The construction of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal at Antigua’s Fifth Berth is set to create 200 jobs during its development phase, with further long-term opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Speaking on The Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, *Gasper George, General Manager of Global Ports Holding Antigua, confirmed that work has officially begun on the project, which aims to enhance the *cruise tourism experience and boost the local economy.
“In the immediate term, we see about 200 jobs during construction,” Mr George said. “We need to bring in all of the requisite skills and expertise to deliver this project.”
The upland development project will feature:
- A state-of-the-art cruise terminal
- A swimming pool and entertainment area with a DJ concept
- A bar and retail spaces showcasing Antiguan products
- Additional facilities to improve passenger experience
The new terminal is expected to *increase home porting capacity, with Antigua already seeing steady growth in this area. The *current season concluded with 20,000 passengers using Antigua as a home port, compared to just 6,000 when the initiative began three years ago.
“With the completion of the new terminal, we expect even greater home porting numbers for the 2025–2026 season,” Mr George added.
Beyond construction, the terminal’s expansion is expected to generate long-term opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans in retail, hospitality, and transportation sectors.
“We also envisage that these businesses will extend beyond the immediate port environment,” Mr George said. “There is a major opportunity for young entrepreneurs to get involved, especially in food and beverage.”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized the importance of ensuring local participation in the project.
“The people of Point and Villa, being in close proximity to the project, must be given a seat at the table for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities,” Mr Browne said. “We want to ensure that the benefits of this project trickle down to our people.”
A 30-foot piling rig has already arrived in Antigua, and *piling work is set to begin on March 17. The **piling phase will last 60 to 90 days, during which *residents in the surrounding area may experience noise pollution.
To address community concerns, town hall meetings will be held to discuss the project and its impact.
“We want to inform residents about what to expect and provide assurances that we are taking all necessary precautions,” Mr George said.
The government and Global Ports Holding have set an ambitious target of attracting two million cruise passengers annually in the coming years, up from the current one million.
“Our aspiration is to double our cruise arrivals, and with this new terminal, we will be able to provide the kind of world-class experience that will put Antigua ahead of its regional competitors,” Mr Browne said.
The *terminal is expected to be completed by October 2024, with the *full upland development project slated for completion by June 2026.
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