ANTIGUANICE YACHTING INSIDER NEWSLETTER

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, The Hon. John Maginley, with Russian businessmen.

(St. John’s Antigua; March 19, 2012), Over 200 prominent Russian businessmen have converged on Antigua and Barbuda for the 4th Annual Russian Business Sailing Week which runs from March 17th to March 23rd 2012.

The event which is organized as an annual “getaway’ for Russian businessmen with the involvement of major Russian Business Media, has been organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, The National Parks Authority, The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA), The Jolly Harbour Marina, and the Jolly Beach Resort.

For seven days the Russians will not only be able view the beauty of the islands while ingesting some of our rich Antiguan culture, but will also have an opportunity to seek avenues of investment available in the twin island state.  Hence the reason for the slate of activities scheduled for the week which is inclusive of a number of business forums organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority, with the chief of these set to take place on Tuesday March 20th at the Jolly Beach Resort.

“Activities such as this are extremely important because of the economic value which is attached to it. Several million dollars will be pumped into the local economy as a result of yacht rentals, food, entertainment and transportation purchases”, stated Mr. Fitzmaurice Christian; Investment Promotion Director at ABIA.

He continued, “Further adding value to the package, is the fact that several high network individuals looking for investment opportunities are a part of this grouping and we will be taking the opportunity on Tuesday evening during the Antiguan Business Forum to highlight avenues available for investment in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Minister of Tourism the Hon. John Maginley in welcoming the Russians to Antigua during the official Welcome Reception last Saturday evening at the Jolly Beach Resort; stated that his team has “pulled out all the stops” to ensure that their visit is memorable. He urged them to “indulge in all that the island has to offer, enjoy the races and of course be safe”.

Russian Consul for the Eastern Caribbean Mr. Egor Blagodatskiy took time out from his busy schedule in Jamaica to attend the Welcome ceremony and Minister Maginley took the opportunity to convey sincere appreciation for the kind gesture.

"When we were choosing the destination for our regatta, the first principle was:  easy to reach, easy to organize. Antigua and Barbuda, as a country with visa-free entry for Russians and direct flights across the Atlantic from London, appeared to us to be the best option", said the General Manager of the weeks’ Event, Mr. Boris Boltyanskiy. "And the hospitality and assistance provided by local officials, businessmen and the local people, confirmed that we had made the right choice. We are pleased to be here another time around and appreciate your very warm reception."

The closing and final presentation of awards will take place on Friday evening at the Copper and Lumber Restaurant with Prime Minister Dr. The Hon. Baldwin Spencer presenting a self-titled trophy awarding the winner of the first division while Tourism Minister the Hon. John Maginley will present a trophy awarding the winner of the second division.

For further information:

Contact: Ms. Samoya Kirby
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture
Queen Elizabeth Highway
Antigua
1-268-464-0076