downward trend in inflation. Over the twelve months ending in May, the CPI declined by 0.6%, following a 1.2% drop in April. Similarly, the All Items Less Food and Energy index fell by 1.4% during the same period. These declines were primarily driven by reductions in housing, water, electricity, gas, transport, and household maintenance costs. Notably, the index for Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine Household Maintenance plummeted by 5.1%, while Transport Services saw a significant 13.0% decrease. Collectively, these categories account for 45.7% of the All Items Less Food and Energy index. On a monthly basis, the CPI decreased by 0.6%, with the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index dropping by 0.3%. The Food Index experienced a slight decline of 0.4%, with six out of nine major supermarket food groups recording decreases. Key contributors to this decline included Milk, Cheese and Eggs (-3.1%), Bread and Cereals (-2.5%), and Vegetables (-1.0%). However, Meat and Meat Products and Fish and Seafood saw increases of 3.4% and 1.1%, respectively. The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Index rose by 1.5%, driven by a 5.7% increase in Fruit and Vegetable Juices. The CPI, a key measure of inflation, tracks the average price changes of goods and services purchased by households. Prices are collected monthly and quarterly from supermarkets and other suppliers, with expenditure patterns derived from household budget surveys. For more detailed methodology and access to the full CPI report for May 2025, visit the Statistics Division’s official website at www.statistics.gov.ag.

The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has announced the engagement of Brakkam Aviation Management, LLC (Brakkam) to provide interim executive leadership and strategic support during the transition period following the departure of its permanent Chief Executive Officer. This collaboration aims to ensure operational continuity and enhance the efficiency, safety, customer experience, financial sustainability, and environmental stewardship of the airports managed by ABAA. Brakkam will also assist in the recruitment of a new CEO and advise on improvements to meet international aviation standards. ABAA, established under the Airport Authority Act of 2006, oversees the V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and the Barbuda International Airport in Barbuda. This partnership comes at a crucial juncture as ABAA prepares for the 2026 ICAO audit and certification of both airports. ABAA Chairman Rolston Potter emphasized the importance of this engagement, stating, ‘Brakkam’s proven expertise in global aviation management will position ABAA to exceed international standards and solidify its role as a key international hub.’ Brakkam, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, boasts a distinguished portfolio, having worked with major clients such as the World Bank Group, the Guangdong Airport Authority in China, and the Airports Authority of Jamaica. The firm has also provided consultancy services to the governments of St. Lucia and the British Virgin Islands. Miguel Southwell, founder and principal of Brakkam, has been appointed as the project leader and Interim CEO of ABAA, effective September 29, 2025. With over four decades of aviation experience, Southwell’s career highlights include leadership roles at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest passenger airport, and Miami International Airport. His extensive contributions to the aviation sector include advisory roles for CARICOM on regional air connectivity and leadership positions within the Airports Council International (ACI). Southwell’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic vision to ABAA, ensuring its continued growth and success in the global aviation landscape.

Antigua and Barbuda is poised for an exceptionally vibrant 2025–2026 cruise season, with a staggering 540 ship calls scheduled between October 2025 and April 2026, as revealed in the latest calendar update from Antigua Cruise Port. Published on September 25, 2025, the schedule features a diverse array of cruise operators, including industry giants such as Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Cunard. While the majority of these vessels will dock in St. John’s, the ports of Falmouth and Barbuda are also set to welcome a significant number of arrivals. The season will encompass a mix of transit stops, homeport operations, and overnight stays, catering to vessels of varying sizes—from intimate boutique luxury ships carrying fewer than 200 passengers to colossal megaships accommodating over 4,000 travelers. With multiple days expected to host two or more ships simultaneously, the upcoming season is anticipated to be one of the busiest in recent memory. Although the schedule outlines maximum vessel capacities, actual occupancy rates may vary. Antigua Cruise Port has emphasized that all berthing assignments and times remain subject to change, reflecting the dynamic nature of cruise operations. This surge in maritime activity is expected to provide a substantial boost to the local economy, particularly in tourism and related sectors.

In the realm of business, few narratives are as inspiring as a remarkable comeback. Chipotle Mexican Grill’s resurgence under CEO Brian Niccol stands as a testament to strategic innovation and bold leadership. For entrepreneurs in Antigua and Barbuda, Niccol’s journey offers invaluable insights into revitalizing and future-proofing businesses. Here are five key lessons distilled from Chipotle’s transformation.\n\n**Lesson 1: Embrace Digital Transformation**\nWhen Niccol assumed leadership in 2018, Chipotle was grappling with food safety scandals and a damaged reputation. His immediate focus was on digitization. By introducing mobile ordering and drive-through “Chipotlanes,” he streamlined the customer experience. This digital leap propelled Chipotle’s revenue from \$4.8 billion to \$9.9 billion in just five years. The takeaway for local businesses is clear: digital convenience is no longer optional. Investing in mobile platforms, online booking, and loyalty apps can enhance accessibility and customer satisfaction.\n\n**Lesson 2: Operational Efficiency as a Growth Driver**\nNiccol’s strategy extended beyond digitization to operational optimization. He implemented second “make lines” for online orders, automated food preparation, and streamlined kitchen processes. These changes, though unglamorous, were transformative. For Caribbean businesses, this underscores the importance of addressing internal inefficiencies before pursuing expansion. Auditing and improving processes can build trust and loyalty, which are essential for sustainable growth.\n\n**Lesson 3: Innovate the Customer Experience**\nRather than overhauling the menu, Niccol focused on reimagining how customers interacted with Chipotle. He introduced lifestyle bowls for niche diets and made certain items app-exclusive, driving digital engagement. For instance, the app-only quesadilla led to a 37% surge in loyalty sign-ups within a week. Entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from this approach by exploring ways to enhance customer interaction, such as offering exclusive online deals or creating personalized experiences.\n\n**Lesson 4: Balance Growth with Brand Integrity**\nWhile Niccol’s strategies boosted profits, they also raised concerns about declining customer experience, including smaller portions and reduced human interaction. This serves as a cautionary tale for Caribbean businesses: as you scale, ensure that growth amplifies your brand’s core values rather than eroding them. Protecting what makes your business unique—whether it’s customer service or artisanal quality—is crucial.\n\n**Lesson 5: Leadership Requires Courageous Change**\nNiccol’s success was rooted in his willingness to challenge traditions and make bold decisions. His ability to execute transformative strategies with resilience highlights the importance of courageous leadership. For business leaders in Antigua and Barbuda, this is a call to embrace change, pivot business models, and invest in long-term transformation.\n\n**Universal Applicability**\nThese lessons transcend industries and borders. Whether in hospitality, financial services, or education, the principles of digital transformation, operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and courageous leadership are universally applicable. By fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, Caribbean businesses can position themselves for success in an evolving global landscape.

Government denies borrowing money from Social Security