In this interview with CalvinAyre’s Rebecca Liggero, Hon. Asot Michael tells the importance of Champion Place in Antigua’s economy.
International business process outsourcing (BPO) service provider Champion Services has launched a new state-of-the-art office in Antigua, which is touted to become a flagship for investment and innovation in the work place.
Antigua-based online gaming mogul Calvin Ayre, Minister of Information Melford Nicholas, Minister of Economic Investment Asot Michael, and acting Prime Minister and Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin led the ground-breaking ceremony of the 5-storey building.
For Michael, the opening of Champion Place in Antigua is a testament of investors’ confidence not only in the state government but also to the potential of its skilled labor.
“We are pleased and honored to have Calvin Ayre as an investor in this country. [I’m] very excited, this is a partnership. It is a marriage between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and Calvin Ayre,” Michael told CalvinAyre.com “I have a particular interest in this project and in this business that Mr. Calvin Ayre is re-launching in Antigua. As you know Mr. Calvin Ayre first set up shop in Antigua back in 2001 and is actually one of the largest employers in terms of the gaming business.”
Michael said that the US$25 million BPO facility will promote a more vibrant economic activity in the island nation. It is projected that the project will create 150 construction jobs while well-paid employment awaits 800 people.
“It is indeed an honor and a privilege to be here to witness this ground breaking ceremony of such an important project of this magnitude,” he said. “Mr. Calvin Ayre have now decided to bring his headquarters to Antigua and to build this beautiful edifice, to create hundreds of employment, job opportunities for the young people in the construction field, and then at least 300-400 jobs permanently after it has opened.”
The 5-storey building will be fully solar powered, offer an after school day care program for its employees as well as a fully equipped gym, covered parking and a roof cafeteria overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
