The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has unveiled the nominees for two prestigious categories in the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala. This year’s event shines a spotlight on six exceptional individuals whose contributions have significantly enhanced the nation’s tourism sector. The nominees were announced in two key categories: Port Frontline Employee of the Year and Transportation Service Provider of the Year. In the Port Frontline Employee of the Year category, four individuals have been recognized for their outstanding service at critical border-control and security points. These include Vivian Simon from the Antigua and Barbuda Customs & Excise Division, Jahlyn Turner from the Department of Immigration, Philmore Floyd from Antigua Cruise Port, and Malvern Charles from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda. Their nominations underscore the indispensable role frontline personnel play in delivering safe, efficient, and welcoming experiences for visitors. Meanwhile, the Transportation Service Provider of the Year category features two nominees: Carl Warner from the St John’s Taxi Association and Ian Richards from the United Taxi Company Limited. Both have been lauded for their excellence in visitor transport and customer service. According to the ABHTA, all six nominees exemplify the professionalism and dedication that drive the success of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry. The winners will be revealed on 29 November 2025 at the highly anticipated Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, hosted at Sandals Grande Antigua. The event, themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ is organized by the ABHTA in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Opposition MP Says Real Test Will Be the Budget, Not the Throne Speech
Opposition Member of Parliament Richard Lewis has expressed his dissatisfaction with this year’s Throne Speech, describing it as a reiteration of the government’s usual overview with little substantive content. Speaking shortly after the Governor General delivered the address, Lewis criticized the speech for its narrow focus on developments since 2020, while neglecting to acknowledge the significant achievements made between 2004 and 2014, which he believes were pivotal in the development of Antigua and Barbuda. Lewis emphasized that the Throne Speech holds limited importance in his assessment of the government’s direction, stating that the true measure of its priorities will be revealed in the upcoming national budget, set to be presented in December. He expressed his eagerness for the budget presentation, which he believes will provide a platform for a more meaningful discussion on critical issues such as persistent water shortages, strategies to address the wealth gap, and improvements to roads and education infrastructure. Lewis stressed that these issues demand clear answers and actionable plans, which he hopes the budget will deliver.
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Housing Push Passes 1,000 Units, With More Condos Coming in 2026
In a significant move to address housing needs, Antigua and Barbuda will expand its national housing programme by 2026, with hundreds of new homes planned across various communities, including the highly anticipated Booby Alley redevelopment. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams unveiled the initiative during the Throne Speech on Thursday, highlighting the government’s commitment to meeting growing housing demands. Since 2014, over 1,000 housing units have been constructed through collaboration between the government and private contractors, yet the need for additional homes continues to rise. The Booby Alley Project, a flagship initiative, will deliver 200 condominium-style units for former residents and others upon completion. Outside the capital, 100 additional condos will be built—50 in Barbuda and 50 in Bolans—to accommodate larger populations, with support from the People’s Republic of China. Affordability and resilience remain central to the housing strategy, with the National Housing and Urban Renewal Corporation offering subsidized housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority focusing on hurricane-resilient designs. The programme also prioritizes vulnerable groups, including the poor and elderly, through initiatives like food vouchers, electricity support, minimum Social Security payments, and the HAPI programme, which rebuilds homes for those affected by fires or unsafe living conditions. Sir Rodney commended the housing minister for his dedication and compassionate leadership.
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Antigua Predicts Record Tourism Season With 450,000 Stayovers and 1 Million Cruise Arrivals
Antigua and Barbuda is poised to experience its most robust tourism season in history, with projections of 450,000 stayover visitors and nearly one million cruise passengers anticipated for the 2025–2026 period. This optimistic forecast was unveiled by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams during the Throne Speech on Thursday. The surge in tourism is attributed to significant investments in luxury resorts and the ongoing diversification of the nation’s tourism offerings. Sir Rodney emphasized that the projected increase in arrivals underscores the country’s strategic focus on high-end development while retaining its appeal to a broader audience. Major projects currently underway include the construction of a Rosewood Hotel on Barbuda’s southern coast, a Nobu Resort adjacent to the existing restaurant, and the expansion of the PLH development, which now boasts 350 rooms. Additionally, boutique projects led by Barbudan entrepreneurs are being planned through new investment partnerships. On Antigua, notable developments include the Nikki Beach project by Calvin Ayre and a new Marriott-branded property nearing completion at Yeptons Beach. The government is also enhancing the food and beverage sector by attracting high-end restaurants to the tourism landscape. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to cater to economy-class travelers, who constitute the majority of arrivals. Plans include a significant government stake in the rehabilitation and expansion of the Jolly Beach Hotel. The Throne Speech highlighted tourism as the cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, emphasizing the long-term benefits of diversification, upgraded offerings, and sustained investment across both islands.
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Antigua and Barbuda Producing 11 Million Gallons of Water Daily — A Record Output
Antigua and Barbuda has reached a historic milestone in its water production, now generating over 11 million gallons of desalinated water daily—the highest output in the nation’s history. This achievement was announced during the Throne Speech on Thursday by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, who highlighted the country’s significant progress in addressing long-standing water shortages.
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Government Credits Foreign Direct Investment for Antigua and Barbuda’s Rapid Economic Expansion
Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been the cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s remarkable economic growth over the past 25 years, according to Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. In his Throne Speech delivered on Thursday, Sir Rodney highlighted how sustained inflows of overseas capital have propelled the nation’s economy from US$802 million in 2000 to over US$2 billion today. He emphasized that FDI has been instrumental in driving development across key sectors, including construction, hospitality, banking, housing, and public infrastructure, laying the foundation for the country’s “solid, stable, and soaring” progress.
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Antigua and Barbuda Marks 300% GDP Growth as First Quarter of Century Closes
Antigua and Barbuda has achieved an extraordinary economic milestone, with its national output surging by over 300% in the past 25 years. The country’s economic performance has climbed from US$802 million in 2000 to an anticipated US$2 billion by 2025. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams emphasized this remarkable achievement during his Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, describing it as a testament to the nation’s resilience and strategic planning. Despite facing significant challenges, including hurricanes, droughts, flooding, the global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has emerged stronger, thanks to the collective efforts of its workers, entrepreneurs, and successive governments. Sir Rodney attributed this success to a combination of factors, including robust foreign direct investment, a thriving construction and hospitality sector, enhanced educational opportunities, and a stable socio-political environment characterized by low crime rates. The country’s per capita income now exceeds EC$60,000, and it ranks 53rd on the United Nations Human Development Index—the highest among Caribbean nations. Looking ahead, the government is optimistic about sustaining this growth trajectory, with plans to invest in infrastructure, tourism, and education to drive further economic expansion in the coming decades.
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LIAT’s Comeback Will Support Africa–Caribbean Air Link Through Air Peace, GG says
The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, announced during the Throne Speech on Thursday that the revival of LIAT will play a pivotal role in enhancing regional connectivity as Air Peace prepares to launch direct flights between Africa and Antigua. Sir Rodney emphasized that LIAT’s resurgence symbolizes the sustainability of an airline once deemed a “dead horse,” positioning it as a crucial link for passengers arriving from the African continent. The expanded operations of LIAT are expected to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a regional hub, facilitating the movement of African tourists and business travelers to neighboring islands—a development seen as a significant economic opportunity for the Eastern Caribbean. Sir Rodney highlighted that LIAT’s expansion beyond the Eastern Caribbean reflects a broader recovery in the aviation sector, reinforcing Antigua’s strategic role in interregional travel and tourism growth. The Throne Speech also underscored the government’s infrastructure investments, including runway resurfacing at V.C. Bird International Airport and upgrades to roads and utilities, which are essential for accommodating increased passenger traffic. With Air Peace set to commence regular flights to Antigua, LIAT’s network will be instrumental in efficiently distributing incoming visitors across the Caribbean. Sir Rodney likened LIAT’s renewed mission to a “phoenix,” rising to meet the next phase of regional air connectivity.
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Serious Crime Falls 10% as Government Plans New Forensic Services Bill in 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has witnessed a significant 10% reduction in serious crime this year, as announced by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams during the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament. The decline, attributed to effective leadership within the Royal Police Force and enhanced community policing initiatives, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s public safety efforts. Sir Rodney outlined a series of ambitious reforms set to modernize law enforcement and criminal justice by 2026, including the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services. This new agency will focus on drug analysis and the development of specialized biology and chemistry divisions, equipping investigators with advanced scientific tools currently unavailable locally. Additionally, plans to expand the Industrial Court with more judges aim to expedite labor-related case resolutions, while the government reaffirms its commitment to transparency and the rule of law. Antigua and Barbuda’s ranking as second in the Caribbean and 38th globally on the 2025 Rule of Law Index underscores these efforts. Rehabilitation within His Majesty’s Prison also received renewed attention, with a focus on reducing recidivism through skills-training programs and the recruitment of qualified correctional officers. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force was commended for its joint security initiatives with the police, particularly during high-profile events. Sir Rodney emphasized that this comprehensive strategy—combining modern policing, forensic advancements, and structured rehabilitation—is essential to sustaining the nation’s improving public safety landscape.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Roll Out National Health Insurance in 2026
Antigua and Barbuda is set to implement a National Health Insurance (NHI) system in 2026, marking a significant shift from the 46-year-old Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS). The new system aims to provide broader coverage, enhance protection for vulnerable populations, and ensure portability across CARICOM member states. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams announced the initiative during the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare in response to evolving national needs. The NHI will expand the range of covered diseases, address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension, and ensure equitable access to care for all citizens, particularly the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The transition aligns with ongoing upgrades to health infrastructure, including a new mental health facility in Seaview Farm and a state-of-the-art dialysis center at the old Holberton site, which will also support kidney transplants. Sir Rodney also highlighted the government’s focus on promoting healthier lifestyles to combat rising NCD rates. As the 2026 rollout approaches, details on contribution rates and benefits are expected to be unveiled, positioning the NHI as a cornerstone of universal healthcare access in Antigua and Barbuda’s next phase of development.