Antigua & Barbuda The Citizen

What, where and how

Experience Antigua & Barbuda

Keisha’s giant leap for Antigua

Making history in space

Causion

Passion for reggae, passion for life

Antigua Carnival

A celebration of colour and revelry

THE BUILDING PROFESSIONALS

We specialize in luxurious private residences in the Caribbean. From conceptual project planning and design to completion, count on us to build your dream home. Bespoke and seamless delivery, every time.

II wish to welcome first-time visitors and new citizens to our shores and to thank the repeat visitors for showing their enjoyment in the past by returning to Antigua for more. Antigua & Barbuda is beautiful! We are two islands, one country endowed with natural, historic, aquatic and unparalleled celestial beauty. Our people are the friendliest, most welcoming, joyful and outgoing people in our region.

Yet, tourism commenced its first steps in 1952 and became an irreversibly fixed sector in our economic diversity drive in 1972, when sugarcane production was abandoned after 350 years of dominance. Wages in sugar production were historically low, and work conditions could not be improved upon, given the very nature of sugar production. One could reasonably ask, how then did sugarcane farmers transform themselves and their progeny into amiable and welcoming tourism workers?

The resilience, audacity, fearlessness and beauty of the Antigua & Barbuda people are but a reflection of the land, the vegetation on the hillsides, the sea, the sand and the beaches where natural splendour abounds. At a time when territories were captured by military might, the British built 26 forts around Antigua to make her impregnable. Those forts are a reminder of the past and capture the preserved military architecture of the period.

There are nights when hotels on the west coast of Antigua organise groups to watch the magnificent Caribbean sunset. Slowly, as it descends below the horizon, the sun’s penetrating light strikes with stunning red, orange, and yellow rays that colour the sky like an impressionist’s canvas. The applause goes up as the sun goes down. On certain nights in April and September, the glorious moon swings close to the earth’s surface, turning night into day. In the years before electricity and artificial light, those were celebratory nights, which led to the retelling of stories and fairytales that had their roots in Africa and Europe.

Life in Antigua & Barbuda is more complex now than ever before. But the high value of tourism in rearranging life and expectations cannot be overemphasised. The beauty and resilience of the land are reflected in its people and their welcoming embrace of new citizens and visitors as conditions of life improve. Welcome!

Prime Minister

Honourable Gaston Browne

“The resilience, audacity, fearlessness and beauty of the Antigua & Barbuda people are but a reflection of the land, the vegetation on the hillsides, the sea, the sand and the beaches where natural splendour abounds.”

Barbuda&antigua

wWhether you are residing in Antigua & Barbuda, visiting to invest in a second property, making the island your new home, enjoying a holiday or even on-island to affirm your oath of allegiance as a new citizen, one thing that is certain - you won’t run out of things to do.

As one of the most idyllic paradises on Earth, you may begin - like so many others - by heading to one of the 365 spectacular beaches. Here you can relax under swaying palms, sip a cocktail and refresh yourself from time to time in the warm, turquoise waters. Whilst this is a delightful way to spend time on the island, the twin islands offer so much more than just the sun, sea and sand experience.

History enthusiasts (and indeed all visitors) won’t want to miss the UNESCO World Heritage site Nelson’s Harbour – the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world. You can also explore one of the island’s historic forts or take a trip to Betty’s Hope, a historic sugar plantation with a dark past from Antigua’s colonial times.

For those who are more active, you can embark on a rainforest hike, take a buggy or jeep around the island, play a round of golf or even engage in a game of beach cricket with the locals. Perhaps gastronomic activities such as rum-tasting (how about rum making!) or a Caribbean cookery class are more your style. Alternatively, being pampered in a luxurious spa after a beach yoga class might be the antidote to your normally hectic lifestyle.

The azure waters surrounding the islands aren’t just for cooling off after a hard day’s sunbathing. Snorkelling over technicoloured corals or diving on sunken wrecks are two ways to discover the underwater magic of the twin islands. If staying above the waves is more to your liking, consider a catamaran cruise or a speedboat tour around the island, discovering hidden bays and Robinson Crusoe-like offshore islands.

Barbuda has its own fair share of attractions and a distinct vibe from its big sister. The incredible pink sand beaches, frigate bird sanctuary and unique landscape mean Barbuda should be on your radar.

Sampling these delights is easier than you may think. With daily direct flights to major business centres in North America and London, and a short four-hour flight from New York means you can eat breakfast in the Big Apple and be sitting in a beachside restaurant by lunchtime. A wide range of top-end hotels and resorts provide fabulous accommodations for all budgets and tastes.

And for those hoping to make Antigua a more permanent place to be, the island offers excellent education, good healthcare, a stable political situation and fantastic real estate developments across the islands.

Antigua & Barbuda’s CBI programme is in the top five of the 2023 Q1 Henley Passport Index. Citizenship to the islands allows visa-free travel to over 160 jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK and the Schengen area.

THE CITIZEN, the official publication of the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), is produced by Select Publishing with the full support of Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, CIU’s Chief Executive Officer and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda.

Publisher:

Managing Editor:

Creative & Art Director:

Advertising Designer:

Danielle Jacobsen Susan Brophy Marta Conceição

Analu Pettinati/Antonio Caparrós/ SalmanDesign/Paulo Couto/Marta Conceição

Cover photo: Caribbean Asterioidea

Warning! Never touch or remove a starfish from the water, as this could lead to them suffocating and die. Always be mindful of our pristine and delicate tropical marine environment.

Antigua & Barbuda introduction photo (page 4 & 5): Alfred Särchinger

Photo credits: Andre Phillip, Colin Banks, Virgin Galactic, Visual Echo, KO Photography, ABTA, Alexis Andrews, World’s Toughest Row, Pixabay/Bottlein, Unsplash/Guillaume-Jaillet, Caricom, Ed Marshall, Antigua Cruise Port/GPH, Rocks Group, Danielle Jacobsen, Fer Ribes, Deposit Photos, Shutterstock, Adobe.

Translations: BCB Soluciones

Repro & printing: Lisgráfica – Impressão e Artes Gráficas

Circulation: 2,500

For all editorial and advertising enquiries, or to order a free copy, contact: select@select-publishing.com

The views expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the CIU or the publishers. The publishers make every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information published herein, or be held accountable for any errors, omissions, or claims for any damages.

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the publishers.

thecitizenantiguabarbuda

thecitizenantiguabarbuda

For Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) related enquiries, contact CIU at: info@cip.gov.ag www.cip.gov.ag

For Investment Migration Council (IMC) membership enquiries, contact the Regional Representative Office at: caribbean@investmentmigration.org www.investmentmigration.org

CiviQuo is the World’s First Investment Migration Marketplace. For enquiries, contact us at: info@civiquo.com www.civiquo.com

To access THE CITIZEN:

www.thecitizenantiguabarbuda.com issuu.com/thecitizenantiguabarbuda

letter editor’s

Susan Brophy Editor

reetings and welcome to Issue 17 of Antigua & Barbuda The Citizen. We never tire of singing the praises of the twin in all its facets. But this time, we are going back to basics and looking at what Antigua & Barbuda has that makes it such an incredible place to visit and live. Its numerous attractions – a fabulous combination of natural beauty, historical gems, wonderful tours and extraordinary culture - are celebrated in this issue. We can’t talk about attractions in Antigua and not mention the colourful carnival. Having taken place just last month, we showcase some of the fantastic costumes and people who took part in the island’s most joyful and meaningful festivity.

As usual in The Citizen, we also celebrate the remarkable people we find on the islands’ shores. Our first has been reaching for the stars, literally. We caught up with Keisha Schahaff, who, together with her daughter Anastasia Mayers, made history as the first Caribbean people and the first motherdaughter duo to reach space with Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic. Our second, Causion, is the reggae ambassador of the twin islands; he is passionate about music but also about life. Recent transformative events have given him a fresh perspective, and he shares how they’ve reshaped his outlook on everything around him.

During his career as a fashion photographer, German Alfred Särchinger would come to Antigua to shoot for fashion greats like Vogue and Elle and fell in love with the island’s beauty, light and friendliness. Now retired from the fashion industry, he spends time on the islands, photographing their captivating essence. He shares some of his beautiful shots with us.

Jerry Simon is a local artist who uses a variety of media and styles to portray both realistic and abstract elements. His colourful pieces of art are extraordinary, especially given that he is largely self-taught. We look at some of his most original works.

In the last issue, our conservation article looked at how important bees are for all of life on Earth. In this issue, we continue the story of this diminutive superhero, focusing on how beekeeping can often be the best but sometimes the worst thing humans can do to help these tiny creatures survive.

Jeff Hadeed, the new Chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, has extensive experience in various fields, such as fashion, hospitality, real estate and even diplomacy. He tells us what he plans to bring to the table at the Unit. Our astute citizenship by investment expert Brian Greco once again gives his opinion about the latest happenings in the industry, this time talking about how Antigua & Barbuda can stay ahead in the new age of citizenship. We would like to thank all our contributors and readers for this issue. Happy reading!

cont ribu to rs

Brian Greco

Ann Marie Martin

Is the Commissioner of Nelson’s Dockyard National Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Her passion for preserving Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage fuels her commitment to making it a toptier tourist destination. Devoted to charitable causes, she directs multiple charities and received the Grand Officer of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit in 2014 for her contributions.

Dean Fenton

Is the U.S. Director for the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority and has been marketing Caribbean tourism for over 20 years. Known for his strategic thinking and ability to see the “big picture,” Dean thrives in dynamic environments requiring flexibility and results. He maintains solid relationships with promotional partners, travel advisors, tour operators, airlines, travel communities, trade, and consumer media.

Neil Keeling

Is the Managing Director of The Rendezvous Co Ltd Antigua, an Antigua-based tour operator with over 50 unique, innovative and exclusive tours. The variety of tours ranges from low minimum niche tours to high volume and extremely popular tours to suit all demographics. Neil is committed to the highest level of customer service and professionalism.

Is a consultant, traveller and advocate of free movement and the investment migration industry based in Istanbul, Turkey. He focuses on investigating new possibilities for expanding one’s lifestyle in global cities, especially in frontier markets. Brian is a believer in the power of citizenship by investment to expand economies and promote choice.

Eli Fuller

Is an entrepreneur and native of Antigua. He competed as a world-class windsurfer before developing a web design business combining his twin passions of a life at sea and anything to do with the Internet. Eli owns and operates Adventure Antigua, a water-adventure business, one of the island’s premier excursion companies.

OPINION

Citizenship 1.0 is Dead - How Antigua & Barbuda can stay ahead in the New Age of Citizenship

By Brian Greco

Antigua & Barbuda

ARE YOU ALL AT SEA?

WHAT IS YOUR

Does your plan B let you decide where you live?

Does your plan B allow you to easily access healthcare in another country?

Does your plan B mean that you can travel to a business meeting on the other side of the world at a moment’s notice?

Does your plan B protect your children’s inheritance?

Does your plan B give you wealth management options?

Does your plan B allow you to relocate your family in the event of a national disaster?

citizenship investment programme

by ANTIGUA & BARBUDA Citizenship by Investment Programme

There are four types of investment which will qualify you for citizenship in the paradise islands of Antigua & Barbuda. As an applicant, you can choose between a contribution to the National Development Fund (NDF), to The University of the West Indies Fund, purchase property in a pre-approved real estate development, or invest in an approved business venture. As a candidate, you must be over 18 years of age, hold no criminal record and have excellent health. Upon successful application, you and your family will obtain a lifetime citizenship and enjoy travelling visa-free to over 160 jurisdictions.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

The non-profit NDF was established to fund income-generating public sector projects, innovation in entrepreneurship and approved charitable investments. It is audited by an internationally recognised accounting firm and reports on its status are published each year.

If this is your investment of choice, you are invited to contribute USD 100,000 to the NDF, which is a one-time contribution for a family of four. Processing fees will be applied as indicated below.

For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less:

• US$ 100,000 contribution

Processing fees: US$ 30,000.*

For a family of 5 or more:

• US$ 125,000 contribution

Processing fees: US$ 45,000, US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (UWI) FUND

This investment option serves as a mechanism to finance the new University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. This contribution will also entitle one member of the family to a one-year scholarship, tuition only, at the University of the West Indies.

For a family of 6:

• US$ 150,000 contribution

• Processing fees: US$ 15,000 from the seventh additional dependent onwards.

INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE

You and your family can obtain citizenship by purchasing a property in Antigua & Barbuda. You may also benefit from rental revenue with this investment. To qualify for citizenship under this option, you must invest in a designated, officially approved real estate development worth at least US$ 400,000, undertake a joint investment of US$ 200,000 between two (2) related parties/ applications, or minimum US$ 200,000 for a unit/share in an approved property.

You must own the property for a minimum of five years before selling it. At this time, owners may resell their units or shares to subsequent applicants as eligible investments. Processing fees will be applied as indicated below.

For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less:

• Processing fees: US$ 30,000.*

For a family of 5 or more:

• Processing fees: US$ 45,000, US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.

BUSINESS INVESTMENT

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) after consulting with the Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) approves businesses, whether existing or proposed, for the purposes of investment in business under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

There are two business investment options:

• Invest at least US$ 1,500,000 in a pre-approved business.

• Alternatively, at least two applicants can propose to make a joint investment in an approved business with a total investment of at least US$ 5,000,000. Each investor must contribute at least US$ 400,000 to the joint investment.

For a single applicant, or a family of 4 or less:

• Processing fees: US$ 30,000.*

For a family of 5 or more:

• Processing fees: US$ 45,000, US$ 15,000 for each additional dependent over five people.

Please note that all four options also include a due diligence fee of US$ 7,500 for the main applicant and spouse, US$ 2,000 for any dependent child between 12-17 years of age and US$ 4,000 for any dependent child/parent between 18-30 and 55 plus years.

* Processing fees for additional dependents: US$ 10,000 for children under 5 years, US$ 20,000 for children aged 6-17 years, US$ 50,000 for adults over 18 years. For a future spouse of the principal applicant, a fee of US$ 50,000 is payable upon application.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA Citizenship by Investment Programme Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Antigua & Barbuda have a citizenship by investment programme?

The programme was introduced to promote economic growth, attract real estate development, increase foreign direct investment to the country, support the development of infrastructure and provide for a sustainable future.

How many visa-free countries can I travel to as a citizen of Antigua & Barbuda?

You can travel to just over 160 jurisdictions without requiring a visa, including the EU and Schengen countries, Hong Kong and Singapore.

What is the processing time?

Processing your application should take from 3 to 6 months.

Who can apply for citizenship?

To apply for the citizenship programme in Antigua & Barbuda, you must be at least 18 years of age, be of a good character with no criminal record, and have good health.

Do I need to speak English to apply for citizenship? You don’t need to speak English to be an applicant.

Who can be included on the application?

Your dependent children under 28 and dependent parents over 58 can be included within the application.

How do you conduct the due diligence and vetting of applicants?

There are no interviews. However, all applicants undergo rigorous screening prior to consideration by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. Complete files will be forwarded to an international, unbiased thirdparty due diligence service provider who will conduct detailed background checks on all applicants before the application is approved.

citizenship investment programme

What happens once my application has been accepted?

by

A certificate of registration of citizenship will be issued and submitted to the passport office. Your authorised agent/representative will forward your passports and Citizenship Certificate to you.

Do I need to travel to Antigua & Barbuda to complete the process?

The application process can be made from your country of residence. Once your application is successful and you have received your passport, you must travel to Antigua & Barbuda to take your oath or affirmation of allegiance. You are entitled to take up full-time residence in Antigua & Barbuda at any time you wish.

Does Antigua & Barbuda recognise dual citizenship?

There are no restrictions on dual citizenship in Antigua & Barbuda.

For how many years will my passport be valid for?

The passport will be valid for a period of 5 years and is renewable for a period of 10 years thereafter, provided that the requirements are met, which includes spending a minimum of five days in the country during this period after becoming a citizen.

Can I invest with my Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies?

This is in the pipeline but has not yet been established.

In addition to the citizenship by investment programme does Antigua & Barbuda have a tax residency programme?

Antigua & Barbuda does not currently offer a tax residency programme.

For any additional questions, please contact an authorized representative, licensed agent or the CIU directly.

If there’s one thing that the last few years have shown us, it’s that life can be unpredictable. Never has it been more important to have a robust Plan B in place for the unexpected – no matter what life throws at you.

If your Plan B doesn’t already include a second citizenship, perhaps now is the time to think about it to protect those you care about the most.

Investing in the Antigua & Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme means that whatever happens in life, you and your family can feel secure with the knowledge that you have options for where to live and where to go. With flexibility for your wealth management needs, no tax on your worldwide income nor inheritance tax, you can rest assured that your family’s best interest is served both now and in the future.

Furthermore, not only is Antigua & Barbuda amongst the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean region and an international financial centre whose legal system is based on British Common Law, but there are countless investment and business opportunities available in a variety of sectors.

Visa-free access to over 160 jurisdictions across the globe allows you to jump on a plane to that business meeting or conference at a moment’s notice. The world is indeed your oyster.

And should you wish to relocate to these safe, peaceful and beautiful twin islands, you will find yourself in a multicultural society with world-class education opportunities, a strong healthcare system and business-friendly environment. The country’s strategic geographic location in the Eastern Caribbean together with regular flights to major business hubs in North America and London means you will always be well connected, whether for business or leisure.

THE IDEAL PLACE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO DROP ANCHOR.

citizenship investment programme

by

гражданство

Существуют четыре вида инвестиций, благодаря которым

вы можете стать кандидатом на получение гражданства на

райских островах Антигуа и Барбуда. Вы можете выбрать один

из вариантов: безвозмездный взнос в государственный фонд

экономического развития (NDF) или в фонд Университета

Вест-Индии, инвестиции в недвижимость в один из одобренных

правительством проектов или инвестиции в бизнес в одно из

утвержденных коммерческих предприятий. Заявитель должен быть

старше 18 лет, не иметь судимостей и иметь отличное здоровье. При условии одобрения заявления, вы и ваша семья получите пожизненное гражданство и сможете наслаждаться безвизовым

въездом в более чем 160 юрисдикционных территорий.

БЕЗВОЗВРАТНЫЙ ВЗНОС В ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ

ФОНД ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО РАЗВИТИЯ

Некоммерческий фонд NDF был учрежден с целью

финансирования предпринимательских государственных

проектов, инноваций в предпринимательстве и одобренных

благотворительных проектов. Деятельность фонда проверяется

международно признанной аудиторской фирмой, ежегодно

публикуется доклад о состоянии дел.

Если вы выбрали этот вариант инвестиций, то вам предлагается

внести в государственный фонд экономического развития NDF

сумму в 100 000 долларов США, это единовременный взнос для

семьи из четырех человек. Ниже указана сумма сбора за обработку

данных.

Для одного заявителя или семьи из четырех или менее человек:

• Взнос 100 000 долларов США Сбор за обработку данных: 30 000 долларов США.

Для семьи из 5 и более человек:

• Взнос 125 000 долларов США

Сбор за обработку данных: 45 000 долларов США, 15 000 долларов

США за каждого дополнительного иждивенца свыше пяти членов семьи.

ФОНД УНИВЕРСИТЕТА ВЕСТ-ИНДИИ (UWI):

Этот вариант инвестиции создан для финансирования кампуса Five Islands Университета Вест-Индии. Это денежное вложение дает право на получение стипендии сроком на один год (только плата за учебу) для одного члена семьи в Университете Вест-Индии.

Для семьи из 6 человек:

• Взнос 150 000 долларов США • Сбор за обработку данных: 15 000 долларов США за каждого

дополнительного иждивенца.

ИНВЕСТИЦИИ В НЕДВИЖИМОСТЬ

Вы и члены вашей семьи можете получить гражданство купив недвижимость в Антигуа и Барбуда. Выбрав этот вариант

инвестиционной программе

инвестиции, вы также сможете получать доходы от аренды. Чтобы стать кандидатом на получение гражданства в случае выбора этого варианта, вы должны вложить в один из официально утвержденных объектов недвижимости не менее 400 000 долларов США, или два (2) ассоциированных лица/кандидата на гражданство могут сделать совместное вложение, минимальная сумма взноса каждого участника составляет 200 000 долларов США, также возможно минимальное вложение в 200 000 долларов США в долю официально утвержденного объекта недвижимости.

Вы сможете продать недвижимость не ранее, чем через 5 лет. По истечении этого срока, собственники могут перепродать

объекты недвижимости или их доли последующим кандидатам на гражданство, как один из утвержденных вариантов вложений. Ниже указана сумма сбора за обработку данных.

Для одного заявителя или семьи из четырех или менее человек:

• Сбор за обработку данных: 30 000 долларов США.

Для семьи из 5 и более человек:

• Сбор за обработку данных: 45 000 долларов США, 15 000 долларов США за каждого дополнительного иждивенца свыше пяти членов семьи.

ИНВЕСТИЦИИ В БИЗНЕС Подразделение по вопросам инвестиционного гражданства (CIU) после согласования с Инвестиционным департаментом Антигуа и Барбуды (ABIA) официально одобряет коммерческие предприятия для программы инвестиционного гражданства (CIP). Это может быть как новый, так и уже существующий бизнес.

Существуют два варианта инвестиций в бизнес:

• Инвестировать как минимум 1 500 000 долларов США в одобренный бизнес.

• Другой вариант - это инвестировать в бизнес нескольким

заявителям, общая сумма вложений должна быть не менее 5 000 000 долларов США. При этом каждый заявитель обязан вложить в общий проект не менее 400 000 долларов США.

Для одного заявителя или семьи из четырех или менее человек:

• Сбор за обработку данных: 30 000 долларов США.

Для семьи из 5 и более человек:

• Сбор за обработку данных: 45 000 долларов США, 15 000

долларов США за каждого дополнительного иждивенца свыше пяти членов семьи.

Сбор за обработку данных для дополнительных иждивенцев: 10 000 долларов США за детей младше 5 лет, 20 000 долларов США за детей от 6-17 лет, 50 000 долларов США за взрослых старше 18 лет. За будущего супруга/супругу основного заявителя сбор в 50 000 долларов США подлежит уплате по заявлению.

АНТИГУА И БАРБУДА

по

АНТИГУА И

гражданство

Часто задаваемые вопросы

Почему в Антигуа и Барбуда существует гражданство по инвестиционной программе?

Программа была создана для содействия экономическому

росту, развитию рынка недвижимости, увеличения объемов прямых иностранных инвестиций в страну, поддержки развития инфраструктур и обеспечения надежного будущего.

Сколько стран я смогу посещать без визы как гражданин Антигуа и Барбуда?

Вы сможете посещать без визы более 160 стран, включая страны Евросоюза и Шенгенского соглашения, Гонконг и Сингапур.

Сколько составляет срок рассмотрения заявления?

Срок рассмотрения заявления может занять от 3 до 6 месяцев.

Кто может претендовать на получение гражданства?

Для того, чтобы претендовать на получение гражданства

Антигуа и Барбуда вы должны быть старше 18 лет , иметь хорошую репутацию, не иметь судимостей и обладать хорошим состоянием здоровья.

Должен ли я владеть английским языком, чтобы претендовать

на получение гражданства?

Для того, чтобы претендовать на получение гражданства вы не обязаны владеть английским языком.

Кто может быть включен в заявление?

В заявление могут быть включены финансово зависимые дети до 28 лет и находящиеся на иждивении родители старше 58 лет.

Как вы проводите проверку на благонадежность заявителей?

Личные собеседования не проводятся. Однако, все заявители проходят строгую проверку Подразделением по вопросам инвестиционного гражданства. Полностью укомплектованное дело передается в международную, объективную, независимую службу проверки на

citizenship investment programme

by

благонадежность, которая проводит тщательную проверку личных данных всех заявителей.

Что происходит после того, как мое заявление получает одобрение?

Выдается справка о регистрации гражданства, которая передается в паспортную службу. Затем ваш уполномоченный агент / представитель отправляет вам ваши паспорта и свидетельство о гражданстве.

Для окончательного оформления дела мне необходимо лично приезжать в Антигуа и

Барбуда?

Подача документов возможна из страны вашего проживания. После успешного разрешения вашего дела и получения паспорта, вы должны приехать в Антигуа и Барбуда, чтобы принять присягу или подтвердить

подданство. Вы имеете право установить место постоянного проживания в Антигуа и Барбуда в любое время по вашему желанию.

Признает ли Антигуа и Барбуда двойное гражданство?

В Антигуа и Барбуда нет ограничений для двойного гражданства.

Сколько лет будет действителен мой паспорт? Паспорт действителен 5 лет и он продлевается на 10 лет, при выполнении всех требований, таких как минимальный срок пребывания в стране после получения гражданства –пять дней.

Могу я инвестировать в Биткойнах или других криптовалютах?

Пока этот вопрос находится в работе, но пока ещё не разрешен.

В дополнение к программе инвестиционного

гражданства существует в Антигуа и Барбуда программа налогового резиденства?

В данный момент в Антигуа и Барбуда не существует программы налогового резиденства.

Если у вас возникли любые другие вопросы, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с уполномоченным представителем, лицензированным агентом или напрямую с Подразделением по вопросам инвестиционного гражданства.

БАРБУДА

по инвестиционной

программе

citizenship investment programme

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通过投资项目获取安提瓜和 巴布达公民身份

有下列四种投资方式,可以让您有资格获得天堂般的安提瓜和 巴布达岛国的公民身份。作为申请人,您可以选择向国家发展 基金（NDF）捐款,向西印度群岛大学基金会捐款,在预先批准的 房地产开发项目中购买房产,或投资于经批准的商业企业。 作 为候选人,您必须年龄超过18岁,无犯罪记录,身体健康。

申请成功后,您和您的家人会获得终身公民身份,并享有在超 过160个国家旅行免签的优势。

向国家发展基金捐款

非盈利性质的国家发展基金的成立是为了为创收公共部门项 目、创业创新和经批准的慈善投资提供资金。它由一家国际公 认的会计师事务所审计,并且每年都会公布其财务状况报告。

如果这是您的投资选择,您需要向国家发展基金捐款十万美 金,这是四口之家一次性的捐款数额.办理费用如下所示。

适用于单个申请人,家庭成员四人及以下:

• 十万美金捐款

办理费用: 三万美金 请查阅限期价格*。

适用于家庭成员五人及以上:

• 十二万五千美金

办理费用:四万五千美元，五人之外每增加一人需多缴一万五 千美元。

西印度群岛大学（UWI）基金会：

这一投资选项用于为西印度群岛大学的五岛新校区提供融 资。这一捐款将使捐款家庭的一员可以获得一项为期一年的 奖学金,即免除在西印度群岛大学一年的学费。

对于六口之家:

• 十五万美金捐款

第七位起:

• 办理费用：每个增加成员需缴一万五千美金。

房地产投资

您和您的家人可以通过在安提瓜和巴布达购买房产来获得公 民身份。您也可以通过此投资从租金收入中受益。为通过此项 投资获得公民身份，您需要投资一个指定的，经官方批准的价 值至少为四十万美元的房地产开发项目，可两（2）个关联方或 申请人共同投资，每人投资至少二十万美元，或在被批准的房

产项目中每人至少投资二十万美元购买一个单元/份额。

在出售房产前，您需要拥有它至少五年。在此期间，业主可以 向后续的申请者转售房产单元或份额，作为后者的投资房产。

办理费用如下所示。

适用于单个申请人,家庭成员四人及以下:

• 办理费用: 三万美金请查阅限期价格*。

适用于家庭成员五人及以上:

• 办理费用：四万五千美元，五人之外每增加一人需多缴一万 五千美元。

商业投资 在与安提瓜和巴布达投资局（ABIA）协商后,投资公民部门 （CIU）批准现有或提议的商业项目,以便外国人在投资公民计 划（CIP）下投资。

有两个商业投资选项:

• 投资至少一百五十万美元给一项预先批准的商业活动。

• 或者,至少有两个申请人可以提议对经批准的企业进行联合 投资,总投资至少为五百万美元。每个投资者至少支付四十 万美金。

适用于单个申请人,家庭成员四人及以下:

• 办理费用: 三万美金请查阅限期价格*。

适用于家庭成员五人及以上:

• 办理费用：四万五千美元，五人之外每增加一人需多缴一万 五千美元。

每增加一人的办理费用：5岁以下的孩子一万美元，6-17岁的 孩子两万美元，18岁上成人五万美元。

主申请人的未来配偶申请费为五万美元，需在申请时支付。

布达的公民身份 问&答

为什么安提瓜和巴布达推行通过投资获得公民身份 项目?

这个项目旨在增进经济发展,促进房地产开发,增加外 国对本国的直接投资,支持基础设施建设并提供可持 续发展。

作为安提瓜和巴布达公民,我可以免签到多少个国家 旅行?

您可以去往超过160个司法管辖区,包括欧盟和申根 国家,香港和新加坡。

处理时间有多长?

处理您的申请通常需要三至六个月。

谁可以申请公民身份?

申请安提瓜和巴布达的公民身份,您至少需要18周岁, 无犯罪记录并且身体健康。

申请公民身份需要我会说英语吗?

申请人不需要会讲英语。

谁可以被包括在申请中?

您抚养的年龄小于28岁的孩子和赡养的超过58岁的 老人可以被包括在申请中。

如何进行尽职调查和审查申请人?

没有面试环节。但是,所有申请人在获得公民身份前 都要经过公民投资部门严格的筛选。完整的文件将转 发给国际上公正的第三方尽职调查服务提供商,该服 务提供商将对所有申请人进行详细的背景调查。

我的申请被接受后会发生什么?

by

citizenship investment programme

将颁发公民身份登记证书并提交给护照办公室。您 的授权代理人/代表将转发您的护照和公民身份证明 给您。

我需要亲自到安提瓜和巴布达来完成手续吗?

申请环节可以在您的居住国完成。一旦您的申请成功 并收到护照,您需要亲自到安提瓜和巴布达来宣誓或 承认效忠。您随时可以定居在安提瓜和巴布达。

安提瓜和巴布达承认双重国籍吗?

安提瓜和巴布达对于双重国籍没有限制。

我的护照有效期为几年?

护照有效期五年,此后可续期10年,续期的前提是符合 要求,包括在成为公民后在护照有效期间在该国度过 至少5天。

我可以用我的比特币或其他虚拟货币投资吗? 这还在筹备中,但尚未实行。

除了投资计划获取公民身份外,安提瓜和巴布达还有 税务定居计划吗?

安提瓜和巴布达目前不提供税务定居计划。

如有任何其他问题,请联系授权代表,许可代理或直接联系投资公民部门(CIU)。

ISSUE 17 • SEPTEMBER 2023

通过投资项目获得安提瓜和巴

licensed agents

• Eugene Abbott: eabbott@abifinancialgroup.com ABI Financial Group: www.abifinancialgroup.com

• McAlister Abbott: mabbott@gcpantigua.com Global Citizenship Partners: www.gcpantigua.com

• Leslie-Ann Brissett George: leslieann@lbrissettlegal.com Leslie-Ann Brissett Legal Services: www.lbrissettlegal.com

• Sharon Cort-Thibou: legal@cortandcort.com Turnkey Antigua: www.turnkeyantigua.com

• Verlyn L. Faustin: verlyn.faustin@civesmundiinc.com Cives Mundi Inc

• Hollis E. Francis Jr.: info@heflawantigua.com

HEF LAW: www.heflawantigua.com

• Thomas Francis: tfrancis0483@gmail.com Caribbean Concierge

• T.M. Rufus Gobat: rufus@cariblife.ag

Caribbean Lifestyle Services: www.cariblife.ag

• Nigel Gore: nigel@blueprint-development.com Blueprint Development: www.blueprint-development.com

• Jason Hadeed: jason@gambitantigua.com Gambit Management Ltd: www.gambitantigua.com

• Gaye Hechme: ghechme@ilis.ag Island Living Investment Services Ltd: www.ilis.ag

• Julia Herbert: citizenshipsolutions@icloud.com

• Marian-Barbara Hesse: hesse@bhesseandassociates.com B. Hesse & Associates: www.bhesseandassociates.com

• Radford Hill: r.hill@lawhillandhill.com Hill & Hill Chambers: www.lawhillandhill.com

• Alan Hosam: hosama@candw.ag AH Consultancy Services Ltd

• Kevin Hosam: khosam@conciergeantiguabarbuda.com

Exclusive Concierge Antigua Barbuda: www.conciergeantiguabarbuda.com

• Kelvin John: johnk@candw.ag Thomas, John & Co: www.thomasjohn.com

• Nuri Katz: nkatz@apexcap.org Apex Capital Partners: www.apexcapital.partners

• Abire Mansoor: amansoor@citizensinternational.com Citizens International: www.citizensinternational.com

• Kirthley Maginley: kmaginley@jamesandmaginley.com James & Maginley Ltd: www.jamesandmaginley.com

• Elizabeth Makhoul: emakhoul@artoncapital.com Arton Capital: www.artoncapital.com

• Maya Mansoor-Khouly: cip@khouly.com

Atlantik Realty: www.khouly.com

• Mythsie Murphy: mmurphy@citizensinternational.com Citizens International: www.citizensinternational.com

• Juliette Marcelle-Bailey: jbailey@jamesandmaginley.com James & Maginley Ltd: www.jamesandmaginley.com

• Andrea Roberts-Nicholas: andrea.roberts@robertscolaw.com Roberts & Co: www.robertscolaw.com

• Vanetta Rodgers: vcrodgers@avcocorp.com Avco Corporate Services Ltd: www.avcocorp.com

• Jermaine C. Rhudd: jermaine@rhuddlawfirm.com

• Mei Tang: rmeitang@gcpantigua.com Global Citizenship Partners: www.gcpantigua.com

• Romell Tiwari: rtiwariantigualocalagent@usa.net AIT Management Services Ltd: www.aitms.ag

• Arthur Thomas: thomasa@candw.ag Thomas, John & Co: www.thomasjohn.com

• Joseph Warner: info@jdwconsultingantigua.com JDW Consulting Ltd: www.jdwconsultingantigua.com

• Robert Wilkinson: robert.wilkinson@ag.gt.com Grant Thornton: www.grantthornton.ag

• Stanley Yang: stanleyyang1993@gmail.com

CITIZEN

When making a serious decision, you need a serious team.

We are trusted local experts specialising in citizenship by investment as well as trusted real estate consultants in Antigua & Barbuda.

Investing in a second citizenship can help secure a better life for you and your family.

Whether for ease of travel, the diversification of your investment portfolio, personal and family security or simply a change of lifestyle, it unlocks a wealth of opportunities and paves the way to new horizons.

We are proud to celebrate 10 years of excellence.

Trust us for your peace of mind.

ww w.jam esa nd m a g i n l ey.co m

JeffHadeed

TTheAntigua&BarbudaCitizenshipbyInvestmentUnit’s(CIU)newChairman oftheBoardisJeffHadeed,aversatileentrepreneurborninTrinidad&Tobago butwhogrewupinAntigua&Barbuda.AfterstudyingintheUS,Jeffmanageda familybusinessinStMaartenbeforestudyingfashiondesigninItaly.Hereturned toAntigua&Barbudatomanagethefamily’sgarmentmanufacturingcompanyand becametheowneroftheBigBananaHoldingCo,awell-knownbarandrestaurant group.Overhiscareer,Jeffhasopenedmultiplerestaurants,includingTheBeach, TheLarderandMAIAatSouthPoint.HestartedNorthCoastMarine,aboatsales company,anItalianfashionboutique,“Milano”,aswellasbecomingthedeveloper ofSouthPointAntigua-a23-suitecondohotelprojectinEnglishHarbour.Hehas alsomanagedpropertiesforGiorgioArmaniandservedasAntigua&Barbuda’s ConsulGeneralandnon-residentAmbassadortoItaly.

Can you share some insights about your background and how you became involved in so many fields?

I would say that I like to create. I also have so many ideas for the development of Antigua & Barbuda, and I want to do them all. I see business as my creative outlet, and that is what drives me to start many new projects.

Excelling in diverse fields can be challenging. What motivates your entrepreneurial spirit and enables you to succeed? Again, being creative and a

perfectionist, I always want to see things developed in excellence in every detail. In addition, as a perfectionist, I am somewhat of a controller, so I am involved in the development of all aspects of my businesses. Therefore I am also prepared to work long and hard to get what I want the way I want.

What will all your experience bring to the table as Chairman of the Board at the Citizenship by Investment Unit?

I am of the view that the CIU, while being a Government department and, to a great extent, a regulatory

body at the core, it is also a business and a competitive one at that. My goal is to bring private sector thinking and approach to the Unit’s operations – emphasising a customer service focus and a performance-driven attitude to operations and marketing. This also means developing all aspects of the business, especially the HR component, which is critical to the Unit’s success.

From your perspective, what are the key strengths of the citizenship by investment programme in Antigua?

I would say first and foremost that our programme is quite exacting, well-regulated and adheres to high standards of compliance and due diligence. Additionally, Antigua & Barbuda, as a second or even a first citizenship, is inherently good from all aspects. What’s more, the country possesses an excellent level of development, a strong legal framework, and an advanced infrastructure providing any citizen opportunity for business, work and education, as well as a cultural and social outlet.

As an entrepreneur with experience in many sectorsif someone were considering starting a business in the twin islands, what advice would you offer them?

I suggest getting to know how the island operates, learning to understand our people, and, if possible, finding a good local partner or manager to help you navigate.

Drawing from your extensive real estate experience, what advice would you give to potential citizenship investors considering the real estate option?

I would say, first and foremost, the potential investor should be

clear about their own objectives. Next, they should look at all the available options and be sure to understand the geography of the island, especially as it may or may not align with their own motivation for a real estate purchase. Then they should be sure to get to know the people with whom they are dealing, i.e. their agent/broker. And they should be sure they feel comfortable with the developer behind the project in which they are considering their purchase. Real estate purchases are big-ticket items, and they are for the longterm, so research is important before making the step.

Are there specific investment opportunities in certain fields that you would like to highlight?

The obvious ones are in real estate, agriculture, and tourism development, but there is still a lot to develop in Antigua; it really depends on the scope of the investment budget.

How have you seen the industry evolve in response to events over the past few years?

I would say the most notable thing has been the response to the pandemic and many digitally driven services to help navigate the new paradigm. I think people are

now reflecting on how this period impacted their lives and are now looking for a Plan B to mitigate the impact of similar events should they occur again.

How is Antigua & Barbuda actively ensuring the programme’s competitiveness and attractiveness?

We are presently reviewing our entire programme offering and looking at modifications that will support a more attractive yet highquality programme, especially as it compares to our Caribbean counterparts. This review is not one-sided but is being done in conjunction with our stakeholder partners to ensure that we consider all ideas and aspects. Without saying too much, we will soon be launching a very attractive programme. We are also reviewing every aspect of the CIU itself, primarily operations, our HR and IT.

Could you share your favourite spot on the island with us?

I am not sure I have one; so many parts of Antigua & Barbuda are similar yet unique in their own way. If I had to be more specific, for beaches, I would definitely say the west coast, and for dining, English Harbour.

“Antigua & Barbuda, as a second or even a first citizenship, is inherently good from all aspects.”

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

by Brian Greco International Consultant

Citizenship 1.0 is Dead

How Antigua & Barbuda can stay ahead in the new age of citizenship

The citizenship by investment industry was the product of a globalising world. It all started in the 1980s when borders were beginning to blur. Capital and people were beginning to fly around the globe, and travel became more possible than ever. Business was truly multinational.

TThis raised a core problem: power that historically ‘gate-kept’ access to desirable opportunities was predominantly found in the hands of those with certain identities. Overwhelmingly, the ones favoured were Western: those affiliated with the Anglo-world order (the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand) plus Europe and many of its former colonies with stronger passports.

A handful of small countries we all know and love, specifically in the Caribbean, realised they were sitting on a great opportunity. Antigua & Barbuda was one of them, launching its own citizenship by investment programme in 2013 in the wake of growing interest in several other regional programmes and a model that proved to be a win-win.

ISLAND NATIONS: FLAUNT WHAT YOU’VE GOT

What does a wise country with no significant population or natural resources do in a globalised world? The answer is simple: set up itself in the most appealing way possible to promote business. A passport was the key to what people wanted, three things in particular: privacy, visa-free travel, and freedom from excessive hassle. Out of these motivations, many programmes were born.

Last of the independent Caribbean states to declare independence from Britain in 1983, St Kitts & Nevis hit the ground running and understood the assignment. It was the perfect moment to capitalise on one of the island economy's most valuable assets: its citizenship and all the privileges that came with it. Antigua & Barbuda’s programme coupled well with the country’s leadership in the region for logistics, tourism, and transport, and a passport with some unique visa-free destinations such as South Africa.

An industry was born. Clients were beginning to get what they wanted without the uncertainties of regular naturalisation and the investments of time, money, and energy normally associated with it. Clients wanted to be part of the Commonwealth and go to the UK, and they got it. Clients wanted access to Europe; they got it. And money was pouring into economies that needed it.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

Remember, new investor citizens didn't just want to travel - they wanted the gatekeepers of desired institutions to perceive them in a completely different way. Opening a company as a Nigerian citizen?

Banking as an Iraqi? Trading in and out of Iran? Easier said than done with certain identities. But CBI could solve it all - almost.

Obviously, nothing that simple ever lasts. CBI experienced its share of hits as time went on. Simplicity often gives way to complexity over time. And requirements only grew deeper as the digital information era began to take hold in the late 2000s.

Admittedly, some of it was probably needed - the industry could not manage long-term growth unless it was managed properly. Antigua & Barbuda revamped its due diligence in the latter part of the last decade and joined in Caribbean-wide efforts to upgrade the product landscape.

GOAL-POST ALWAYS MOVING, CARROT NEVER COMING?

But now, the tradewinds of Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes are changing. The introduction of US-led ‘6 Principles’backed by UK- and EU-based institutions - is changing the conversation towards one of an external locus of control, and I think it’s not for the best.

Few would oppose proper due diligence protocols that protect a nation's integrity and a programme's reputation. But we all know that something has changed and that it goes far beyond these basic ideas. First, they came for Vanuatu, which many saw as an easy target or perhaps a

harbinger of the EU’s rejection of island-based CBI. And now the inevitable has come: rumblings of complete EU visa-free suspension for Caribbean CBIs have changed the field. Anyone having any familiarity with the European Commission knows that this charade has long ceased to have anything to do with due diligence. The EU’s hypocrisy for complaining about well-vetted, wealthy immigrants coming through the ‘backdoor’ means nothing with even the most cursory look at their ignorance of migration crises and illegal immigration, which remain barely addressed.

CARIBBEAN CBI NATIONS ARE SOVEREIGN COUNTRIES, AND CBI HAS PLAYED AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN THEIR OWN SOVEREIGN CHOICES.

Retaining the core value proposition of CBI itself is existential to the survival of this entire multi-billiondollar industry. So how can Antigua & Barbuda stay competitive as a citizenship programme?

1. Value client privacy and efficiency

One of the foundational value propositions of citizenship by investment is privacy. In a world where everything is trackable and traceable, many people turn to our programmes to get better control of their identity. Privacy does not mean fraud. Privacy does not mean illegality. Privacy does not mean ‘secrecy’. Privacy includes many things - including the right to change or choose your nationality, conceal personal information from prying eyes, and much more.

Once you begin to factor in the weight of all the onerous and lengthy requirements for due diligence, the ‘checkbox checked’ personal interviews of questionable utility and several other constantly-evolving definitions of ‘genuine links’ or ‘proper vetting’, the whole notion of privacy begins to degrade, and clients don’t like that.

2. Stop obsessing over Schengen access

I've written before about this topic and have developed a small bit of niche notoriety with it. But the point here is not whether you or I personally like travelling to Europe. It’s about whether this feature is the most important (or, for some people, the only) reason to market or buy citizenship by investment.

True ‘visa-free’ Schengen access itself is, in any case, about to sunset with the introduction of ETIAS, a sort of electronic pre-authorisation not unlike that of Australia’s ETA or America’s ESTA. Remember: true visa-free travel died after COVID-19. If you need to present a pre-authorisation or paperwork at the border, that's a visa.

Regardless, shouldn’t anyone with US$150,000+ to their name who passes extensive due diligence be more than able to obtain a Schengen visa or any visa they want? I have heard many with far less get far further than that. Visa-free Schengen in 2023 isn’t make-or-break for anything - or at least it shouldn’t be. It is not the only reason to get Antiguan citizenship.

3. Do not fall for excessive hassle in KYC policy

I think this one is pretty selfexplanatory. CBI was supposed to be about ease, but, as I said earlier, we have reached a point where normal naturalisation has almost become more attractive for avoiding hassle or scepticism alone.

Expect a full-circle return to old-school naturalisation or consistent highdemand programmes like EB-5 if this does not change. Never underestimate the negative impact on customer service that CIPs experience when processing times become longer. Never mind the hassle of having the European Commission and the judgmental ‘international community’ immediately detect your citizenship as ‘bought’. Antigua can lean into partnerships with Asian, Latin American, and African countries that respect their sovereign CBIs or simply have no opinion about Caribbean internal affairs.

THE BOTTOM LINE MOVING FORWARD

While visa-free access has been a core part of CBI’s sales model and international relations, this can change, and products can always innovate. The EU, and to a lesser degree the UK and the US, form the number one threat to the citizenship by investment industry, but that does not mean the end of Antigua & Barbuda’s citizenship value proposition. These considerations can help it stay ahead in a new age of citizenship post-2020.

Caribbean CBI nations are sovereign countries, and CBI has played and should continue to play an important part in their own sovereign choices. This industry needs innovation to deliver what people want. Clients want passports. Advisors want products. Governments want funding. Let's get back to basics!

E R R A T G U A D E L O U P E - D O M I N I C A

c u s t o m i t i n e r a r i e s c r a f t e d f o r t h e e x p e r i e n c e o f a l i f e t i m e a l l - i n c l u s i v e s a i l i n g y a c h t c h a r t e r

V I P D A Y C H A R T E R P A C K A G E S

F U L L D A Y R H Y T H M O F T H E S E A s a i l t h e s t u n n i n g A n t i g u a c o a s t l i n e , e x p l o r e u n t o u c h e d b e a c h e s , s n o r k e l u n i q u e r e e f s a n d r e l a x t o t h e r o c k i n g w a v e s i n c l u d e s a c u r a t e d s e l e c t i o n o f a l c o h o l i c a n d n o n - a l c o h o l i c d r i n k s c a t e r e d l u n c h a n d a s u n s e t t o a s t p a d d l e b o a r d s , s n o r k e l i n g g e a r , i n f l a t a b l e s u p t o 4 p r i v a t e s t a t e r o o m s f o r u s e 6 a n d 8 h o u r o p t i o n s

a d d i t i o n a l o p t i o n s a v a i l a b l e : c h a r c u t e r i e - f r e s h f r u i t p l a t t e r - l o b s t e r - p r e m i u m d r i n k s - V I P r e s o r t p i c k - u p a n d m o r e

Schahaff Keisha

Interview

TThankstowinninganonlinecompetition,Keisha SchahafffromAntiguahasshatteredacoupleofoutof-this-worldrecords-literally.AsthefirstCaribbean individualtovoyagetospace,she’setchedher namealongsidedaughterAnastasiaMayers,forming theinauguralmother-daughtercosmicduo.From childhoodstargazingtoagrounded,holisticlifestyle ofmeditation,yoga,andveganism,Keishanow sharesherpathasawellnesscoach.Triumphing intheOmazecontest,Keishaandherdaughter–currentlystudyingphysicsandnurturingambitionsof becominganastrobiologist-launchedintospaceon 10th AugustwithVirginGalactic,RichardBranson’s pioneeringspaceflightventure.Aheadofthis incredible journey and in its aftermath, Keisha shares her firsthand space odyssey with us.

BEFORE

You dreamed of travelling to space as a child. How do you feel now that this seemingly impossible dream is becoming a reality?

I am thrilled and grateful to see my dream come true through self-dedication and positivity. Now that my kids are grown, I am ready to focus on my passion for space exploration, adventure, and empowering women. It is simply magical, and I am so excited for the spaceflight on 10th August. I am now at a point where I can actively pursue my passions, and I am determined to inspire others to do the same.

How special is it to share this experience with your daughter?

It’s remarkable how closely aligned our dreams are, both centred around space exploration and the love of discovery. When I entered the sweepstake, it never crossed my mind to consider her, assuming she would be wholly focused on her studies in physics and philosophy at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

My husband dismissed the idea of accompanying me, thinking it was too far-fetched to come true. I later confided in Ana, my daughter and to my surprise and delight, she

immediately declared, “Mom, if you win that trip to space, I want to go with you—no one else.”

There could not have been a better person to venture into space with than her, so I’m grateful she made that choice. This experience taught me a valuable lesson—to pay closer attention to my child, to keep asking questions, and to observe her closely. Sometimes, these precious moments can slip away unnoticed if we’re not attentive.

This could be a terrifying, albeit incredible, experience for some people. Would you describe yourself as fearless in other aspects of your life?

I have engaged in a lot of self-healing and self-development work. There was a time when I wasn’t brave, and fear dominated me. Today, as a certified coach, I am incredibly happy that I’ve invested time in developing practices such as meditation, transformation coaching, brain healing techniques, and other tools. I have a spirit of adventure and curiosity about life, making the opportunity to go into space thrilling and exciting for me. My mission is to inspire others to transcend fear and step out of their comfort zones, as that is where we find success in life. I am also proud to represent my nation, Antigua & Barbuda, and bring it positive exposure to the world while sharing my message.

Can you tell us more about the training involved?

We embarked on a five-day adventure in New Mexico, which was like stepping into a realm of wonder and awe. We met the extraordinary staff and explored the spaceship and the majestic mothership Eve. As we prepare to return there, our excitement only grows, knowing that our training will continue, taking us one step closer to our ultimate spaceflight experience. The countdown

has begun, and our dreams of venturing beyond the stars are about to become a thrilling reality.

What are you most excited about for the flight?

I am looking forward to the aweinspiring ‘overview effect’ during our space journey. Beyond gazing at Earth, I yearn to immerse myself in the depths of the universe, absorbing its energies and expanding my presence. The idea of experiencing zero gravity, floating freely amongst the stars, is exhilarating. Yet, the most cherished aspect will be the lasting bond shared with my daughter, braving the g-forces together. This extraordinary adventure promises to be a lifealtering and unforgettable experience.

As a wellness expert and health coach, how do you hope to use this experience going forward to inspire others?

I firmly believe that healing ourselves is the key to healing others and our communities. Through this transformation, we can make a positive impact on our planet and bring about healing on a global scale. I am determined to motivate and inspire others - especially young adults and children - to dream big and push their boundaries. As a space ambassador, I aspire to reach as many people as possible through speaking engagements and advocacy.

How has your life changed since you discovered you were going to space?

Amid my everyday routine, I’m hustling as usual. But deep down, I hope to make a difference in the world and bring positivity to my communities.

How do you hope this event will inspire other Caribbean people to aspire to greater heights?

Let my journey into space serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone. Witnessing that even the grandest, most magnificent dream of leaving this planet has become a reality should ignite the belief that anything is possible. No goal is too big or wild to manifest; all it takes is to say, “I am going to space.”

Your dreams are within reach – let the adventure begin!

“You often hear about peace and enlightenment through meditation, but the peace I felt up there was beyond this planet.”

Everyone is dying to know more about how it feels to enter space. Can you talk us through the experience? What was it like to look down on our planet whilst experiencing zero gravity? You often hear about peace and enlightenment through meditation, but the peace I felt up there was beyond this planet. Perhaps the others had different experiences, but for me, the experience was one of sheer peace. I sensed a stillness as if everything had lifted off my body – all worries and thoughts simply vanished. Since thoughts are tied to gravity, and there was no gravity, they just dissipated. Then, suddenly, you could feel a magnetic pull emanating from Earth. It was like you were a being floating in space, and then Earth captured your attention and sucked you back. It

was so beautiful; it was impossible not to be captivated by it. A blue fire – a pulsating aura – shimmered around the planet. Scientifically, we understand this to be because of the abundance of water on Earth, but it was an energy – full of life. Now I’m back here; all I want to do is keep returning to that zero gravity. I could have stayed there forever!

What’s next for you?

My next step is to stretch myself further, going beyond my fears. One thing that was holding me back was public speaking. I think the best way I can serve humanity is by inspiring others. And I have done something amazing and want to share that with people – to demonstrate that you can manifest your desires and dreams. It isn’t selfish to do that – if you manifest something that can also

benefit humanity. We need to unite people and put an end to all this division.

I understand that this is a significant task, but at the same time, it feels attainable if I focus on one breath after the other and see where it leads me.

I am also contemplating wellness retreats and would like to create a place in Antigua, involving all the talented people we have here. A place where people can break free from the habits that hold them back and form new, positive habits.

I also love travel as I love exploration and adventure, so I would love to be able to connect with the entire globe. If I have been able to gain such a large audience worldwide – and indeed I did see the entire planet! – why not continue sharing this incredible experience with the entire world?

cover story

Antigua & Barbuda has long been celebrated for its iconic beaches, offering the quintessential Caribbean dream. But there is a treasure trove of diverse attractions that extend far beyond the sun-kissed beachfront. With an array of cultural, historical and natural wonders waiting to be discovered – from exploring centuries-old forts or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nelson’s Dockyard, hiking in the verdant rainforest or immersing yourself in the local culture – the choice is vast. World-class restaurants, laid-back beach bars and shopping will satisfy any of the gourmands and shopaholics among you. But make no mistake, if you are coming to Antigua & Barbuda just for the beaches, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

A BEACH A DAY

SScientists confirm that being next to the sea has an incredibly positive effect on people’s mental health. So with its 365 spectacular beaches, few places in the world offer as much relaxation and well-being per square mile as Antigua & Barbuda. While all these beaches share stunning sands and unspoiled natural charm, each provides a unique experience tailored to a wide range of preferences. Best of all, every beach is open to the public, ensuring no one misses out on paradise.

Those who venture to the wind-swept east coast will encounter a stark contrast to the serene beaches on the western Caribbean side. Here, adrenalin junkies can revel in the waves rolling in from the Atlantic. Or by heading further north, some of the best kiteboarding conditions in the Eastern Caribbean can be found at Jabberwock Beach.

The crescent-shaped Half Moon Bay on the island’s eastern coast is a true hidden gem. Nestled between two headlands, this tranquil escape may just be one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. The reef-protected Long Bay Beach is another popular spot on this lesstravelled Atlantic side of the island.

Craving a livelier atmosphere? Dickenson Bay,

just a hop, skip and jump away from the capital, St John’s, offers a vibrant scene with water sports and beach bars. Gentle waves caress its shores, and a cluster of beachfront resorts and bars hug the beach. Similarly, Jolly Beach on the southwestern coast is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering a perfect prelude to unwinding with a cocktail at one of the beachfront bars and restaurants. Moving slightly down the coast, delightful beaches like Ffryes and Darkwood are renowned for their postcard-perfect beauty featuring soft sand, crystal-clear waters and swaying palm trees that epitomise the Caribbean dream.

For those yearning to get off the beaten track, Rendezvous Beach and Green Island offer a Robinson Crusoe-like experience. Alternatively, one can take a ferry or light aircraft to Barbuda, where world-famous pink sand beaches and translucent turquoise waters provide an otherworldly experience. No wonder this island was the late Princess Diana’s favourite, with a beach named in her honour. We’ve merely skimmed the surface of these enchanting shores, but rest assured, there’s a beach for everyone in the twin islands.

by Neil Keeling

PLENTY AH TINGS TO DO IN ANTIGUA… A

Antigua is known for its fabulous beaches, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied otherwise, from rainforest adventures and boat trips to heritage sites or catamaran and boat, kayak, horseback and Segway tours.

If understanding Antigua’s history is important, there are walking and eating tours of the capital St John’s or sightseeing tours of the island’s historical sights, landmarks and secluded beaches.

In a handsome stone building that once housed the courthouse in St John’s, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda covers the history and culture of the two-island nation. You’ll find plenty of indigenous artefacts, including examples of pottery and basketry, as well as background info on the history of slavery and life on a sugar plantation. You’ll take it all in with a walking tour of St John’s with experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Any trip to Antigua must include visiting historic Nelson’s Dockyard and the National Park’s area. And whilst there, there’s a tradition on Sunday nights to head up to the lookout point of Shirley Heights, eat some barbecued food, drink some rum and listen to the steel band for the longest-running party in Antigua whilst watching the sun dip into the ocean in a blaze of orange and pinks. Even if you’re not here on a Sunday, you should still make the trip up to the old military post - it has some of the best views on the island, taking in English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard and, on a clear day, even neighbouring Montserrat.

Having lived in Antigua for over 30 years, I find nothing better than to take my guests to find their sea legs and join one of the many excellent catamaran or boat trips. These include five hours or so circling the entire island or stopping at wonderful snorkelling sites, beaches, a deserted island and taking in a Caribbean lunch. Alternatively, a sunset cruise is the perfect sundowner.

The waters around Antigua teem with marine life, and none is more impressive than the southern stingray, which can grow up to a width of 1.5 metres. For a chance to get up close to the rays,

head out to Seatons and take a short boat ride to a patch of shallow water close to the mainland. It’s home to a number of these fascinating creatures that remain wild but are well used to human contact. They’re comfortable gliding up to you in the water, and you can feed them shrimp from your hand.

Feeling more adventurous? The interior of Antigua looks so different to the coast. The bright blues and sunshine yellows of the beach are replaced by the dark greens and shadows of the rainforest, where the vegetation is sometimes so thick it blocks out the blue sky. It’s excellent hiking territory, and Wallings Nature Reserve is the best place to experience it. Take a stroll along numerous well-marked walking trails leading through the rainforest with an expert guide, and they’ll point out and explain any local fauna and flora you see on the way.

Then, take the opportunity to harness up and clip yourself onto a zip cable and hurtle above it. There’s a range of courses to appeal to every type of adventurer, from four to 99 years old. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you go.

Wildlife fans should book themselves onto a nature tour of Laviscount Island, reached only by boat from Seatons. For many, the highlight is meeting the Aldabra giant tortoises, which can live up to 200 years, but there are macaw parrots and native Lesser Antillean iguanas here too. A lunch of barbecue chicken, fried plantain, and plenty of snorkelling and hiking are included.

To get a good understanding of the island in one go, join a day tour, taking in its major sites and covering its history, culture and food. A 4×4 trip gives you the freedom to go off-road and reach viewpoints and beaches not accessible to minibuses or taxis — and adds a sense of adventure.

For a different perspective of Antigua, slip on a pair of fins, a mask and snorkel and jump into its shallow waters. The coral reefs dotted around the island are home to an abundance of marine life, including octopus, sea turtles, rays and parrot fish. Knowledgeable guides at Galleon Beach take guests to the Pillars of Hercules, a rock formation known for turtle sightings. You’re kitted out with a hand-held snorkel scooter to help propel you through the water, and the guides will take plenty of photos of you in action.

Antigua & Barbuda has something to offer all ages and every level of adventurer in you with first-class tour operators who are willing and standing by to reach your goals.

“Antigua & Barbuda has something to offer all ages and every level of adventurer in you.”

NELSON’S DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK: A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY AND NATURAL BEAUTY

by Anne Marie Martin

No trip to Antigua & Barbuda would be complete without a visit to our captivating Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. When stepping onto this hallowed ground and inhaling the rich heritage of centuries past, visitors immerse themselves in the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s legacy. Nelson’s Dockyard is the jewel in the crown, not only of our National Parks Authority but also of the island itself. But this isn’t a museum frozen in time. The waterway known as Nelson’s Dockyard Marina stands as the world’s sole continuously operational Georgian-era dockyard, offering a safe haven amidst the Caribbean’s most breathtaking and secure natural anchorages. With each passing season, between November and May, a flotilla of vessels calls Nelson’s Dockyard home, attracted by the island’s reputation as one of the premier places for sailing in the region. Over two centuries of Royal Navy history converges with pristine beaches and world-class modern conveniences like fine dining establishments and bars, making it the island’s foremost yachting hub for cruisers and superyachts alike. The Dockyard Museum located in the former Admiral’s House, the charming and historic Cooper & Lumber Store Hotel, the stately Clarence House, the enlightening Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre and the formidable Blockhouse each narrate a chapter of our park’s wellpreserved history.

The Naval Dockyard and its Related Archaeological Sites feature a cluster of Georgian naval structures encased within protective walls. Today, as

well as a historical gem, it’s a vibrant and buzzing place, bustling with hotels, charming shops, inviting cafés, gourmet restaurants and lively nightlife, all catering to the thousands of yachters and visitors who come to this iconic spot.

Not only that, each year, the Dockyard, Antigua’s top tourist attraction, is transformed into a whirlwind of excitement, becoming the epicentre of the island’s most important and prestigious events, such as the worldrenowned Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December, the Superyacht Challenge, Oyster Rally and the Atlantic Challenge.

And if that’s not enough, our park’s breathtaking coastal scenery boasts some of Antigua’s loftiest cliffs alongside steep hills and valleys, including the towering Sugar Loaf Hill. The view from Shirley Height’s Lookout Point must be the most famous vista on the whole island, and its twice-weekly parties with food, rum and music are one of the most popular gatherings in Antigua.

Safeguarding this sweeping landscape, stretching from Carlisle Bay to Mamora Bay, is a source of pride for us at the National Parks Authority. We are committed to fostering an understanding of the park’s biodiversity among locals and visitors alike to instil a sense of reverence and protection for this natural and historical gem, whether from the land or the sea. Every visitor leaves a mark. Not just in footprints but in the ongoing preservation of this cherished historical treasure.

SUGAR MILLS: DISCOVER ANTIGUA’S SWEET AND BITTER PAST

by Dean Fenton

IIn today’s Antigua & Barbuda, tourism reigns supreme, driving more than 50 percent of GDP and employing over 46 percent of the nation’s workforce. Cruise ships, all-inclusive resorts, and yachts dominate the scene. But rewind the clock, and it was sugar that was king, which made Antigua & Barbuda one of the most prominent islands in the Eastern Caribbean region.

Betty’s Hope, a relic of this bygone era, stood as one of the most prolific sugar plantations in the West Indies. And standing under the shade of a towering windmill at what was once one of the most productive sugar plantations in the West Indies, it is not hard to imagine the legion of imperious Englishmen at its helm. Yet, history, as they say, is written by the victors, and while an abundance of documentation scrupulously records the details of the sugar industry which helped build the British Empire, precious little is known about the lives of the enslaved Africans upon whom it hinged.

As we delve into the narrative, it becomes evident that sugar’s ascent on these islands was swift. It all started with England’s colonisation of Antigua in 1632. In 1674, the island’s first sugar plantation took root with the arrival of Christopher Codrington, a Barbadianborn British soldier and plantation owner. In a mere four years, nearly half the island’s population was made up of African slaves.

The success of the sugar industry depended on the labour of these enslaved peoples who, unwittingly, made the island the flagship of the Caribbean. Indeed, these mills were built by some of the most skilled labourers, doing some of the most

dangerous agricultural and industrial work in the Caribbean.

Betty’s Hope, the jewel in Antigua’s sugar crown and our heritage landmark, was but one of approximately 190 plantations across the island that relied on slave labour. Even after emancipation, many former slaves continued to toil on Antiguan plantations for paltry wages due to a dearth of viable alternatives. However, the Caribbean sugar industry eventually waned, and Antigua’s sugar mills, once symbols of prosperity, now stand as silent witnesses to a tumultuous past.

As we fast forward to the present, these mills endure as historic landmarks. Around 112 sugar mill towers, many of them remarkedly intact, still dot the countryside, poignant reminders of the days of slavery under King Sugar. For visitors, they give a fascinating insight into the country’s history. Indeed, to understand these sugar mills is to understand Antigua and its people. An illuminating map of these remaining mills can be explored at the museum at the Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre.

As a tourism marketing professional, I advocate for their continued use in educating and engaging visitors. Guided tours. mapped trails with narratives of the skilled craftsmen, blacksmiths and masons who built the mills must be incorporated into our tourism strategy. As we preserve these fragments of our past, not only can we share our history with the world, but these untapped resources can offer potential increased revenue streams to our country.

A COASTAL ECOSYSTEM HAVEN

by Eli Fuller

TThanks to the remarkable geography and coastal ecosystems that Antigua & Barbuda is blessed with, tropical eco-tourism remains at the heart of our culture and economy.

The foundations of our nation’s tourism industry were laid when the US Army constructed our first airstrip. As it happens, in the second half of the twentieth century, my grandfather, Nick Fuller, built the first beach hotel in Antigua. The Lord Nelson Beach Hotel was built on the premise of immersing guests in nature. Right from the outset, private excursions to the offshore islands of the North Sound were the highlight of most visitors’ stays.

The North Sound boasts 22 picturesque islands adorned with turtle grass beds and colourful coral reefs, creating one of the world’s most diverse biodiversity hotspots. Today, it has been designated a Marine Protected Area, and a wide range of ecotours is available there, from thrilling kitesurfing adventures at one end of the spectrum to super yacht charters at the other. Often, the two go together. Furthermore, the list of tours and excursions based around the wonderful natural wildlife shows that unfold around the clock keeps growing.

It’s about a 50-nautical-mile trip right around the island of Antigua, and there are various circumnavigation-type tours available. No matter where you find yourself during one of these round-the-island trips, you will see people enjoying the natural beauty of this very unique island.

And unique our island nation is! We have more offshore islands than most other islands in the Caribbean archipelago, and we also have more bays, coves and inlets than our neighbours. Beaches are what we are famous for, and we truly have some wonderfully spectacular ones. But it’s the combination of these pristine shores with the surrounding offshore islands that truly sets us apart. It’s no wonder that we have so many things to do and see while you’re visiting Antigua.

Whether you’re drawn to scuba diving or snorkelling, birding or beaching, kitesurfing or kayaking, sportfishing or sailing, Antigua & Barbuda offers an array of coastal attractions and high-quality excursions that will keep you busy and happy for years to come.

Beaches are what we are famous for, and we truly have some wonderfully spectacular ones. But it’s the combination of these pristine shores with the surrounding offshore islands that truly sets us apart.

Beyond Barbuda’s pristine beaches, mysterious sinkholes pepper the island, captivating both scientists and adventurers. The origins of these deep vertical shafts, locally known as “black holes,” are still cloaked in mystery.

BARBUDA: NATURE AT ITS FINEST V

Visiting Barbuda feels like you’ve been let on a secret no one knows about. Just over 60 kilometres from its big sister, Antigua, Barbuda feels like a world apart. This hidden gem promises solitude, unspoiled natural beauty, and an escape from the humdrum of modern life.

Let’s begin with the famous pink sands that stretch as far as the eye can see. The pale pink hue, a gift from the countless crushed shells that line the shores, is probably what the island is best known for. Sink your toes into the silky sands of Princess Diana Beach, aptly named after the late Princess who declared Barbuda as her favourite refuge, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. The turquoise, transparent sea that laps the shores is home to pristine coral reefs teaming with rainbow-hued fish and sea turtles. Don’t miss the local delicacy of grilled spiny lobster, freshly plucked from the ocean (albeit during the strictly imposed lobster season). Look above, and you will undoubtedly spot the majestic and imposing frigate bird soaring in the skies. Barbuda boasts the largest colony of these incredible seabirds in the Western Hemisphere, found at the protected Frigate Bird Sanctuary at Codrington Lagoon. Witnessing these creatures in their natural habitat is nothing short of extraordinary. With their inflated crimson throat pouches, the males perform an elaborate courtship dance that is mesmerising to onlookers. The sanctuary offers an intimate glimpse into their world, accessible only by guided tour with knowledgeable local experts.

Barbuda is a true haven for wildlife. Besides the frigate birds, the island is home to hundreds of species of other birds, including the endemic Barbuda warbler, wild boar, deer, wild horses, and, if you’re lucky, you may see a land tortoise ambling past.

Beyond Barbuda’s pristine beaches, mysterious sinkholes pepper the island, captivating both scientists and adventurers. The origins of these deep vertical shafts, locally known as “black holes,” are still cloaked in mystery. Whether formed by erosion, collapsed ancient caves, or some other geological process, these sinkholes offer a surreal underground world for daring explorers equipped with rappelling gear. Yet, what truly astonishes is the unique ecosystem thriving within their depths, showcasing life’s resilience.

Whether you travel by light aircraft or take the ferry, come for a day trip or stay in one of the laidback, barefoot-luxury hotels on the island, Barbuda, the Caribbean’s best-kept secret is waiting for you.

WHEN IN ANTIGUA, MAKE SURE YOU...

Enjoy a historic walk through St John’s

Explore Nelson’s Dockyard

Admire the sunset at Shirley Heights

Zip through Antigua’s rainforest

Get up close and personal with stingrays

Cruise on a catamaran for a day

Experience the coast’s tropical ecosystem

Visit Laviscount island

Go on a kayak or snorkel expedition

Sample Antigua’s black pineapple

Pop over to Barbuda

Take a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of the islands

Join a cooking class

Tour Betty’s Hope

Delve into history with Rum in the Ruins

Cast your line for deep-sea fishing

Hike the most scenic parts of Antigua

Discover the Pillars of Hercules

Relax at one of our 365 amazing beaches

Revel in the Antigua & Barbuda Carnival

Stroll around historic Redcliffe Quay

Buy local artisan goods

“When I step away from Antigua for a minute and return, I find myself again and again. It’s the people, the natural beauty, the sunsets and the food that blows my mind.”

Gregory Causion Bailey

You hail from a very musical family. Can you tell us about your life growing up and when you first started singing?

AAntigua&Barbuda’sReggaeAmbassador, Gregory“Causion”Bailey,hasenjoyed amusiccareerspanningmorethan30 yearsandgainedwidespreadrecognition asamusician,songwriter,producerand philanthropist.Causionstartedhismusic careerintheearly1990s,quicklygaining popularityacrosstheCaribbean.Hehas touredwithnotablereggaeartistslikeThird World,RitaMarley,DennisBrownand FreddieMcGregorandreleasedsuccessful albums like Time Will Tell and One Life to Live.Hehasalsoheadlinedmajorshows andfestivals.DespitebattlingStage3cancer, hereleasedtheinspiringsingle Thank You in 2020,aswellasfoundingtheThankYou Mission,anon-profitorganisation,raising thousandsofdollarstosupportcancer research and assist those in need. The Citizen met with Causion to learn more about his excitingcareerandfutureplans.

Growing up in Antigua was very interesting. Music was always around me from an early age; it was introduced to me by my Uncles Ted, Juke, Joseph and other musicians in the family. It just seemed to be something that was always there. No matter how you twist and turn it, I could not escape it, as if it was destined to be.

Why did reggae music capture your heart instead of other genres?

In a nutshell, it was the deep, meaningful stories and messages that spoke to me. I’ve always been attracted to songs that teach you things and expand your mind, whether through spiritual connotations or educating you about life and history.

It is evident that you deeply love your home island. What inspiration does its beauty give you?

Antigua has been and always will be an inspiration to me. When I step away from Antigua for a minute and return, I find myself again and again. It’s the people, the natural beauty, the sunsets and the food that blows my mind. It keeps taking me Back to My Roots; this place keeps me grounded.

How would you characterise your brand of Antiguan reggae?

Well, I wouldn’t necessarily call it Antiguan reggae. I’m just a reggae artist from Antigua, trying to make my way into reggae music and let the world know about where I’m from: this beautiful island of 365 beaches and 108 square miles of pure joy.

You’ve experienced serious health issues over the past few years; how have these life events influenced your music and how you view your life?

It has undoubtedly changed my life - how I see things and how I view and value life has changed. My music has more meaning to me than it ever had before. How it speaks to someone matters more now than it ever did. I think we should strive to live our lives with purpose, learn to love each other more, create as many memories as we can and speak every word from our mouths with love. It is all we have at the end of the day.

Can you tell us more about your Thank You Mission and why you thought it important to use your experience to help others?

While I was lying in the hospital, I had nothing but time. Time to reflect on my life and time to say thank you for all that was done. I was unsure what the next step was, but my faith was going to be my guide, so I put it all in my father’s hands. Then, the journey began as I got a little better. I started to learn about others who were in the same boat as I had been and needed help, even if it was just to talk to them and let them know that everything was going to be okay.

How important is it to address health disparities in the Caribbean community?

I believe it is very important. I also think that everyone and anyone that has the voice of the people should make it a point to open conversations to educate the youth. Growing

up, I wish I had someone speaking to me and telling me what to look out for. We need to be more open.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I’m grateful to be able to see today, to be able to share this journey and hope I can bring a change to someone’s life. See, it doesn’t matter to me where I’ve been or where I’m going, but rather what can be done through the power of the words and music. That will be the true highlight of my career.

You’ve worked with some of the greats of reggae. If you could collaborate with any artist in the future, who would be your dream collaboration?

Let me think - Third World, Red Fox and Damian Marley.

What would you say to anyone who hasn’t had the fortune to visit Antigua yet to encourage them to visit?

{Laughing out loud} I would start with the first letter in the alphabet and say, repeat after me, “Antigua me just come from, and I will always come back to you.”

What is your favourite place in Antigua?

This is a hard one: “I’m in love with this girl name Antigua, but at the end of the day, take me to Falmouth.”

What’s next for you?

Well, the mission continues; the power of word, sound and music; the work is not done yet, and we are pushing forward, so Welcome to the mission!

“I’ve always been attracted to songs that teach you things and expand your mind, whether through spiritual connotations or educating you about life and history.”

Second citizenship not only opens up global business opportunities, but also looks after your family’s future.

ANTIGUA THROUGH MY LENS

by Alfred Särchinger

German-born photographer Alfred Särchinger has enjoyed a remarkable career in the realms of fashion, beauty and lifestyle editorial photography. After studying design and photo design, Alfred established his studio in Cologne, eventually collaborating with some of the most iconic fashion publications in the world, such as Vogue and Elle, carrying out fashion shoots across the globe. His artistic journey has led to numerous exhibitions in Germany and beyond. Over the past two decades, Alfred has visited the twin islands repeatedly and has formed a deep connection with Antigua, a bond evident in his photos and reflected in the vibrant world he captures through his lens.

QA & &

When did you first become interested in photography, and how did it become your passion?

When I was 14, I got my first 35mm camera, which was how it all began. When I was 17, I started studying photography, and it turned into more than just taking pictures; it’s a way of life – my life.

Can you tell us more about your career as a professional photographer?

After graduating from my photography studies, I opened my own studio specialising in fashion photography, which is truly the best way to create your personal style. Magazines began getting in touch, and that was the start of my fashion photography career working with publications like Vogue, Elle, Brigitte and others.

What kind of photos do you like to take?

portraits. My approach to fashion photography was based on creative, imaginative work which looks unstaged. I believe that black-and-white images are like aphorisms; they express a lot with little.

You were born in Germany - how did you end up living in Antigua?

I have been coming to Antigua for over 20 years, and I’ve carried out photoshoots for many different magazines on the island. I’ve made many friends over the years, and I really enjoy the Antiguan way of life. The Caribbean flair, with its reggae music, sunshine and extremely friendly people, has made a lasting impression on me.

How does Antigua & Barbuda inspire your photography?

www.alfredsaerchinger.com instagram.com/alfredsaerchinger.a.s.c alfred.saerchinger@mac.com

Now that I’m retired from the magazine scene, I am free to express my own style, which captures the essence of a positive, unobserved lifestyle with special lighting. I shoot what I see – people, landscapes – everything that inspires me!

What is your favourite subject matter?

During my time in the magazine industry, I loved taking photos of women in fashion as well as beauty

It has incredible light, a carefree feeling, and the island has so many beautiful places, making it extremely easy to shoot without the usual permissions required in other locations around the world.

Who has been the biggest influence in your photography and why?

The photographer Peter Lindbergh and the unique way he used to shoot fashion.

Where is your favourite place in Antigua?

I don’t have a particular favourite spot. After all these years, I am still surprised about the impact the island has on me every single day. I find it fascinating!

To view more of Alfred’s work, check out

Explore, experience, live and invest in Antigua & Barbuda

Arts &cu ltu re

AAlfanso Jerry Simon, also known as Jerry Simon, hails from Liberta, Antigua, where his artistic journey began at a young age. He displayed a keen interest in art from his earliest days, sketching in school textbooks and any available material he could get his hands on.

At eight years old, Jerry briefly received instruction from Marie Browne-Theodore, an Antiguan artist, teacher and national art coordinator. However, his formal art training was shortlived, as his path led him to a medical career, specialising in addiction treatment. But, despite his successful medical career, Jerry’s true passion has

always been art. His artistic talents span various media and styles, including traditional and digital art and photo fine art. Jerry’s subjects vary widely, encompassing landscapes, the cosmos, portraits, nature, and heritage objects like antique lamps and pottery coal pots, while his vibrant use of colour evokes deep emotions in his audience.

During the pandemic, Jerry rekindled his creative spirit, influenced by fellow Antiguan artist Edison Liburd. He began sharing his artwork on social media platforms, pairing each piece with inspirational messages of hope.

Alfanso Jerry Simon

N’Kata - The Conversation

N’Kata II

The Board is Set

The Soup That Broke My Yabba

Bees under siege

It is well chronicled that bees are facing a relentless assault, primarily at the hand of humans. The introduction of invasive species and the use of pesticides are among the major factors contributing to the demise of our beloved bees. Considering that over 75 percent of the world’s food sources rely on bees, the spectre of their extinction looms large and is certainly worthy of our urgent attention.

OOnline petitions to change governmental regulations have shone a spotlight on the insidious threat to bees posed by neonicotinoids. These chemicals are either coated on seeds or sprayed on soil, where they are absorbed by growing plants. As a result, the entire plant, including its pollen, nectar, and fruit, becomes toxic, and although initially designed to target “pest” insects, neonicotinoids indiscriminately devastate bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. Since their introduction in the 1990s, neonicotinoids have made US agriculture nearly 50 times more harmful to insect life. Although studies have revealed their detrimental impact on honeybees’ learning and memory abilities, scientists are urging regulators to acknowledge the risks the often-overlooked solitary bees face.

Because whilst honeybees are renowned for their industriousness and often take centre stage, it is the solitary bees like carpenter bees that not only often surpass them in pollination prowess but also in numbers, with honeybees representing a minuscule percentage of bees worldwide. Thankfully, efforts are underway to make amends. Several countries, including the EU, have banned neonicotinoids, although in many, such as the US, China and India, they are still widely used. The alternatives may be slightly less harmful, but the perfect solution is yet to be found, prompting a growing interest in organic farming. And in an ironic twist, some of our other attempts to make amends have unintentionally caused more harm than good. While keeping honeybees can undoubtedly be beneficial in places like Antigua & Barbuda where native bees are absent, in some regions, improper management, particularly by amateur beekeepers, can pose a significant threat to local bee populations. The recent surge in backyard beekeeping, driven by a

noble desire to increase bee numbers to help the environment (and enjoy the delicious honey they produce), has unfortunately had disastrous consequences for local bees in some parts of the globe, which were already struggling to find sufficient food sources in our increasingly developed world. Although this is certainly not the case everywhere, this has led to overpopulation in places such as London, which boasts the densest honeybee populations in Europe, if not the world. Research indicates that London can sustain approximately seven hives per square kilometre, yet it currently harbours over 50, with some areas hosting a staggering 400 hives per square kilometre. However, this problem is not confined to urban areas alone; even in some rural regions in Europe, honeybees and native bees often compete for scarce nectar and pollen sources, exacerbating competition.

As a domesticated species, honeybees cannot be the panacea for all pollination issues. Dr Lucy Witter, a UK-based entomologist and farm wildlife advisor, said in a recent interview with Sky News, “One of my biggest bugbears is people getting honeybees to help pollinators generally. It’s the equivalent of saying, ‘We need to save wild birds, so let’s get some chickens.’”

The single most effective way for individuals to aid bees is simply to plant flowers. Manicured parks and decked gardens often cannot sustain bee populations sufficiently. Filling your garden with bee-friendly flowers, refraining from removing flowering “weeds”, and making a “bee hotel” out of lengths of bamboo or hollow plant stems are all easy but effective ways to help our tiny friends.

Fortunately, in the lush and verdant Antigua & Barbuda where nature is abundant, a wide variety of flowering plants and trees like the hibiscus, ixora, coconut, guava, mango and ackee provide a veritable bee paradise. Here, where there are no native species to compete with the honeybee, which was introduced to the islands in the late 18th century by colonists, these creatures play an extremely positive role in creating sustainable food and agriculture systems without experiencing the negatives faced in other regions. While native hummingbirds, butterflies and other insects serve as islands’ native pollinators, the careful management of hives in the twin islands ensures that there are enough flowers and nectar for all.

Although formal beekeeping in Antigua & Barbuda began in the 1980s, it is still relatively small scale. Beyond its benefits for food security, beekeeping provides an economic advantage to the islands due to a wide range of valueadded by-products, such as honey, wax, royal jelly and even cosmetics and soaps. With most commercially available honey being produced on an industrial scale and subjected to pasteurisation, which removes many of honey’s essential properties, many individuals, including the local Rastafarian community, are becoming involved in beekeeping to ensure a healthier, organic honey option for their diet – whilst making a little extra income to boot.

Despite facing challenges like Hurricane Irma in Barbuda in 2017, which decimated many of the hives, and the varroa mite, which threatened honeybees in Antigua in the early 2000s, new apiarists are being trained by the Antigua & Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative Facility, ensuring a sweet future for the islands’ bees and protecting our world and food sources for generations to come.

A BUZZING INSIGHT INTO THE HONEYBEE HIVE

• A beehive can house 20,000 to 80,000 bees.

• Bee colonies have a queen, drones and worker bees.

• Worker bees, accounting for 99% of the hive population, are infertile females tasked with collecting nectar and converting it into honey.

• Bees collect nectar from flowers and transform it into honey through regurgitation and enzymatic activity.

• Worker bees secrete beeswax to build hexagonal cells called a “comb” to store honey and pollen and raise young.

• Drones are male bees in the hive whose sole purpose is to mate with the queen and contribute to the colony’s genetic diversity.

• The queen bee is the only fertile female in the hive responsible for laying eggs, ensuring the colony’s survival and growth.

• Royal jelly is a substance fed exclusively to the queen bee, enabling her reproductive development.

• When the queen bee dies, worker bees raise a new queen by selecting a young larva and feeding it royal jelly.

• Bees regulate hive temperature by adjusting their metabolic rate or fanning their wings. During the brood season, the temperature is maintained around 32-35ºC.

• Overcrowded hives may swarm, with thousands of bees leaving to establish new colonies. Beekeepers manage populations by splitting hives or replacing the queen bee when she nears the end of her reproductive life.

• Beekeepers smoke hives to calm bees. The smoke makes bees think there’s a fire nearby, so they gorge on honey and become less likely to sting due to their full abdomens.

Because whilst honeybees are renowned for their industriousness and often take centre stage, it is the solitary bees like carpenter bees that not only often surpass them in pollination prowess but also in numbers, with honeybees representing a minuscule percentage of bees worldwide.

Antigua Carnival A celebration of colour and revelry

AskanyresidentofAntiguaabouttheirfavouritetimeofyear,andyou’relikelytohearone resoundinganswer:carnivalseason.Andanyvisitorluckyenoughtobeinthetwinislands atthetailendofJulyoratthestartofAugustwouldreadilyconfirmthisstatement.

AAlthough it took a short hiatus in 2020, it wasn’t until this year, 2023, that the Carnival regained its true spirit – and was bigger, better and brighter than ever!

The Antigua Carnival may have had humble beginnings since its official inception in 1957, but today, it is known as the greatest summer festival in the Caribbean. This year’s celebrations drew tens of thousands of joyful participants from across the region and beyond – a testament to its allure and popularity.

The annual festival is a whirlwind of colours, infectious music and eye-catching costumes. However, to truly grasp the significance of Carnival to the Antiguan people, one must really experience it firsthand to immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere that envelops the island.

Yet beneath all the revelry and kaleidoscopic celebrations, there is a profound historical resonance at the heart of it all since it commemorates and celebrates the Antiguan people’s emancipation from slavery in the 19th century.

And now that the sun has set on this year’s incredible celebrations, it’s not too early to start planning for 2024. Join in on the pulsating rhythms, dazzling parades and the rich cultural heritage that Antigua Carnival proudly showcases. So, see you next year?

WOrth Noting

ANTIGUA ISLAND GIRLS TRIUMPHANT AFTER PACIFIC ROW

The Antigua Island Girls reached the finish line of the World’s Toughest Row – Pacific in Kauai, Hawaii, after a gruelling journey of more than 2,800 nautical miles from California after 41 days at sea. Completing this incredible feat demonstrated Christal Clashing, Samara Emmanuel and Kevinia Francis’s determination, strength and willpower. In the process, they became the first Black female team and the first Caribbean team to row across the Pacific Ocean, raising money for their chosen charity. The team received a well-deserved hero’s welcome upon their return to Antigua, just as they did after their incredible Atlantic row in 2019.

INCREASED AIRLIFT TO ANTIGUA

WestJet has added flights from Toronto to Antigua every Sunday starting May until October. Likewise, Air Canada will be flying the same route every Saturday during the same period. Sunwing’s Toronto to Antigua flights will begin in winter, as will Air Canada’s Montreal to Antigua flight. From the US, Frontier Airlines will be reviving its direct service from Orlando starting in November. Further afield, Air Peace has become the first Nigerian airline to operate a nonstop, direct flight to the twin islands. The first flight from the African nation took place on 5th August.

On a regional level, WinAir has commenced weekly flights connecting the British Virgin Islands with Antigua. As of the end of August, Caribbean Airlines have started flights connecting Trinidad, Dominica and Antigua.

OPTINAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2023 Optimist North American Championship were held in English Harbour from the 2nd to the 9th July. One hundred and twenty-four young sailors from over a dozen nations descended on the twin islands for a week of racing. This is the third time that Antigua has hosted this competition; in 2019, it was the home of the Optimist World Championship.

UPGRADE TO CURTAIN BLUFF

One of Antigua’s most iconic resorts, Curtain Bluff, is investing in an extensive multi-million-dollar property renovation, and due to reopen in October this year. In addition to the upgrade of many of the resort’s suites, a newly expanded Wellness Area, which will include a yoga pavillion as well as an infinity pool and jacuzzi, will be added.

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE JOSEON CYBERNATION AND THE TWIN ISLANDS

Antigua & Barbuda has formally established diplomatic relations with the Joseon Cybernation, a non-territorial state reimagined as a digital nation. This move aligns with the country’s longstanding foreign policy of seeking peace, friendship, and cooperation with all states, traditional or modern. The agreement focuses on education, economic investment, and other developmental initiatives, strengthening the foundation for friendly and forward-looking relations.

ELIGIBLE ANTIGUAN CITIZENS QUALIFY FOR VISA-FREE TRAVEL TO CANADA

Canada recently changed its visa regulations, adding Antigua & Barbuda citizens to its electronic travel authorisation (eTA) programme. Citizens are eligible for eTA if they have held a Canadian visa within the last ten years or currently possess a valid non-immigrant visa from the United States, meaning they do not need to apply for a standard visa when travelling to Canada by air.

CHINA AND ANTIGUA AGREE TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met in Beijing with his counterpart from Antigua & Barbuda, Paul Chet Greene, as the two nations mark the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Greene affirmed the significance of the relationship with China and expressed the desire to strengthen collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, economy, and agriculture.

ANTIGUA CRUISE PORT NOMINATED FOR AWARDS

In the third annual World Cruise Awards, Antigua Cruise Port has been nominated for the Caribbean’s Best Cruise Destination and the Best Cruise Terminal. The awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the global cruise sector through its annual awards programme, serving as the sister event to the renowned World Travel Awards. Indeed, the Port has gone from strength to strength as it welcomes 19 cruise calls this summer season, surpassing the previous record of 17 calls in 2019. Although the cruise industry in the region is usually dormant during the summer months, efforts made by the Port’s team and the government have ensured an extended season in 2023, and they are expecting an even better 2024 summer season.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TO FEATURE ON CBS’S SECRET RENOVATION

ABTA has announced its collaboration with CBS Broadcasting in the US for an upcoming episode of the popular reality series Secret Renovation. This heartwarming show features celebrities surprising deserving individuals with home renovations. In this episode, Phil Keoghan, known for hosting The Amazing Race, returns to Antigua, where he spent his childhood, to give a significant makeover to the St John Hospice Centre. The partnership offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase the island’s beauty to a wide audience.

CARICOM CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has celebrated its 50th anniversary of regional integration. Established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, the Community comprises 20 countries, including Antigua & Barbuda. A year of celebrations was launched at the 45th Regular Meeting attended by heads of government in Trinidad & Tobago, which started on 4th July, where a commemorative ceremony took place at Chaguaramas, on the northwestern coast of Trinidad.

NEW ROYALTON CHIC ANTIGUA

The existing Halcyon Cove on the famous Dickenson Bay is being transformed into Royalton Chic Antigua. Due to open by spring 2024, the property will have close to 300 rooms, an over-thewater restaurant and other amenities, creating a “a very Miami South Beach kind of vibe” and attracting more millennials to the island. Antigua is already home to Royalton Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort.

NEW AMBASSADOR TO UNESCO

The government has announced the establishment of a Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in Paris. His Excellency Ambassador Boris Latour, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, has been appointed Permanent Delegate and Head of Delegation. The establishment of this delegation demonstrates how the Government wishes to strengthen its diplomatic presence at the international level, particularly with the UN institutions.

worth noting

THE NEW REDONDA ECOSYSTEM RESERVE

Redonda, the country’s third and uninhabited island has recently been granted one of the Caribbean’s largest protected area designations. The island has undergone an impressive transformation from a barren landscape to a flourishing wildlife sanctuary in just a few years. The new Redonda Ecosystem Reserve encompasses nearly 30,000 hectares of land and sea, its surrounding seagrass meadows and a 180 km2 coral reef. The area is believed to house approximately 30 globally threatened and near-threatened species, as well as globally significant seabird colonies.

BARBUDA’S CARIBANA FESTIVAL

Barbuda’s Caribana Festival is a four-day celebration of Antigua’s sister island’s vibrant culture, music and pageantry. Held at the end of May, this year’s celebration had the theme “Culture, Heritage, Revelry”. Soca greats such as Tian Winter, Claudette Peters and Edwin Yearwood entertained the crowds. The festivities also included a beauty pageant, fishing tournament, horse racing and the traditional J’ouvert morning celebrations on the final day.

NEW TOURISM CAMPAIGN NAMED “WHY CHOOSE ONE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE BOTH?”

The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has launched a new tourism campaign titled “Why choose one when you can have both?” The campaign features iconic landmarks and attractions from both islands, such as Valley Church Beach, Devil’s Bridge, and Barbuda’s Pink Sand Beach, with locals as the stars of the adverts, pitching against each other to showcase the best things about their respective islands. The campaign highlights that visitors can enjoy the best of both islands when visiting the country.

FIRST RESTAURANT WEEK A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

Antigua’s Restaurant Week took place in May, bringing together the finest restaurants and local eateries as the peak tourism season ended. Over 30 island restaurants showcased their specialities and unique culinary delights through prix fixe menus. The Eat Like a Local programme involved nearly 20 small vendors, enabling locals and visitors to experience fantastic local cuisine. International chefs, such as Antiguan-born Lejorn Hill, Claude Lewis, Tanya Holland, DeVonn Francis and Orlando Satchell, participated. The event culminated in a food festival at Nelson’s Dockyard.

Plan B

Plan B

P l a n A

Ensure your family's freedom and security, and take your lifestyle to another level with citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda

Ensure your family's freedom and security, and take your lifestyle to another level with citizenship of Antigua & Barbuda

We are a specialist firm offering citizenship and investment services in the Caribbean,

We are a specialist firm offering citizenship and investment services in the Caribbean, A second citizenship is much more than plan B.

A second citizenship is much more than plan B.

Established 2011.

Established 2011.

Licensed Agents / Authorized Representatives.

Licensed Agents / Authorized Representatives.

Team of international professionals based in the Caribbean assisting clients around the world.

Team of international professionals based in the Caribbean assisting clients around the world.

Citizenship, residency, real estate, incorporations, and banking services.

Citizenship, residency, real estate, incorporations, and banking services.

Crypto-currencies accepted for citizenship and all real estate, or business investments.

Crypto-currencies accepted for citizenship and all real estate, or business investments.

IMF OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports a robust economic recovery in the twin islands following the decline due to the pandemic. Projections show growth rates of 7.8 percent for 2022 and 5.5 percent for 2023, driven by a strong rebound in tourism and construction.

CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON AFRICAN TOURISM FREE TRADE ZONE

La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort has started construction of the African Tourism Free Trade Zone in Willoughby Bay to promote cultural exchange, tourism, fashion, and artistic development between Africa and the Caribbean. The visionary project, spanning 20 hectares initially, is a result of over 16 years of persistence by the resort’s Founder and President, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye. This endeavour is expected to contribute to the growth of both Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, symbolising a united sixth continent for Africa.

DIGITAL INTEGRATION IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION

Representatives from 11 Caribbean nations, including from Antigua & Barbuda, have signed the Port of Spain Commitment on Digital Integration, a result of the Executive Sessions on Digital Leadership held by the Government of Trinidad & Tobago in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union. Agreed activities include the creation of a Regional Government Cloud, a Regional Data Centre, cybersecurity collaboration and education and pursuing cross-border recognition of digital IDs.

GLOBAL INFLUENCER CONFERENCE TAKES PLACE IN ANTIGUA

ABTA partnered with influencer specialist Traverse to host an Influencer Conference, bringing together 36 top content creators from around the world. The conference aimed to generate social excitement about the twin islands, showcasing the islands’ unique attractions to generate bookings for 2023 and beyond. The event included workshops, talks, and various activities such as island exploration, water sports, local food tours, and visits to nearby islands, enhancing the influencers’ skills while enjoying the destination’s offerings.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA HAMPTONS CHALLENGE REGATTA

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority promoted the delights of the twin islands in Sag Harbour, The Hamptons, during the Antigua & Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta. In its 13th year, the Regatta has evolved into a four-day family festival. Visitors could enjoy steel pan music, a plethora of family-friendly activities, vibrantly costumed dancers and an array of the islands’ cuisine. In total, 30 exhibitors attended the festival at Marine Park, among them travel advisors dedicated to promoting Antigua & Barbuda.

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