Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua and Barbuda opened the 5th Berth- the largest cruise vessel in the world, during the celebrations of Tourism Week 2022. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and other Cabinet colleagues joined the Tourism Minister at Heritage Quay earlier this week to celebrate what is expected to be another record-breaking tourism season.
The 5th Berth was built primarily to accommodate the Oasis class ships, the largest cruise vessels in the world, capable of carrying over 5,000 passengers and 2,500 crew, requiring a draught of 38 feet. During the opening ceremony, the visitors witnessed the docking of five (5) cruise vessels at the Antigua Cruise Port.
Hundreds of people joined Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Members of the Cabinet to join in the opening of the Cargo Port at the Deep Water Harbour on Thursday 8th December at 2pm. The Port was first built and dredged in 1968 by the then ALP Administration and has lasted 50 years.
The redevelopment and expansion of the Port will now allow it to engage in transhipment activities and centralized shipping services, making it the largest Cargo Port in the OECS. The loan from the China ExIm Bank of 97million USD allowed for the improvements to take place, The Antigua Barbuda government negotiated a long moratorium along with concessionary interest rates.
On 20th December 2022, the new Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on Marble Hill Road will officially be opened. Antigua and Barbuda has enjoyed 40 years of diplomatic and friendly relations with the People’s Republic of China.
The country witnessed opening of the Redeveloped Deepwater Harbour Port Facility. The Port was first built and dredged in 1968 by the then ALP Administration and has lasted 50 years. The redevelopment and expansion of the Port will now allow it to engage in transshipment activities and centralized shipping services, making it the largest Cargo Port in the OECS.
