Government Praises Progress of Antigua Cruise Port Upland Development

St. John’s, Antigua – July 21, 2025 – Antigua Cruise Port (ACP) proudly welcomed a high-level government delegation including Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne and Minister of Tourism the Hon. Charles Fernandez, to the Upland Development site on July 15, 2025.

The site visit formed part of a scheduled update on the multi-million dollar cruise infrastructure project currently transforming the land-side area along Newgate Street.

During the tour, officials received a comprehensive walkthrough of the first phase of development, which is on track for completion by November 2025.

This phase includes construction of a world-class passenger terminal designed to support the growing demand for home-porting operations. It will also feature a vibrant array of shopping and dining options that showcase the rich culture and appeal of Antigua and Barbuda as a leading cruise destination.

The Hon. Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed his satisfaction with the pace of construction during the site visit, stating, “I’m very pleased with the progress of the work. When I came here about three months ago for the groundbreaking; I never anticipated that you would have piled o the entire area and that a couple of the buildings would be significantly advanced. It tells me that the pace of work is extremely impressive, and we look forward to the completion of the first phase.

”Reflecting on the transformation, the Prime Minister added: “I recall eleven years ago when we assumed office, this area was littered with very unsightly sunken barges and boats. I even recall myself and Minister Fernandez actually visiting one of the largest ships at the time that was docked and we felt so embarrassed, when the captain pointed out just how unsightly the area was,” he continued “So what is happening now with the completion of the second phase; this space in essence will be transformed into a beautiful cruise tourism facility.”

Hon. Prime Minister Browne also praised the public-private partnership with Global Ports Holding (GPH):  “Today has proven that it was a very good decision to partner with Global Ports Holding, because along with the benefits to the people of Antigua and Barbuda that we have seen including the increased head tax and arrivals, I’ve also seen that this project is catalyzing local investments.”

“For example – I see a three-story building going up here to the north side of the Upland Development build out and I’m told it’s an Airbnb property with pool and so on. This is the kind of transformation that we are so happy about. I’d encourage more entrepreneurs to get involved in the space with the many opportunities being provided; so once again congratulations Global Ports Holding – we are very pleased, and you can be assured you have the continued support of my administration and we’re looking to take our cruise tourism product to new heights. ” the Prime Minister concluded.