The governments of Antigua and Barbuda is in the process of negotiating with a prominent cruise ship company to accommodate 2,500 delegates during the upcoming SIDS conference.

The ship will be anchored in St Johns Harbour and serve as a temporary residence for the delegates.

The Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, Lionel Max Hurst, has confirmed that the ship will arrive before the conference and depart after its conclusion.

In anticipation of the conference, deposits have already been placed on hotel rooms, and 2,500 hotel rooms are likely to be reserved to cater to the remaining delegates.

The Cabinet has been actively examining the requirements for successfully hosting the 4th SIDS Conference, scheduled from May 27th to May 30th, 2024, in Antigua.

The Chairman of the Cabinet has also been in contact with the UN Ambassador, who has assured that many of the pre-planning requirements are already in place.

Additionally, the Minister of Tourism, Charles Max Fernandez, has confirmed that the V.C. Bird International Airport will be equipped with kiosks allowing arriving passengers to enter their biographical data electronically, thus reducing wait times at the Immigration in the Arrivals Terminal.

To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, the Cabinet has accepted an offer from the United States to train a cadre of police officers.

These officers will provide security to the Heads of Government and the Heads of State present during the conference.

Trainers will come to Antigua and are likely to use the Sir Wright George Academy for the training.