分类： business

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has unveiled ambitious plans for port modernization, projecting significant job creation and economic transformation as part of a broader strategy to establish the nation as a regional logistics hub. Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized that the EC$500 million investment in upgrading cargo and cruise facilities will enhance operational efficiency, increase cargo-handling capacity, and reduce turnaround times. These improvements are expected to bolster the country’s competitiveness in international trade and attract larger cargo volumes. Browne highlighted that the establishment of a fully operational transshipment port will spur the growth of ancillary industries, including bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. These emerging sectors are anticipated to create entrepreneurial opportunities and increase demand for skilled labor. The Prime Minister noted that the project will generate employment across various fields, offering opportunities for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young professionals seeking new career paths. Additionally, the port expansion is projected to open new markets for local producers, increase government revenues through taxes and fees, and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s role in global trade. Browne described the acquisition of advanced port equipment, such as new cranes, as a symbol of national progress and a critical step toward building a diversified, agile, and globally connected economy.

Paynters Development, a prominent player in the real estate and construction sector, has reported substantial advancements in its ongoing projects. The company has been actively implementing a series of strategic improvements aimed at enhancing the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of its developments. These enhancements span across various aspects, including architectural design, construction methodologies, and environmental considerations. Industry experts have lauded Paynters for its commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to evolving market demands. The company’s latest initiatives are expected to set new benchmarks in the industry, fostering greater customer satisfaction and long-term value creation. With a robust pipeline of projects, Paynters Development continues to solidify its position as a leader in the competitive real estate landscape.

On Friday, the Antigua Cruise Port achieved a pivotal moment in its cruise tourism evolution with the arrival of the Arvia, which officially berthed at the newly constructed cruise terminal to commence homeporting operations. Homeporting, recognized as one of the most lucrative segments of the cruise industry, is known to drive increased passenger expenditure and stimulate demand for ancillary services such as provisioning, transportation, and accommodations. The Antigua Cruise Port heralded this development as the dawn of ‘a vibrant cruise season ahead,’ underscoring the nation’s strategic efforts to bolster its presence in the regional cruise market. This milestone not only signifies a leap forward for Antigua’s tourism sector but also positions the island as a key player in the Caribbean cruise industry.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has heralded the commissioning of a state-of-the-art cargo-handling crane at the Deepwater Harbour as a pivotal milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s ambitious plan to establish itself as a regional transshipment hub. The new crane, Browne emphasized, is not merely an operational enhancement but a strategic investment in the nation’s future, symbolizing the government’s dedication to modernization, competitiveness, and global connectivity. This development follows an estimated EC$500 million investment in modernizing both cargo and cruise ports over recent years. The prime minister highlighted that the crane will significantly boost cargo-handling capacity, streamline turnaround times, and enhance the reliability of port operations. These improvements are expected to facilitate business operations, benefiting importers, exporters, and local entrepreneurs through faster and more efficient services. Browne articulated a broader vision of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a premier regional transshipment port, leveraging expanded capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and robust logistics infrastructure to attract major shipping lines. Increased cargo volumes are anticipated to reduce freight and handling costs, thereby lowering the overall cost of doing business. The government also foresees heightened revenues from taxes, fees, and port-related services as transshipment activities grow. Additionally, the initiative is projected to generate employment opportunities for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young professionals entering the maritime sector. Beyond the port, Browne envisions the burgeoning maritime economy spurring new industries such as bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. He concluded that the transformation of the port into a transshipment hub will serve as a major driver of national economic growth and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. The crane, Browne declared, stands as a “symbol of progress,” signaling Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to thrive in a competitive global environment.