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标签： Antigua and Barbuda

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  • Antigua and Barbuda Positioned as Southern Caribbean Cruise Gateway

    Antigua and Barbuda Positioned as Southern Caribbean Cruise Gateway

    Antigua and Barbuda has strategically positioned itself as the premier gateway for Southern Caribbean cruise tourism following the inauguration of its state-of-the-art cruise terminal in St John’s. The transformative development signals a fundamental shift in the nation’s maritime capabilities, transitioning from a mere port of call to a comprehensive homeporting destination.

    Lancelot Arnold, Eastern Caribbean Regional Director at Global Ports Holding, articulated the strategic vision during Saturday’s grand opening ceremony at the newly constructed Antigua Cruise Port facility. The terminal’s advanced infrastructure now enables full turnaround operations, permitting cruise passengers to both commence and conclude their voyages within Antigua and Barbuda—a capability that substantially enhances the nation’s cruise infrastructure and regional significance.

    This development fundamentally redefines Antigua’s role within Caribbean maritime logistics, establishing the nation as a pivotal hub for itineraries extending to Southern Caribbean destinations including St Lucia and neighboring islands. The enhanced connectivity fosters unprecedented regional cooperation while demonstrating how modern port infrastructure can drive economic resilience and sustainable growth.

    The project realization stemmed from an effective public-private partnership between port operators and the Antiguan government. Gasper George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, revealed the terminal was completed in under twelve months, with the broader Upland Development project scheduled for completion by mid-year.

    George emphasized that the inauguration marks a new evolutionary phase for Antigua’s cruise sector, necessitated by increasingly larger vessels and elevated passenger expectations. The economic implications extend far beyond the port itself, generating substantial ripple effects across transportation services, tour operations, retail establishments, culinary venues, hospitality providers, and numerous ancillary industries throughout the dual-island nation.

  • Historic winter storm kills several, causes mass travel disruption across US

    Historic winter storm kills several, causes mass travel disruption across US

    A catastrophic winter storm of historic proportions has unleashed chaos across the United States, resulting in multiple fatalities and bringing the nation’s transportation networks to a standstill. The ferocious system, characterized by arctic blasts, blinding blizzards, and dangerously icy conditions, has impacted a vast swath of the country from the Great Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast.

    Authorities have confirmed several storm-related deaths, attributed to traffic accidents, exposure to the extreme cold, and other weather-induced emergencies. The severe conditions have triggered a cascade of travel disruptions, with thousands of flights canceled nationwide and major airlines issuing waivers. Key interstate highways have been rendered treacherous or completely impassable, stranding motorists and prompting officials to implore residents to avoid any non-essential travel.

    Critical infrastructure has also been severely tested. Power outages have left tens of thousands of households in the dark and without heat amidst freezing temperatures, while emergency services are operating at maximum capacity responding to a surge in calls. The storm’s timing during a busy holiday travel period has magnified its impact, leaving countless families separated and holiday plans in disarray. Meteorologists are describing the event as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ weather phenomenon, highlighting its rapid intensification and the record-breaking low temperatures it has delivered.

  • Dancehall artiste Lybran opens Jamaican restaurant in Antigua

    Dancehall artiste Lybran opens Jamaican restaurant in Antigua

    In a testament to entrepreneurial resilience, Jamaican dancehall performer Lybran, celebrated under his stage moniker Rum Boss, has inaugurated an authentic Jamaican dining establishment on the island of Antigua. This venture, christened Reggae Village, materializes five years following his relocation to Antigua and Barbuda and is strategically situated in Willikies along the eastern coastline, en route to the renowned Long Bay Beach and Devil’s Bridge landmark.

    Lybran, born Lamon Morvin Cousins in St. Thomas, Jamaica, revealed to the Jamaica Observer that the conception of Reggae Village was forged amidst the adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic. He characterized this epoch as profoundly challenging yet transformative, catalyzed by the birth of his youngest child which instilled a renewed drive to establish a steadfast livelihood for his family. The enterprise was realized through unwavering determination and significant personal sacrifice.

    While the restaurant’s core mission is to cater to Antigua’s expanding Jamaican diaspora, it has remarkably garnered substantial patronage from the local Antiguan community and international tourists alike. The establishment’s reputation has been elevated by visits from distinguished personalities, including athletes from the West Indies cricket and football squads. This acclaim has facilitated a natural expansion into off-site catering services, broadening the business’s scope.

    Concurrently, Lybran continues to nurture his artistic career alongside his culinary pursuits. His recent showcase at the prestigious One Nation Music Festival in Antigua placed him on a lineup with icons such as Capleton, Gramps Morgan, Mr Vegas, and Masicka. A highlight of the event was an impromptu collaborative performance with Gramps Morgan, who extended an invitation for Lybran to join him on stage for a rendition of his track ‘Rum Talk Part 3’. This surprise appearance astonished many attendees who were previously unacquainted with his musical endeavors, resulting in an outpouring of newfound admiration and support from the audience.

  • Antigua cruise terminal partnership hailed as ‘transformational’

    Antigua cruise terminal partnership hailed as ‘transformational’

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation through its strategic alliance with Global Ports Holding Ltd (GPH), according to Tourism Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez. The minister’s remarks came during the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed cruise terminal located on Lower Newgate Street, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime infrastructure development.

    The collaboration, formalized through a comprehensive 2019 agreement, represents a calculated governmental strategy to secure Antigua and Barbuda’s competitive positioning within the rapidly evolving global cruise industry. Fernandez emphasized that this partnership extends beyond mere physical infrastructure, creating vital connections between international visitors and local cultural experiences, commercial enterprises, and community networks.

    GPH’s involvement has introduced international operational standards, enhanced efficiency protocols, and implemented a forward-looking development framework that has fundamentally redefined the nation’s cruise tourism proposition. The minister revealed that passenger arrival projections for the current year indicate a remarkable doubling of pre-partnership figures, significantly surpassing post-pandemic recovery expectations.

    Among the partnership’s most notable achievements highlighted by Fernandez was Antigua Cruise Port’s decision to maintain full staff compensation throughout the COVID-19 operational shutdown—a move characterized as exemplary corporate citizenship. Additional benefits include comprehensive facility modernization, optimized passenger processing systems, elevated visitor satisfaction metrics, and increased participation opportunities for local businesses within the cruise tourism value chain.

    The successful implementation of this public-private partnership model demonstrates how strategic international collaboration can catalyze sectoral growth while maintaining strong community engagement and corporate responsibility standards.

  • PM Says Immigration Amnesty Needed to Unlock Skills Already in Workforce

    PM Says Immigration Amnesty Needed to Unlock Skills Already in Workforce

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has articulated a compelling economic rationale for Antigua and Barbuda’s newly announced immigration amnesty program. In a recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ programme, the leader emphasized that regularizing undocumented workers represents an essential strategy for sustaining the nation’s economic expansion.

    The policy initiative, according to Browne, aims to harness the untapped potential of skilled laborers already contributing to the economy while constrained by their irregular immigration status. ‘The economy is growing, and quite frankly, without the immigrants, we would not be able to sustain the growth,’ Browne stated, highlighting critical workforce gaps in construction, tourism, and other rapidly expanding sectors.

    Browne pointed to the increasingly tight labor market as development activities intensify across the twin-island nation. This economic reality has created unprecedented demand that cannot be satisfied solely by the local workforce. ‘Practically anyone who wants a job and is not too fussy about what job they do can find a job,’ the Prime Minister observed, noting that immigrant labor has become indispensable for maintaining momentum across multiple industries.

    The regularization program is designed to transition workers from informal economic participation to fully documented status, enabling them to contribute more openly and productively. Browne emphasized that this approach benefits both workers and the state, creating a more regulated and compliant workforce while addressing genuine economic needs rather than political considerations.

    While specific details regarding implementation timelines and eligibility criteria will be formally outlined by relevant authorities, the Prime Minister positioned the amnesty as a cornerstone of a broader labor-management strategy. This comprehensive approach seeks to balance continued economic growth with improved regulatory frameworks and workforce compliance mechanisms.

  • PM Predicts significant improvement in agricultural production with million-dollar equipment purchase

    PM Predicts significant improvement in agricultural production with million-dollar equipment purchase

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a comprehensive agricultural modernization program featuring significant infrastructure investments to address food security challenges and enhance climate resilience. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced these developments during his recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program, detailing substantial equipment acquisitions and facility upgrades currently underway.

    The Ministry of Agriculture has already taken delivery of new heavy machinery including two 20-ton trucks and an excavator, with additional equipment scheduled to arrive within weeks. The incoming inventory includes a bulldozer, track loader, backhoe, and another excavator—all designated exclusively for agricultural purposes. This specialized equipment will directly support farmers with critical tasks including land preparation, water storage solutions, and improved farm accessibility.

    Concurrently, the government has procured two modern abattoirs whose equipment has already been shipped and is expected to reach the islands within approximately 45 days. Site preparation and civil works for these facilities are slated to commence imminently, with projected operational status within 12-18 months.

    As part of climate adaptation initiatives, the administration will implement solar-powered lighting systems to facilitate night farming operations. This innovative approach addresses growing concerns about heat waves exacerbated by climate change, enabling agricultural workers to avoid peak daytime temperatures while maintaining productivity.

    Prime Minister Browne emphasized that these combined investments represent strategic measures to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported food supplies. While acknowledging that complete food self-sufficiency remains challenging, the government is implementing deliberate policies to expand domestic production capacity and strengthen national food security.

  • PM says 4000 jobs created last year as Antigua nears a 7-billion-dollar economy

    PM says 4000 jobs created last year as Antigua nears a 7-billion-dollar economy

    Antigua and Barbuda’s economic trajectory shows remarkable expansion with projections indicating the nation’s economy will soon surpass the US$7 billion threshold, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The leader made these declarations during a recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ programme, countering assertions of administrative underperformance with concrete economic metrics.

    Statistical evidence reveals the economy has experienced substantial growth from approximately US$3.6 billion when the current administration assumed office to its present valuation nearing US$6 billion. This represents significant economic progression over the past decade, with continued expansion anticipated within the forthcoming two to three years.

    Prime Minister Browne emphatically stated, ‘Within the next two, two and a half years, Antigua and Barbuda’s economy will reach approximately seven billion dollars. The figures demonstrate sustained economic expansion that contradicts critical narratives.’ He challenged skeptics to observe the visible economic activity throughout the nation, noting the evident vitality across the islands.

    The tourism sector remains a primary economic driver, maintaining what Browne described as a ‘buoyant’ performance that continues to generate employment opportunities and stimulate broader economic activity. Notably, the nation created over 4,000 jobs between 2024 and 2025—a substantial achievement for a country with a population of approximately 100,000 residents.

    Immigration has additionally supported economic growth by addressing labor shortages in expanding construction and tourism industries. The government maintains its commitment to sustaining this growth trajectory while simultaneously enhancing local participation across key economic sectors.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen Kia Kirwan to Represent at the Miss OECS Pageant in Dominica

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen Kia Kirwan to Represent at the Miss OECS Pageant in Dominica

    Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural ambassador, Queen Kia (Ms. Kia Kirwan), is preparing to represent the nation at the prestigious Miss OECS Pageant scheduled for January 30, 2026, in Dominica. This regional competition unites delegates from across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States in a celebration that transcends conventional beauty contests by emphasizing intellectual acuity, cultural heritage, and regional solidarity.

    The pageant serves as a dynamic platform for emerging female leaders to advocate for their nations while promoting cross-cultural understanding. Queen Kia’s participation highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing initiatives to empower young women and showcase national cultural assets within the Caribbean community.

    Official endorsements have poured in from prominent national figures. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, commended Kirwan’s dedication: “Queen Kia exemplifies the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of our nation. We proudly support her representation with confidence and distinction.”

    Echoing this sentiment, The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, characterized her participation as both a personal milestone and a national achievement: “She embodies our creative talent and cultural identity on the regional stage.”

    With anticipation building, the Festivals Commission has mobilized public support, encouraging citizens to demonstrate national pride through the ‘268’ campaign (referencing the country’s telephone code) as Kirwan prepares to compete in this showcase of Caribbean beauty, unity, and female empowerment.

  • Government Investing in Night Farming to Address Climate Change

    Government Investing in Night Farming to Address Climate Change

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced a groundbreaking agricultural initiative on Saturday, revealing government investments in nocturnal farming operations as a direct response to climate-driven temperature increases. During his appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ programme, the leader explained that solar lighting installations will enable agricultural workers to cultivate crops during cooler nighttime hours, effectively avoiding peak daytime heat that has significantly hampered productivity.

    The innovative approach addresses the growing challenge of heat waves linked to climate change, which have rendered traditional daytime farming increasingly difficult. ‘We’ll be putting in solar lights so that those who want to farm at night can do so,’ Browne stated, explicitly connecting the measure to ‘the issue with heat waves as a consequence of climate change.’

    This night farming strategy forms one component of a comprehensive agricultural modernization program designed to protect farmers from intensifying weather extremes while enhancing food security. The method offers dual benefits: greater scheduling flexibility for planting and harvesting operations, and improved productivity as workers avoid the most oppressive daytime temperatures.

    The solar initiative accompanies additional agricultural investments including advanced heavy equipment acquisitions and expanded water storage infrastructure. These coordinated efforts represent the government’s multifaceted approach to strengthening food production systems against climate variability. Browne emphasized the necessity of adapting traditional practices, noting ‘We have to adjust the way we do things’ to maintain and expand local food production despite environmental challenges.

  • Oyster World Rally 2026–27 Sets Sail from Antigua

    Oyster World Rally 2026–27 Sets Sail from Antigua

    Oyster Yachts has officially inaugurated its fifth Oyster World Rally, embarking on an extraordinary 16-month global circumnavigation reserved exclusively for yacht owners. The prestigious fleet of 23 vessels set sail from Antigua, commencing a meticulously planned 27,000-nautical-mile journey across multiple ocean systems.

    This edition marks a significant milestone for the luxury yacht builder as company chairman Richard Hadida joined the expedition with his family for the first time. The departure ceremony witnessed distinguished attendees including the Governor General of Antigua, specially invited guests, and the Oyster support team, enhanced by vibrant cultural performances featuring traditional Antiguan dancers and steel pan music.

    The international fleet comprises owners from eight different nations sailing yachts ranging from 50 to 90 feet in length. Notably, 15 of these vessels represent Oyster’s new-generation models, including the Oyster 565, 595, 675, and the flagship 885. Participants benefit from comprehensive end-to-end support including specialized owner preparation programs, training sessions, and dedicated technical and logistics teams positioned strategically along the route.

    Several rally participants arrived in Antigua following impressive performances in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, where Oyster yachts secured the top three positions in Cruising Class B. The entire global journey can be tracked in real-time through online platforms, allowing sailing enthusiasts worldwide to monitor the fleet’s progress throughout their epic adventure.