Antigua and Barbuda will host a major U.S. legal conference next January, as the Black Bar Association of the United States has selected the country for one of its flagship annual gatherings, Cabinet spokesman Maurice Merchant announced during Friday’s post-Cabinet briefing.
Merchant said Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin informed the Cabinet that the association has finalized plans to bring its conference to Antigua, adding to the country’s growing slate of international events. He said the development reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s rising profile as a preferred destination for high-level professional, legal and academic conferences .
According to Merchant, the government views the decision as further evidence of Antigua’s strengthening reputation as a regional conference hub. He noted that the country has already been attracting major regional and international meetings, helped by improved infrastructure, strong airlift and what he called the country’s “welcoming environment for global delegations” .
Merchant did not provide details on the expected number of attendees or the specific sessions planned but said additional information will be released by the Attorney General’s office as the event approaches.
He said the government anticipates economic benefits from conference tourism, including increased hotel occupancy, restaurant activity and spending in the local economy. Merchant added that the administration sees professional conferences as part of a broader strategy to diversify tourism and attract new categories of visitors to the country .
