Canadian billionaire Calvin Ayre has opened his global headquarters in Antigua – a US$40 million building, which he said will be home to various pioneering technologies that, it is hoped, will make a significant impact on the economy of Antigua and Barbuda.
“In this regard, we have been steadily increasing our employment of Antiguan and Barbudan nationals and expect that our employment levels should approach 600 during 2020,” Ayre said at Friday’s opening.
The five-storey building, which is located close to Woods Mall, is a modern green facility.
“This is now easily the most impressive building on the island, hands down. There is no other office complex on the island that could actually challenge Canada Place,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne said.
A major feature of Canada Place is a solar farm, which is actually a car-park for employees. It transmits more than 500 kilowatts of energy, so the building should be able to function solely on solar energy.
Ayre said: “Greater reliance on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, will redound to the benefit of humanity. I, therefore, fully endorse the government’s policy of seeking to transition from the use of fossil fuels to green energy. This magnificent complex is a symbol of this commitment to a pollution-free Antigua.”
The building is equipped with a day care and gym which Ayre said is meant to ensure that all of the employees feel appreciated. The entire fifth floor, which is the employee lounge, houses an indoor cafeteria, outside eating area, games room and library.
“We tried to create an environment where basically the employees feel valued. One of the statements that I made was about the fact that, unlike just about every other building I’ve seen in my life, the executive suites aren’t on the top floor.”
Calvin Ayre is a Canadian entrepreneur based in Antigua and Barbuda who founded the Ayre Group and Bodog entertainment brand and also manages other business entities on the island.
