The government has unveiled plans to relocate the Coast Guard from St. John’s Harbour to Camp Blizzard, a move aimed at facilitating the expansion of the port. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, made the announcement during the weekly Cabinet press briefing on Thursday. He emphasized that the Ministry of Works has been tasked with preparing the new site, which already features a dock. The relocation will proceed once office spaces and living quarters for staff are completed at Camp Blizzard. Merchant highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance St. John’s port’s capacity and solidify its position as a key regional transshipment hub. The announcement comes on the heels of the recent acquisition of a US$6.2 million mobile harbor crane, which is expected to significantly boost the port’s operational efficiency, enabling it to handle over 60 containers per hour when integrated with existing infrastructure. The government’s long-term vision focuses on modernizing the port to attract more international trade and bolster economic growth.
标签： Antigua and Barbuda
安提瓜和巴布达
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Antigua Prepares for Busy Cruise Season With Hundreds of Calls Scheduled
Antigua and Barbuda is poised for an exceptionally vibrant 2025–2026 cruise season, with a staggering 540 ship calls scheduled between October 2025 and April 2026, as revealed in the latest calendar update from Antigua Cruise Port. Published on September 25, 2025, the schedule features a diverse array of cruise operators, including industry giants such as Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Cunard. While the majority of these vessels will dock in St. John’s, the ports of Falmouth and Barbuda are also set to welcome a significant number of arrivals. The season will encompass a mix of transit stops, homeport operations, and overnight stays, catering to vessels of varying sizes—from intimate boutique luxury ships carrying fewer than 200 passengers to colossal megaships accommodating over 4,000 travelers. With multiple days expected to host two or more ships simultaneously, the upcoming season is anticipated to be one of the busiest in recent memory. Although the schedule outlines maximum vessel capacities, actual occupancy rates may vary. Antigua Cruise Port has emphasized that all berthing assignments and times remain subject to change, reflecting the dynamic nature of cruise operations. This surge in maritime activity is expected to provide a substantial boost to the local economy, particularly in tourism and related sectors.
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From Burritos to Breakthroughs: Lessons from Chipotle’s Turnaround for Caribbean Entrepreneurs and Business Owners.
In the realm of business, few narratives are as inspiring as a remarkable comeback. Chipotle Mexican Grill’s resurgence under CEO Brian Niccol stands as a testament to strategic innovation and bold leadership. For entrepreneurs in Antigua and Barbuda, Niccol’s journey offers invaluable insights into revitalizing and future-proofing businesses. Here are five key lessons distilled from Chipotle’s transformation.\n\n**Lesson 1: Embrace Digital Transformation**\nWhen Niccol assumed leadership in 2018, Chipotle was grappling with food safety scandals and a damaged reputation. His immediate focus was on digitization. By introducing mobile ordering and drive-through “Chipotlanes,” he streamlined the customer experience. This digital leap propelled Chipotle’s revenue from \$4.8 billion to \$9.9 billion in just five years. The takeaway for local businesses is clear: digital convenience is no longer optional. Investing in mobile platforms, online booking, and loyalty apps can enhance accessibility and customer satisfaction.\n\n**Lesson 2: Operational Efficiency as a Growth Driver**\nNiccol’s strategy extended beyond digitization to operational optimization. He implemented second “make lines” for online orders, automated food preparation, and streamlined kitchen processes. These changes, though unglamorous, were transformative. For Caribbean businesses, this underscores the importance of addressing internal inefficiencies before pursuing expansion. Auditing and improving processes can build trust and loyalty, which are essential for sustainable growth.\n\n**Lesson 3: Innovate the Customer Experience**\nRather than overhauling the menu, Niccol focused on reimagining how customers interacted with Chipotle. He introduced lifestyle bowls for niche diets and made certain items app-exclusive, driving digital engagement. For instance, the app-only quesadilla led to a 37% surge in loyalty sign-ups within a week. Entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from this approach by exploring ways to enhance customer interaction, such as offering exclusive online deals or creating personalized experiences.\n\n**Lesson 4: Balance Growth with Brand Integrity**\nWhile Niccol’s strategies boosted profits, they also raised concerns about declining customer experience, including smaller portions and reduced human interaction. This serves as a cautionary tale for Caribbean businesses: as you scale, ensure that growth amplifies your brand’s core values rather than eroding them. Protecting what makes your business unique—whether it’s customer service or artisanal quality—is crucial.\n\n**Lesson 5: Leadership Requires Courageous Change**\nNiccol’s success was rooted in his willingness to challenge traditions and make bold decisions. His ability to execute transformative strategies with resilience highlights the importance of courageous leadership. For business leaders in Antigua and Barbuda, this is a call to embrace change, pivot business models, and invest in long-term transformation.\n\n**Universal Applicability**\nThese lessons transcend industries and borders. Whether in hospitality, financial services, or education, the principles of digital transformation, operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and courageous leadership are universally applicable. By fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, Caribbean businesses can position themselves for success in an evolving global landscape.
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12-year-old charged for wounding 15-year-old
In a shocking turn of events, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has charged a 12-year-old boy in connection with a violent stabbing incident that left a 15-year-old hospitalized. The altercation took place on Tanner Street on the afternoon of September 15, 2025, where the victim was reportedly attacked with a sharp object, sustaining severe injuries. The injured teenager was rushed to the hospital and remains in the Intensive Care Unit, fighting for recovery. The accused juvenile has been formally charged with Unlawful Wounding, and the case has been referred to the Child Justice Board for further proceedings. This incident has sparked widespread concern in the community, raising questions about youth violence and the need for preventive measures. Authorities are urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and engage in open dialogues with their children to address behavioral issues early on.
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High Court Judge Tunde Bakre says farewell to Antigua
Justice Tunde Ademola Bakre, a Nigerian-born jurist, has concluded his tenure as a High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) in Antigua and Barbuda, leaving behind a profound impact on the nation’s legal landscape. Appointed on September 29, 2023, Bakre presided over several landmark cases that tested the boundaries of the law and reshaped judicial processes in the region. His departure to serve in the Turks and Caicos Islands marks the end of a transformative chapter in Antigua and Barbuda’s judiciary.
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Authorities order Buccaneer Cove vendor to relocate to Fort James as development plans for the area move forward
The Ministry of Tourism and Investment has mandated the relocation of a licensed beach vendor operating at Buccaneer Cove, Dickenson Bay, to Fort James Beach by Friday, September 26. This decision aligns with the government’s development plans for the area, as the landowner is prepared to commence construction. Vendor Brian Coates was notified via a letter on Monday, stating that further delays could not be accommodated. Tourism officials will assign Coates a new spot at Fort James, ensuring a smooth transition. The relocation comes with specific restrictions, including a limit of 25 beach chairs and a requirement to downsize his current structure. These measures aim to preserve a “welcoming and peaceful atmosphere for tourists,” according to the ministry. Opposition activist George Wehner criticized the move, accusing the Gaston Browne administration of undermining local beach vendors. He expressed concern over the downsizing of Coates’ operation and the relocation to Fort James Beach. The ministry has assured that the Beach Safety and Security Unit will assist Coates throughout the process. This development highlights the ongoing tension between local businesses and government-led initiatives aimed at tourism and economic growth.
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VIDEO: Government denies borrowing money from Social Security
Government denies borrowing money from Social Security
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Pringle Pushes for Answers on Social Security, Debt and Missing Reports at PAC Meeting
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, convened on Thursday in a tense session that brought critical issues of government debt, statutory compliance, and Social Security transparency to the forefront. The meeting began with procedural clarifications but swiftly escalated into a heated debate over financial accountability. Pringle emphasized the need for the committee’s rules of procedure to be formally presented in Parliament, citing recurring disruptions and strained interactions with government members. The Director of Audit and the Accountant General provided updates on long-standing financial adjustments, including accounts linked to defunct entities like a 19th-century savings bank. While some adjustments could be resolved administratively, others required parliamentary approval, with officials pledging progress by year-end. Pringle warned that delays could perpetuate distortions in the nation’s financial records. Lawmakers expressed frustration over statutory bodies failing to submit audited statements, particularly Social Security, which had only provided management accounts from 2022. The Director of Audit highlighted the lack of independent oversight in managerial accounts, underscoring accountability gaps. Members called for a compliance table to identify chronic offenders since 2010. The committee also scrutinized a $330 million bond issued to Social Security, with Pringle questioning the decade-long freeze on interest payments and whether the arrangement had parliamentary approval. Treasury officials acknowledged the debt as a priority but admitted to inconsistent payments, often relying on asset swaps rather than cash. The status of NAMCO, a state-owned company, was also examined, with audits for 2017–2020 reportedly completed but never tabled in Parliament. Members agreed to address this omission in the next sitting. The session was marked by sharp exchanges between Pringle and government MPs, with accusations of misleading the public and debates over the PAC’s mandate. Pringle argued that the committee was being hindered without full access to accounts, while government members pointed to other parliamentary mechanisms for accountability. Discussions also revealed uncertainties about government investments, with officials admitting documentation gaps. Pringle concluded the meeting by thanking auditors and civil servants for their support but stressed that true oversight depends on timely financial disclosure. He highlighted the live broadcast of the proceedings as a step toward greater transparency in public finances.
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Ghana welcomes visa-free access into Antigua and Barbuda
In a significant diplomatic development, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the signing of a visa waiver agreement with Antigua and Barbuda. The agreement, finalized on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, marks the 10th such pact secured by Ghana under Ablakwa’s leadership. The announcement was made via social media on September 25, where Ablakwa expressed gratitude to his counterpart, H.E. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, for his instrumental role in achieving this milestone. The visa waiver is part of the Mahama Administration’s broader strategy to enhance the value of the Ghanaian passport, promote international trade and tourism, and strengthen cultural and economic ties with Caribbean nations. This agreement is expected to facilitate smoother travel for Ghanaians, fostering deeper connections with Antigua and Barbuda while projecting Ghana’s positive image on the global stage.
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Antigua and Barbuda Highlights Ocean Protection Efforts on World Maritime Day
As the world commemorates World Maritime Day on the last Thursday of September, Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) is taking center stage in international maritime governance. This year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underscores the urgent need to safeguard marine ecosystems amidst escalating global threats. ADOMS, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, is actively engaged in three pivotal multilateral initiatives: the BBNJ Agreement, the Global Plastics Treaty, and IMO-led efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Antigua and Barbuda faces disproportionate risks from climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Despite minimal contributions to global emissions, the nation has emerged as a leader in advocating for equitable and ambitious environmental policies. The BBNJ Agreement, adopted in 2023, focuses on conserving biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, while the Global Plastics Treaty aims to address plastic pollution across its lifecycle. Concurrently, the IMO is advancing strategies to decarbonize the shipping industry, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. These efforts highlight the interconnectedness of ocean governance and the critical role of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and environmental justice underscores its dedication to securing a sustainable future for the world’s oceans.