分类： business

A new ride-hailing app, Swift, has ignited a heated debate in Antigua’s transportation sector, pitting modern technology against traditional taxi services. Launched earlier this year, Swift promises efficient and reliable rides for locals and tourists alike. However, Gregory Athill, president of the National Taxi Association, has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the app threatens both the livelihoods of taxi operators and the island’s long-standing culture of personalized service. Athill emphasized the importance of maintaining the human connection that has defined the industry for decades, stating, ‘We have a heritage, we have a culture where we have an experience, a relationship with people.’ He criticized the government for licensing Swift without consulting industry stakeholders, leaving taxi operators feeling sidelined. Another concern is the potential for unlicensed vehicles to operate on the platform, despite Swift’s assurances of rigorous driver verification. Athill remains steadfast in his resistance, declaring that the association will ‘stand its ground’ until their concerns are addressed. Meanwhile, some residents have expressed frustration with the traditional taxi system, citing issues like overcharging and limited availability. The clash highlights a broader tension between innovation and tradition, with the outcome likely to shape the future of Antigua’s transportation landscape.

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The Honorable Attorney General recently updated the Cabinet on his visit to the St. John’s Port, where he witnessed the arrival of a cutting-edge Liebherr LHM 420 mobile harbor crane. This $6.2 million investment by the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority is a pivotal move in the nation’s strategy to establish itself as a premier logistics hub in the Eastern Caribbean. The crane, renowned for its advanced control systems and rapid cycle times, is expected to handle up to 60 containers per hour, setting a new regional benchmark for efficiency. This technological leap is anticipated to significantly enhance cargo handling and trans-shipment operations, reducing turnaround times and bolstering the port’s competitiveness. The project is already in motion, with 18 components of the crane successfully off-loaded. A team of German engineers is on-site to oversee the reassembly, while local operators undergo hands-on training to ensure seamless operations. This initiative is projected to attract additional business, stimulate national revenue growth, and create new job opportunities, marking a transformative chapter for Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime sector.

Emirates, the Dubai-based global airline, has initiated high-level discussions with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to explore the possibility of adding the Eastern Caribbean nation to its extensive international network. The talks, held on September 24, 2025, in Dubai, involved Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, alongside senior executives from the airline. Representing Antigua and Barbuda were Theon Ali, Deputy Head of Mission to the UAE, and his delegation. The discussions focused on the strategic value of Antigua and Barbuda as a gateway to the Eastern Caribbean, emphasizing its growing reputation as a tourism and business hub. The Antiguan delegation highlighted the country’s potential to enhance connectivity for travelers from the Gulf region and beyond. Both parties explored the broader implications of establishing direct air links, including fostering investment flows and strengthening ties between the Middle East and the Caribbean. Emirates expressed its interest in conducting route viability assessments, aligning with its global expansion strategy. While no specific timeline was announced, the dialogue is set to continue, with both sides committed to deepening bilateral relations. This development follows Antigua and Barbuda’s recent air services agreement with Qatar in January 2025, which granted unlimited traffic rights for passenger and cargo flights between the two nations. The potential partnership with Emirates underscores the Caribbean nation’s efforts to bolster its international connectivity and economic prospects.