Antigua and Barbuda Are Banking on Sea Island Cotton

By Jim.Robinson|September 1, 2011

One of the most sought-after fibers in the world, Sea Island cotton, is about to become the centerpiece of a major initiative by the Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank (ABDB). ADBD will form a vertically integrated public company to not only grow the cotton, but also to process it through subsidiary companies in high fashion, marketing and design, according to a story published by Caribarena Antigua.

Eventually, ABDB will offer shares of the company to Antiguans both domestically and abroad. Initially, the fiber will be grown on 21 acres near Bethesda, but that area is expected to expand to more than 300 acres, with a yield of about 1,000 pounds per acre.

ABDB intends to approach world-famous fashion designer Georgia Armani, who has a home on Antigua, for help in establishing a design industry there. In addition, two cotton experts with experience with Sea Island cotton – Rodney George (project manager) and Juliana Laudat (pest control specialist) – have already committed to working on the project.

Further details about the project, including the name of the company and the number and cost of shares that will be made available, are expected to be released in coming weeks.