Online Guide to Antigua and Barbuda's Government Information and Services
Antigua and Barbuda's Tourism to receive major boost as a result of a multi-million dollar Iraqi Investment Project

21st March

Antigua and Barbuda's product offering stands to benefit significantly as a result of a newly formed alliance between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Ambassador to Iraq his Excellency Ahmed Abbas Alewi.

Ambassador Alwei who was recently appointed as the nation's Ambassador to Iraq made an official visit to the Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, the Hon. Asot Michael today (Mon). The country's Iraqi Ambassador brought good news of his intended investments in Antigua, chief among which is the proposed project for the development of approximately 93 acres of land at Pensioner's Beach.

This development will boast a hotel, luxury housing, a water-park, and an in-door mall with a contained movie-theatre amongst other features and will employ thousands of Antiguans and Barbudans.

In the matter of a few days, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will have an approximate 5 million USD in its possession with an additional 10 million USD advance payment on 50 CIP applications from Ambassador Alwei. The entire 15 million $USD has already been earmarked to go towards the Cruise Port Development Project in St. John's.

The Project will be done in phases however there will be a total investment of some 1.5 billion USD over the next several years.

Talks have also commenced surrounding the arrival of twice weekly flights from Baghdad Iraq via a major European gateway to Antigua's Sir Vere C. Bird International Airport. Ambassador Alwei has proposed this as a result of his ownership of two Boeing 737 aircraft which can accommodate up to 197 passengers.

This service once negotiations are successful will operate as a charter.

The Hon. Tourism and Investment Minister welcomes these developments and see's the opening of the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in Iraq which will encompass the Tourism and Promotions Office as a huge step towards increasing tourist arrivals from the Middle East and extending Antigua's and Barbuda's Global reach.

Ambassador Ahmed Abbas Alwei was a major influence in removing Iraq from the Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) blacklist. His Excellency is a highly accomplished business mogul who has engaged over 1.2 billion USD worth of contracts in the Middle East. He owns 76,000 housing units in Iraq and 14,000 in Morrocco amongst numerous others.

The newly appointed Ambassador is very well respected in his homeland, as he has worked in many Iraqi Government Offices, with one of his top positions being a Governor and is well known for his integrity and manners. His Excellency is an expert in the field of governmental administration. His private enterprise has taken him through the field of contracting, investment and general trading where he has been immensely successful and this led him to establish the Al-Moked company for general contracting, real estate and industrial investment.

During his official visit to THE Hon. Tourism and Investment Minister, Ambassador Alwei was well-received by a pool of top Tourism officials inclusive of CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Mr. Colin James, Consultant to the Ministry of Tourism Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, Chairman of the St. John's Development Corporation Mr. Rohan Hector and Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy Mrs. Paula Hunte.

His Excellency was presented with official Antigua and Barbuda memorabilia as well as promotional items to be share with his colleagues on his return home to his native Iraq.

For further information:
Contact: Ms. Samoya Kirby
Communications Officer
Tel: (268) 464-0076