ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (Oct. 2, 2025) — Antigua Cruise Port ushered in the 2025/2026 cruise season with a momentous event on Thursday, as Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas made its inaugural scheduled call. This arrival not only marked the official start of the season but also set the stage for what is anticipated to be a record-breaking year for the port. The occasion was further amplified by significant advancements in the port’s Upland Development Project, a transformative initiative led by Global Ports Holding. This ambitious project seeks to modernize the facility, enhance passenger amenities, and solidify Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean. Port officials celebrated these dual milestones, emphasizing their potential to drive continued growth in the tourism sector. With high expectations for increased passenger arrivals, the port is poised to strengthen its economic impact and global reputation. The season’s launch also highlighted the port’s strategic partnerships and commitment to delivering world-class experiences for travelers. As the Upland Development Project progresses, the port aims to attract more visitors and boost local businesses, further cementing its role as a key player in the Caribbean’s tourism industry.
分类： business
-
VIDEO: Antigua and Barbuda Eyes Record-Breaking Tourism Year in 2025
Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up for a landmark year in tourism, with projections indicating that 2025 could surpass the record-breaking numbers achieved in 2024. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez shared this optimistic outlook during a recent regional industry conference, highlighting the strong booking trends for the latter half of the year. The first half of 2025 has already mirrored the robust performance of 2024, which saw the twin-island nation and the broader Caribbean region set unprecedented arrival records. Fernandez emphasized that the surge in bookings across cruise, air, and yachting sectors positions 2025 to exceed the previous year’s figures. However, he also cautioned about external factors that could impact performance, such as the uncertainty surrounding a potential U.S. government shutdown—a critical source market for Antigua and Barbuda—and ongoing challenges with airlift capacity. To mitigate these risks, the government is actively diversifying its tourism markets. Recent air service agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, along with discussions with Emirates Airlines, aim to establish direct flights from the Middle East and Africa within the next 6 to 12 months. Infrastructure development is another cornerstone of the nation’s strategy. The V.C. Bird International Airport is undergoing a $50 million runway resurfacing project, while Barbuda’s new international airport, operational since October 2024, is being marketed as a luxury gateway for high-end travelers and private jets. Fernandez also highlighted the growing importance of sports tourism, with events like the Caribbean Dinghy Challenge expected to attract visitors in the coming months. Despite the challenges, Fernandez remains optimistic about the future, citing Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic infrastructure, logistics, and market diversification as key drivers for sustained tourism growth.
-
Old Barnes Funeral Home Demolished as Antigua Cruise Port Expansion Advances
The demolition of the former Barnes Funeral Home has marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing expansion of Antigua Cruise Port’s Upland Development Project. This significant step is part of a broader initiative to modernize port infrastructure and enhance visitor facilities, driven by Global Ports Holding. The company has committed to delivering world-class upgrades to meet the increasing demands of the global cruise industry. The project aims to transform the port into a modern gateway for tourism, boosting economic growth in Antigua and Barbuda. The demolition coincided with the arrival of the Rhapsody of the Seas on October 2, the first scheduled call of the 2025/2026 cruise season. This event set a vibrant tone for what is anticipated to be a record-breaking year for cruise arrivals in the region. Port managers emphasized that these dual achievements—the demolition of the Barnes site and the start of the new cruise season—highlight their dedication to advancing tourism and infrastructure development. The expansion project is expected to significantly enhance the port’s capacity and appeal, positioning Antigua as a premier destination for cruise travelers worldwide.
-
Halkitis rejects suggestions of manipulated government numbers, defends fiscal data
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Economic Affairs Minister Senator Michael Halkitis has firmly refuted claims questioning the reliability of the government’s fiscal data, emphasizing that all published figures undergo rigorous independent verification. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, Halkitis highlighted that the Ministry of Finance, Treasury, Internal Audit, and the Auditor General meticulously review the data. He further noted that international entities such as the IMF, S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch, as well as private investors, rely on these figures when making investment decisions in The Bahamas. ‘There is no contemplation, let alone desire, to manipulate these numbers,’ Halkitis asserted, addressing recent allegations head-on.
The minister confirmed that the government concluded the 2024/25 fiscal year with a deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP, comfortably within the targeted range of 0.3 to 0.7 percent. He attributed this achievement to robust revenue growth, economic expansion, and effective expenditure control. ‘We are very pleased with this outcome,’ Halkitis remarked, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline.
In a significant development, Standard & Poor’s recently upgraded The Bahamas’ sovereign credit rating from B+ to BB-, a move Halkitis described as a step toward restoring the nation’s investment-grade status within the next two to three years. He linked the upgrade to the country’s strong economic performance, improved revenue administration, and prudent fiscal management.
Looking ahead, Halkitis clarified that while the government is not currently in a surplus, it anticipates a budget surplus of approximately $75 million by the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year. He also addressed delays in government payments to vendors, stressing that all properly contracted and certified work would be compensated.
On the issue of unemployment, Halkitis acknowledged a recent temporary uptick but expressed confidence in the government’s ability to address skill gaps in the job market. ‘The economy is generating demand for jobs, and we are ensuring our workforce is equipped to meet this demand,’ he concluded.
-
SCB launches research into tokenizing real-world assets
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB) has unveiled its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting its initiation of foundational research into the tokenization of real-world assets. This move comes in response to growing interest from licensees and other stakeholders in the digital asset space. The SCB has commenced drafting three comprehensive papers that delve into the characteristics of asset tokenization, its prevalent applications, and the associated benefits, risks, and regulatory challenges. While these papers do not aim to establish policy recommendations, they will serve as preliminary research to guide future regulatory decisions. Tokenization, the process of converting physical assets into digital tokens on a blockchain, enables the digital representation of ownership or rights in assets such as real estate, commodities, art, and intellectual property. These tokens can be traded or sold digitally, offering new opportunities for asset management and investment. Additionally, the report disclosed that 25 firms were registered under the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act (DARE) by the end of 2024. The DARE Act, enacted on 29 July 2024, replaced its 2020 predecessor, introducing significant updates to the regulatory framework for digital assets and exchanges. The SCB’s DARE Unit continued to engage in pre-applicant meetings to facilitate registrations under the Act. On the enforcement front, the Commission reported 18 ongoing matters from 2023, with two new litigation cases and one criminal case initiated in 2024. As of 31 December 2024, 20 enforcement matters remained unresolved, including 13 litigation cases, three administrative issues, and four criminal investigations. Administrative matters primarily involved non-compliance with filing obligations and record-keeping requirements under the Securities Industry Act and Regulations.
-
Sky Caterers in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic earn perfect scores in Delta audits
Sky Caterers, the in-flight kitchen operator at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico and Las Américas International Airport in the Dominican Republic, has achieved exceptional results in Delta Air Lines’ food safety and quality audits. Both facilities earned a perfect 100% score in Food Processing Quality and Food Processing Safety, meeting Delta’s stringent industry standards. Augusto Del Valle, Corporate Director of Catering for the Caribbean, commended the accomplishment, emphasizing the rigorous nature of Delta’s audit process. Ada Torres, Operations Director at Las Américas, highlighted that the inspections were conducted by Medina Quality, an independent international firm renowned for its unannounced evaluations, ensuring impartiality and precision. The audits encompassed all aspects of food preparation, packaging, storage, and delivery, alongside interviews and reviews of critical control systems. Key records, including cleaning checklists, temperature controls, and product traceability, were meticulously examined. The final report confirmed Sky Caterers’ flawless performance and dedication to operational excellence, solidifying its reputation as a leader in meeting the aviation industry’s highest standards.
-
No agreement yet with U.S. company to supply cheaper fuels to Guyana
Nearly eight months after the Guyana government announced plans to secure cheaper fuels for its citizens through a partnership with U.S.-based Curlew Midstream, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealed on Thursday that no formal agreement has been signed. The deal, which aimed to establish a storage facility in Guyana, has been delayed due to significant differences in the terms. Negotiations were suspended until after the September 1 general and regional elections. Jagdeo emphasized that the government would only proceed with an agreement that ensures long-term benefits for Guyana while delivering immediate cost reductions. The proposed project involved procuring fuels through Curlew Midstream and building a tank farm to store additional fuel, potentially lowering procurement costs by 20% to 35%. Jagdeo reiterated the government’s commitment to thorough due diligence, stating that they would not rush into any agreement that could harm the country’s future. The project, initially announced in February 2025, also envisioned Guyana becoming a fuel hub for the Caribbean and northern Brazil, with Curlew Midstream investing $300 million in a state-of-the-art depot capable of storing 750,000 barrels of various fuels.
-
Legislators warn of economic and migration crisis if HELP program ends
In Santo Domingo, a coalition of legislators, economists, and Haitian representatives is advocating for the renewal of the Haiti Economic Enhancement Program (HELP) Extension Act. They caution that its discontinuation could result in the loss of approximately 25,000 jobs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, while simultaneously exacerbating migration pressures. Dominican Senator Omar Fernández (Fuerza del Pueblo) emphasized that the program has been instrumental in attracting investment to the border region and serving as a deterrent to illegal migration. He warned that its termination could lead to an influx of unemployed Haitians seeking opportunities in the Dominican Republic. Economist Edita Rodríguez Salce highlighted the broader economic repercussions, noting that the program’s end would adversely affect both nations and threaten the free trade zone sector, which employs thousands in companies producing for renowned brands like Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein, and Klass. William Charpentier, coordinator of the National Roundtable for Migration and Refugees, described the potential dismantling of the program as a devastating blow to Haiti, which is already grappling with political and economic collapse. He criticized the inconsistency of international support, pointing out that while governments express solidarity with Haiti, critical initiatives like HELP are allowed to lapse. The closure of the textile sector, one of Haiti’s few remaining economic lifelines, would further deepen the country’s ongoing crisis.
-
New development bank to start up with US$200 million in tranches
Guyana is set to establish a new development bank in 2026, with an initial seed capital of US$200 million, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced on Thursday. The funds will be allocated in tranches, contingent on demand assessments, and will be integrated into the 2026 national budget. Jagdeo emphasized the importance of mentoring, financial literacy, and technical support to ensure borrowers can repay loans, creating a sustainable revolving fund. He expressed confidence in the bank’s success, acknowledging a potential 10% failure rate, consistent with global financial systems. The government will periodically inject additional capital as revenues grow, ensuring the bank’s long-term viability. Currently, a concept paper for the proposed bank is under development. This initiative follows the dissolution of the Guyana Cooperative Agricultural and Industrial Development Bank (GAIBANK) in 1995 due to high non-performing loans, which was later merged with the Guyana National Cooperative Bank before its closure in 2002.
-
Barbados & Dominica Join Forces To Offer Multi-Destination Tourism Experiences
In a groundbreaking move to enhance their tourism sectors, Barbados and Dominica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on marketing, sustainable tourism, and multi-destination packages. The agreement was formalized on October 1, 2025, at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). Represented by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the partnership aims to leverage the unique strengths of both islands to attract global travellers and foster regional economic growth.