Subscribe
Subscribe to The Citizen for access to the people, perspectives and opportunities shaping Antigua & Barbuda.
Author: Editor
What spurred your initial interest and passion for the citizenship by investment industry? My passion for the industry is deeply rooted in my personal journey. I was born in communist Bulgaria in 1976 before relocating to Morocco as a child with my parents. In an era before the Schengen Area existed, our travels involved navigating through 14 different countries, each with its own visa requirements and bureaucratic hurdles. We were treated differently at borders compared to those with a European passport. I saw firsthand what an arduous process such travels required, but more importantly, I realised that your passport can…
Constantly overshadowed by its larger sister in name, visitor numbers, and development, Barbuda has long flown under the radar – at least as far as international attention is concerned. But this quiet island harbours a unique kind of Caribbean magic that’s all its own. Barbuda couldn’t be any more laid-back unless it lay down. Renowned for its pink-sand beaches, unbelievably turquoise waters, abundant nature, and traditional Caribbean charm, Barbuda offers a glimpse into how the Caribbean once was. Yet, change is on the horizon. International developers have taken notice, and new projects are in the works, catering to the most…
When you think of Barbuda, chances are you’ll envision one of the mesmerising pink-sand beaches that Barbuda is so famed for. Formed by the crushed red shells of microscopic marine animals inhabiting the coral reefs off the coast, the beaches are undeniably incredible. But Barbuda’s coastline is far more than a picture-perfect paradise; it plays a crucial role as a thriving ecosystem. Beneath the crystalline waters, a rich and diverse marine ecosystem is teeming with a wealth of aquatic life and an abundance of vibrant corals. The beaches serve as vital nesting grounds for endangered species such as the hawksbill…
The only thing better than paradise is having a home in paradise. And that is precisely what Barbuda Ocean Club offers. Located on one of the most pristine stretches of coastline imaginable, this exclusive residential resort community blends modern luxury with untouched natural beauty. With a commitment to sustainability and laid-back elegance, discerning visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s unique culture while enjoying a luxurious yet understated lifestyle. A distinctive collection of luxury real estate Barbuda Ocean Club spans over 900 breathtaking acres and consists of two distinct enclaves, Coco Point and Palmetto Point, each offering its own personality…
Unlike Antigua’s more mountainous terrain, Barbuda is characterised by a flat, coral limestone foundation, which has given rise to a unique topography filled with intriguing sinkholes and ancient caves, each revealing a chapter of the island’s rich natural history. These caves are more than just empty spaces; they are thriving ecosystems, home to bats, unique insects, crabs, and other species that flourish in the cool, damp darkness. Barbuda’s sinkholes, formed over centuries by the gradual erosion of limestone by rainwater, punctuate the island’s terrain. Barbuda’s sinkholes, formed over centuries by the gradual erosion of limestone by rainwater, punctuate the island’s…
To truly experience a place, you need to eat the local speciality. When visiting Barbuda, that means indulging in a dish of spiny lobster. The spiny lobster, or Panulirus argus, is celebrated for its sweet, delicious meat. But it is precisely that deliciousness which could lead to their decline. Overfishing can be a real danger, especially as the island finds other unlicensed Caribbean nationals coming to the island for the prized catch.Recognising the need for conservation, a closed fishing season was introduced ten years ago in the twin islands, running from 1st May and 30th June, allowing the lobster population…
Barbuda’s most famous resident is undoubtedly the frigatebird – at the very least, it is the most spectacular. Indeed, when on the island, look up; chances are you will spot one of the pterodactyl-like frigatebirds gliding overhead, their distinctive forked tails and glossy black feathers shimmering in the sunlight. With a wingspan of over six feet (1.8 m), spotting one of Antigua & Barbuda’s national birds in flight is something you’ll never forget.The world-renowned frigatebird sanctuary is located within the 16-mile (26 km) Codrington Lagoon National Park – a designated Wetland of International Importance. Home to 5,000 frigatebirds, the sanctuary…
Antigua is world-famous for its 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. Barbuda may not offer a new beach for each day, but its beaches are some of the best in the world and where often, the only footprints found are your own. On the Caribbean side, expect swaying coconut trees and spectacular beaches fringed with coral reefs teeming with kaleidoscopic sea life. On its wilder Atlantic side, you will discover deserted beaches littered with picturesque driftwood and shells, with rolling waves crashing onto the shore. Most of the beaches have stunning powdery-soft white sands, but it…
Back in March 2024, the five heads of the countries operating CIPs in the OECS signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to integrate aspects of the programmes. Can you tell us more about what was agreed on and the main goals? The ultimate goal of the MOA is the standardisation and strengthening of the administration of the programmes. Six main areas were focused on, which are:1. Increasing the minimum investment threshold to US$200,000.2. Formalising information sharing and the implementation of common transparency standards.3. Establishing a regional regulatory body for the programmes.4. Implementing common security screening and background checks framework.5. Implementing…
Calling Christal Clashing inspirational is an understatement. Her list of achievements is nothing short of remarkable. At just 14, she became the first female swimmer to represent Antigua & Barbuda at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Fast forward to 2018, she was part of the history-making Team Antigua Island Girls in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, becoming the first all-black team and first-all-female Caribbean team to row any ocean when they crossed the Atlantic. In 2023, they crossed the mid-Pacific Ocean in the World’s Toughest Row – Pacific. Christal incredibly achieved all this while battling the debilitating symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric…
