By Kamalie Mannix
September 6 2026 | Community | Local
For many young Antiguans and Barbudans, owning a car was once seen as a major financial milestone, one that could be difficult to achieve. High prices at local dealerships, combined with loans, interest and insurance costs, often placed vehicle ownership beyond the reach of many young people.
Over the past decade, however, a quiet change has taken place. Increasingly, young people are choosing to buy their vehicles directly from Japan, using online platforms such as SBT Japan and BE FORWARD.
Why?
The reasons are fairly straightforward: affordability, choice and convenience. Instead of visiting a dealership and choosing from vehicles already available on island, young people can sit at home, browse hundreds of vehicles, compare prices and select a car that suits their needs and budget.
The major advantage of buying locally is simple: the vehicle is already here. There is usually no waiting for it to be shipped, cleared and registered. But for many young people, the potential savings and greater selection available through Japanese exporters make the wait worthwhile.
And car ownership matters.
Having a vehicle can expand a young person’s opportunities. It means being able to apply for jobs across the island without worrying about transportation. It provides greater freedom to attend community events, volunteer, participate in youth activities and simply move around independently. For some, it also provides an additional measure of safety by reducing the need to walk or depend on public transportation late at night.
Perhaps one of the most interesting developments has been the growth of young-owned car rental businesses.
Young people are increasingly purchasing vehicles from Japan and placing them into the rental market. Often, the initial capital comes from savings accumulated through employment in the hotel industry, the public sector or other jobs. What begins as one vehicle can become a small business, creating additional income and, in some cases, employment opportunities for others.
One example is Villa Tech Enterprises, owned by young entrepreneur Jaydyn Coates, which operates a car rental business while also assisting with the importation of vehicles from Japan. Individuals interested in understanding the step by step process of importing a vehicle should reach out to him.
Entrepreneurs like Jaydyn demonstrate what can happen when young people identify an opportunity and take the initiative to build a business around it. These ventures deserve encouragement and support.
But increased car ownership also presents challenges.
Antigua is already experiencing significant congestion, particularly along some of our major roadways. With tens of thousands of vehicles on the island, our roads are under increasing pressure. More vehicles also mean greater wear and tear on our road network.
There are other concerns. We have seen instances of unlicensed minors operating rental vehicles and vehicles belonging to relatives. Increased vehicle ownership must therefore be accompanied by greater responsibility.
We cannot encourage young people to drive without ensuring that they understand how to drive responsibly.
That is why I believe two things are necessary.
First, we should support young entrepreneurs in the vehicle rental and automotive sector, including businesses like those established by young people who are importing vehicles and creating rental enterprises.
Second, we should introduce Drivers’ Education into our schools. While a teacher at the Sir Novelle Richards Academy this was a program I successfully implemented in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board. Young people should be taught not only how to operate a vehicle, but also road safety, defensive driving, appropriate road behaviour and the responsibilities that come with having a driver’s licence.
The rise of online vehicle purchasing is more than a change in how young people buy cars. It is part of a broader shift in how young people are finding ways to create opportunities for themselves.
We should embrace that entrepreneurial spirit, but ensure that greater access to vehicles is matched by greater responsibility on our roads.
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