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.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
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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.
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Cabinet Waives Utility Charges for ABFA Technical Center
In a significant move to bolster sports infrastructure, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has granted a waiver on electricity and water charges for the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Technical Center in Paynters, St. George. The decision, championed by Sports Minister Daryll Matthew, underscores the government’s recognition of the ABFA as the nation’s official football governing body. The Technical Center, a multi-million-dollar facility, features two FIFA-certified artificial turf fields, modern changing rooms, laundry services, administrative offices, and public amenities. It serves as a pivotal hub for football training, youth development, and competitions, including school tournaments organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports. The Cabinet emphasized that this waiver aligns with similar concessions extended to other national sports venues, ensuring equitable treatment. The ongoing waiver highlights the government’s commitment to advancing youth and community development, fostering sporting excellence, and elevating Antigua and Barbuda’s standing in regional and international football. The Cabinet also reaffirmed its dedication to expanding the country’s social and sporting infrastructure, creating more opportunities for young people through sports.
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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.
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Dangerously hot conditions in effect for Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an excessive heat warning, alerting residents to dangerously high temperatures expected to persist across the islands through Sunday. The advisory, active daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., highlights that the heat index—a combination of temperature and humidity—could soar to 43°C (109°F). Meteorologists attribute the extreme conditions to a mix of high temperatures, elevated humidity, and light winds, which collectively create ‘dangerous heat stress conditions.’
While the risk level is classified as medium, the service warns that the heatwave could lead to severe health issues, including heat cramps, exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and low-income or homeless populations are particularly at risk.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors, and seeking shade or cool areas if feeling unwell. They also emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat stroke, such as confusion, fainting, or dangerously high body temperature, and immediately contacting emergency services if these signs appear.
Updates on the situation will be provided on the official website antiguamet.com and through the meteorological service’s social media channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary steps to protect themselves and others during this extreme weather event.
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Antiguan Andrea Jacobs to Co-Chair Global AI Oversight Body
Antigua and Barbuda has emerged as a key player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, with Andrea Jacobs, a seasoned legal officer from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, appointed as co-chair of a newly established global network of AI supervisory authorities. This prestigious role, shared with Saudi Arabia, places the small island nation at the forefront of international efforts to develop ethical and effective AI standards. Andrea Jacobs’ appointment is a testament to Antigua and Barbuda’s growing influence in global technology governance and its commitment to shaping the future of AI. With over 11 years of legal experience and dual LL.M. degrees in Banking and Finance from Queen Mary University and Environment and Energy Law from Georgetown Law University, Jacobs brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. Her career highlights include significant contributions to banking regulations, FinTech, AI law, data privacy, and environmental law. Recognized as a leading authority in emerging fields such as AI, digital currency, and privacy law in the Caribbean, Jacobs has been instrumental in advancing legal scholarship and policymaking. As a respected member of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), she has played a pivotal role in developing ethical and regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with privacy and security. In addition to Jacobs’ appointment, Crown Counsel Zachary Phillips has been confirmed to lead legal coordination for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil. Phillips will advise negotiators, review draft texts, and align positions across the agenda, further solidifying Antigua and Barbuda’s role in global climate resilience. Despite these high-profile appointments, the government acknowledges the need to strengthen domestic AI capabilities. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized the importance of transitioning from theoretical discussions to practical frameworks. The Ministry of Legal Affairs is currently developing a national AI strategy and regulatory framework to ensure the secure and responsible adoption of AI technology. Together, these appointments highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic approach to leveraging its professionals for international influence while building technological and climate resilience at home.
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Taxi Operators Say They Are Open To App-Based Services
Taxi operators at Antigua and Barbuda’s VC Bird International Airport are undergoing a significant transformation, embracing digital platforms and app-based services with strong government support. This modernization initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for international visitors while curbing illegal competition from unlicensed operators. At a recent post-Cabinet briefing, officials announced that the United Taxi Company (UTC) has committed to adopting online booking systems and mobile apps, aligning with global trends in transportation technology. The government is also encouraging the use of modern vehicles, including SUVs, to upgrade the taxi fleet. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, emphasized that travelers increasingly prefer pre-arranged transport to avoid delays at the airport. The Ministry of Information and Technology will provide technical support to develop or adapt these digital platforms. The move comes in response to concerns over ‘fly-by-night’ operators—unlicensed drivers who unlawfully solicit passengers, undermining legitimate services. To address this, the Cabinet has approved measures such as a dispatcher system, increased police presence, and a new sticker and registration regime for destination management companies. These reforms, agreed upon by taxi associations, the airport authority, and other stakeholders, represent a major shift in the country’s ground transportation sector. By combining technological advancements with stricter regulations, the initiative seeks to protect both operators and visitors, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience.
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Antigua & Barbuda Joins Call for Stronger Backing of Regional Airlines
In a landmark session at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort, tourism leaders from across the Caribbean convened to address pressing challenges in regional connectivity. The ministerial panel, featuring representatives from Belize, Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, Turks & Caicos Islands, Grenada, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, focused on strategies to reduce the high cost of regional travel, enhance airlift and ferry services, and promote sustainable tourism practices. The discussions underscored the urgent need for harmonized tax policies, stronger collaboration among regional carriers, and innovative solutions such as code-sharing and mileage systems to make travel more affordable. Antigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez, emphasized the importance of unified action, stating, ‘Whatever we do in the Caribbean should be more harmonized.’ Tobago’s Secretary of Tourism, Councillor Tashia Burris, echoed this sentiment, calling for greater support for regional carriers like interCaribbean, LIAT, and Caribbean Airlines. Turks & Caicos Minister of Tourism, Zhavargo Jolly, highlighted the collective power of Caribbean nations, asserting, ‘When you talk to one of us, you speak to all of us.’ The session concluded with a proposal to present Caribbean heads of government with a comprehensive document outlining actionable solutions to reduce travel costs, harmonize tax policies, and strengthen regional carrier collaboration. The CTO was also urged to take a leading role in coordinating these efforts, marking a significant step toward a more connected and sustainable Caribbean tourism industry.
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Antigua’s Youth Tourism Minister Calls for Sustainability, Technology, and Inclusion
At the 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress held on Thursday, Antigua and Barbuda’s Junior Minister of Tourism, Kiara Kwenga, delivered a compelling call to action, urging her regional counterparts to prioritize sustainability, technology, and social inclusion as the future pillars of Caribbean tourism. Kwenga emphasized that the traditional reliance on ‘sun, sea, and sand’ is no longer sufficient to maintain the region’s competitive edge in the global tourism market. She highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s proactive environmental initiatives, including the ban on single-use plastics, coral reef restoration projects, and the establishment of the Barbuda Blue Halo marine reserve, as examples of leadership in sustainable tourism. On the technological front, Kwenga showcased innovative solutions such as virtual reality previews for travel agents, paperless digital immigration systems, and augmented reality storytelling at historical sites like Nelson’s Dockyard. She also revealed plans to develop AI-powered multilingual apps to serve as ‘digital ambassadors’ for visitors. Kwenga further underscored the importance of community-based tourism and economic inclusion, citing initiatives like Culinary Month in May, which promotes local cuisine while extending the tourism season and supporting local farmers, chefs, and restaurants. Microfinancing and training programs were also highlighted as key strategies to ensure tourism revenues benefit local communities. ‘What we are crafting in Antigua and Barbuda is not merely a tourism product. It is a vision — where innovation meets tradition, where paradise is protected, and where every citizen shares in the promise of progress,’ Kwenga stated. The Congress also featured presentations from young delegates, including 16-year-old Jolé St. John of Tobago, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2025 Regional Junior Tourism Minister, who spoke on leveraging heritage tourism for development. Other participants included Junior Ministers from Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, among others. The Youth Congress, a flagship initiative of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, aims to cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the tourism sector among young leaders aged 14 to 17, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry.
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Trump declares drug cartels operating in Caribbean unlawful combatants
In a bold move that has sparked significant debate, President Donald Trump has officially declared drug cartels as unlawful combatants, asserting that the United States is now engaged in an ‘armed conflict’ with these organizations. This declaration, outlined in a memo obtained by The Associated Press, marks a dramatic escalation in the administration’s approach to combating drug trafficking. The memo justifies the use of military force under the law of armed conflict, signaling a shift in how the U.S. addresses the flow of illicit narcotics into the country.