RCCL-Royal Caribbean will invest significantly in an entertainment facility in Fort James area (Antigua and Barbuda). At a post-Cabinet press briefing, Information Minister Melford Nicholas revealed a MoU was drafted in order to allow Royal Caribbean to begin construction.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has long planned "to develop Fort James facility and its precincts into a daytime leisure activity to support the cruise tourism business" and they saw there were possibilities for other types of services like water taxis able to move passengers from one side of port of St John’s to Fort James' facilities.
Responding to how the entertainment facility may impact the cultural and historical significance of the site, Minister Nicholas stated it was a concern raised with the cruise company at the beginning of the discussions.
It was also announced that Royal Caribbean will support this year’s Panorama competition.
According to Nicholas, the cruise line will invest US$50,000 into the competition, adding that there was "an opportunity for steel bands and pannists to be able to avail themselves of potential because included on the services on some of the ships that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines have are steel bands.”