The OECS continues its regional modernization with a landmark initiative in Saint Lucia: the commissioning of automated kiosks at the country’s two main airports. A decisive step towards smoother, more technological and more secure border management in the Caribbean.
A forward-looking regional project
The OECS Commission (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) has handed over ten self-service kiosks to Saint Lucia: eight at Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) and two at George F. L. Charles International Airport. This state-of-the-art equipment enables travellers to complete entry formalities themselves, reducing waiting times and congestion in arrival halls.
This operation is part of the OECS Border Management Improvement Program, financed by the European Union through the Regional Integration Through Growth Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) program. This partnership illustrates the regional organization’s determination to strengthen cooperation between its member states, while relying on technology as a lever for efficiency and security.
Automated kiosks for a better passenger experience
With this installation, Saint Lucia becomes a concrete example of digital transformation at the service of tourism. The new automated kiosks scan passports, capture fingerprints and speed up data verification, while maintaining a high level of security.
The aim is twofold: to facilitate travel for the region’s nationals, particularly those from CARICOM and the OECS, and to strengthen the country’s ability to identify and filter high-risk passengers. This intelligent approach illustrates the balance the region is seeking to strike between opening up tourism and tightening controls.
Strong words from Caribbean leadership
At the official handover ceremony at Hewanorra International Airport, OECS Director General Dr Didacus Jules emphasized the strategic significance of this development:
“As global tourism becomes more competitive, travelers are looking not only for beautiful destinations, but also for an efficient, seamless and secure entry experience.”
Dr Didacus Jules emphasized that modernizing ports of entry is an essential pillar for supporting the economic growth of member states and reinforcing the international perception of an organized, technological and welcoming Caribbean.
For his part, Saint Lucia’s Minister of the Interior, Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, praised the investment:
“To maintain the global competitiveness of our tourism sector and meet security challenges, efficient border management systems are essential. They must deny entry to at-risk passengers while offering smooth passage to legitimate travelers.”
These declarations reflect a shared vision: to make the OECS area a model of harmonized regional management, where technological innovation is integrated with the imperatives of sovereignty and mobility.
A regional program already underway
The handover of ten kiosks in Saint Lucia comes just a few months after a similar initiative in Grenada, where six kiosks were delivered in March 2025. Eventually, the OECS Commission aims to equip all member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, as well as associated territories such as Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.
Beyond infrastructure, the aim is to establish a framework for cooperation and data sharing to harmonize entry procedures, strengthen traceability and ensure better coordination between immigration services.
The initiative is thus aligned with the OECS’ regional priorities, which aim to accelerate digital transformation, boost sustainable tourism and improve regional connectivity. Technology becomes a strategic tool to accompany the mobility of Caribbean citizens while supporting economic competitiveness.
Saint Lucia, showcase of a new Caribbean era
For Saint Lucia, this partnership with the OECS and the European Union symbolizes a major step forward. The island is reinforcing its image as a modern, welcoming destination, with infrastructures that meet international standards. The automation of entry points is set to reduce waiting times, improve visitor satisfaction and optimize the management of tourist flows – a crucial issue for a country where tourism accounts for over 60% of GDP.
But beyond the immediate gain, this initiative reflects the political will to place Saint Lucia on a regional trajectory of digital integration. By relying on the structure and coordination of the OECS, the island benefits from a common framework of expertise, financing and training, while contributing to the construction of an interconnected Eastern Caribbean.
Towards intelligent regional connectivity
OECS is demonstrating its ability to combine vision, financing and execution in projects with a tangible impact. The installation of these terminals is more than just a technological gesture: it symbolizes the growing power of a region that is modernizing its infrastructure, reinforcing safety and making mobility more fluid.
At a time when competition between tourist destinations is intensifying, this modernization positions the Eastern Caribbean in a strategic niche: that of an integrated, safe and technologically advanced area.
By uniting its members around tangible initiatives, the OECS is once again asserting its role as a regional driving force, in the service of a more efficient, more connected and resolutely forward-looking Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda has just been nominated as the Caribbean’ s Best Emerging Culinary Destination 2025 by the highly respected World Culinary Awards. And it’s no coincidence. For the past three years, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has been actively working to reposition the country’s image, hitherto associated with its beaches, towards a narrative deeply rooted in gastronomy, terroir and cultural identity.
A World Culinary Awards nomination, a guarantee of credibility
This recognition pays tribute to the efforts of an entire ecosystem: from talented chefs to local producers, street-level artisans and decision-makers. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez summed it up well: “This nomination is a reflection of our rich culinary heritage, and a celebration of the talents that make our national identity shine.”
Gastronomy Month : a pillar of culinary transformation
From traditional Restaurant Week to a full month of events
The heart of this transformation is the Gastronomy Month. This flagship program, launched by ABTA, has seen the former Restaurant Week evolve into a month-long series of immersive events. Each edition offers a deep dive into the cuisine of Antigua and Barbuda, far beyond a restaurant menu.
FAB Fest: an artistic and culinary showcase
FAB Fest (Food, Art and Beverage Festival) has become a must-attend signature event this month. It features the best chefs from both islands, creative mixologists, local artists and passionate producers. All in an atmosphere of culinary demonstrations, concerts, tastings and craft exhibitions.
Eat Like A Local: mapping authenticity
Another flagship initiative: Eat Like A Local. It’s an interactive digital map featuring certified vendors, street stalls and small addresses often unknown to tourists. The project encourages responsible, authentic exploration of the country, highlighting homemade dishes, grandma’s recipes and places frequented by locals.
Caribbean Food Forum: thinking the regional culinary future
Strategic thinking on food safety and innovation
Antigua and Barbuda isn’t just about cooking: the country is also thinking about the future. The Caribbean Food Forum, organized as part of the Gastronomy Month, brings together chefs, entrepreneurs, researchers and political leaders from across the Caribbean. Together, they are tackling the issues of food security, culinary innovation, know-how transfer and sustainable agriculture.
From chefs to politicians: a transdisciplinary dialogue
This forum goes far beyond a simple demonstration. It creates a space for dialogue between professions, where a chef can discuss food legislation with a member of parliament, or a farmer with a researcher on the impact of climate change. This cross-fertilization of ideas makes Antigua and Barbuda the region’s culinary laboratory.
An ambition driven by committed figures
Colin C. James: 365 beaches, 365 flavours
ABTA Managing Director Colin C. James sums up the country’s new slogan perfectly: “We’ve gone from 365 beaches to 365 flavors.” This transformation does not seek to erase the seaside image, but to add a layer of cultural and gustatory depth to it.
Shermain Jeremy: identity, pride and community
Heading up the coordination of Gastronomy Month, Shermain Jeremy is an essential figure. She insists: “What we’ve built goes beyond food. It’s about identity, pride and community.” For her, every street vendor, every mixologist, every artist contributes to this collective dynamic.
Antigua and Barbuda has established itself as a benchmark in the Caribbean culinary landscape. Antigua and Barbuda’s nomination as Best Emerging Culinary Destination in the Caribbean 2025 by the World Culinary Awards is a significant milestone in a collective, ambitious and deeply rooted project. Behind every dish served on these islands, there is a history, a memory, a know-how. And this richness deserves to be celebrated, shared… and savoured.
A haven of calm facing infinity
On Antigua’s southwest coast, between volcanic hills and pristine beaches, lies Tamarind Hills: a serene setting on the edge of one of Condé Nast Traveller’s 50 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Landscape architecture
Here, each villa hugs the curves of the cliff. Private pool, open kitchen, infinite horizon. Luxury is discreet, organic and sincere. The ocean becomes your only companion.
More than a holiday, a philosophy
But what makes this place truly unique is the spirit it cultivates.
“We don’t just sell a room or a villa. We sell a complete experience. The space, the view, the silence… Our guests come here to breathe, to reconnect, sometimes even to restart their lives,” confides Manish, the general manager.
Inhabited elegance
Under his leadership, Tamarind Hills has established itself as an upscale yet deeply human retreat. He creates a subtle balance between independence and personalized attention.
It’s a vision shared from the outset by owner Poonam Agarwalla, who imagined the space as an invitation to disconnect, to pure beauty and simple elegance.
Tamarind Hills, an absolute interlude
Tamarind Hills is Caribbean escape in its truest form: a feeling of absolute freedom and harmony.
Focus on the Tamarind Hills experience
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Accommodation: Studios, suites and villas from 1 to 5 bedrooms, all with private pools, fully equipped kitchens and breathtaking ocean views.
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Dining: The Wild Tamarind restaurant offers international cuisine with Caribbean influences, with options for beachfront or villa dining.
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Wellness: Yoga, Pilates, massages and spa treatments available in the villa.
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Services: Concierge, butler service, VIP transfers, car rental, personalized excursions.
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Environment: Located between Ffryes and Darkwood beaches, with direct access to two of Antigua’s finest beaches.
Practical info
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Address: Ffryes Beach, St Mary’s, Antigua. LOCATION
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Distance from airport: Approx. 30-minute drive from V.C. Bird International Airport.
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Proximity: 5 minutes by car from Jolly Harbour Marina (restaurants, stores) and 20 minutes from St John’s, the capital.
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Website: TAMARINDS HILLS
The Karayib Escape promise
Tamarind Hills is not a destination.
It’s a state of mind. A way of living Antigua at its purest, its sweetest, its most sincere.
Karayib Escape reveals the places where the Caribbean unfolds its grace, depth and art of hospitality.
FAQ
Tamarind Hills offers studios, suites and villas ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms. All feature a private pool, fully equipped kitchen and unobstructed ocean views.
Guests can enjoy yoga and Pilates sessions, massages and wellness treatments right in their villa. The resort also offers a concierge service, butler service, VIP transfers, car rental and personalized excursions.
The resort is located between Ffryes Beach and Darkwood Beach, two of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches. It is about 30 minutes from V.C. Bird International Airport, 5 minutes from Jolly Harbour Marina and 20 minutes from the capital, St John’s.
