Local News
4754 articles
Vincentian Man Fined $8,000 for Crash That Seriously Injured National Cyclist Tahje Browne
A Vincentian man has been fined $8,000 after pleading guilty to four offences, including dangerous driving, in a crash that seriously injured national cyclist Tahje Browne on Sir Sydney Walling Highway. Kishroy Harry was arrested at V.C. Bird International Airport the day after the June 20 collision while attempting to flee to St. Vincent.
PM Browne Pushes for Reversal of US Visa Restrictions on Antiguans
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed hope that the United States will lift new visa restrictions on Antiguan and Barbudan citizens, which reduce 10-year multiple-entry permits to three-month single-entry visas. Browne, speaking at the 51st CARICOM summit in Saint Lucia, said the measures are disrupting travel for families, students and businesses.
PM Browne: US Visa Restrictions Hurting Antiguans as Government Awaits Policy Reversal
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says US visa restrictions are hurting Antiguan families, students and businesses, and has expressed hope the measures will be lifted following a key July 1st deadline. According to Antigua.news, Browne made the remarks on the sidelines of the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia.
PM Browne Meets Atlanta Charity Founder on Sidelines of CARICOM Summit
Prime Minister Gaston Browne met with the founder of Atlanta-based humanitarian organisation Caring For Others, Inc. on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, praising the charity's work supporting vulnerable communities across food, clothing, education and housing programmes.
Security Exercise STRONGHOLD Triggers Road Closures Across Antigua Ahead of CHOGM
Security forces are conducting Exercise STRONGHOLD this morning, a major national security drill ahead of CHOGM, causing road closures and traffic diversions across key routes in Antigua, including a restricted zone in the heart of St. John's. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and follow directions from officers on the ground.
PiAngo Fest Cancelled for 2026 as Ministry Cites Resource Constraints and Mango Crop Uncertainty
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has announced that PiAngo Fest will not be held in 2026, citing resource constraints and uncertainty surrounding this year's national mango harvest. Officials say the decision, though difficult, is aimed at safeguarding the long-term future of one of Antigua and Barbuda's most popular agricultural celebrations.
APUA Adjusts Hours and Access During Operation Stronghold Security Exercise
APUA has announced temporary service changes and adjusted operating hours this week as the national Operation Stronghold security exercise limits access to parts of St John's ahead of CHOGM. Customers are encouraged to use online payment options and alternative service locations during the disruptions.
PM Browne Meets Romanian Ambassador on Trade and Education at CARICOM Summit
Prime Minister Gaston Browne met with Romania's Ambassador Theodora Magdalena Mircea on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in St. Lucia to discuss trade cooperation, business missions and educational opportunities for Antiguan nationals.
APUA Adjusts Business Centre Hours During Operation Stronghold Security Exercise
APUA has announced temporary changes to service hours and access at its Independence Avenue Business Centre this week as Operation Stronghold, a multi-agency security exercise tied to Antigua and Barbuda's CHOGM preparations, restricts movement in parts of St. John's. Customers are encouraged to use digital payment platforms or visit the APUA Mobile Bus at Cassada Gardens during the period.
PM Browne Attends CARICOM Summit Amid Dispute Over Secretary General's Reappointment
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is attending a CARICOM regional summit where the reappointment of Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett has sparked debate, leading leaders to seek a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion on the matter.
UWI to Host Inaugural International Undergraduate Leadership Conference in 2026
The University of the West Indies will host its first-ever International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Exhibition in Jamaica in September 2026, welcoming participants from across the Caribbean and beyond. Registration and submission calls are now open, with a deadline of September 3, 2026.
El Niño Prompts AccuWeather to Lower 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast
AccuWeather has revised its 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast downward to 8 to 14 named storms, following the early June onset of El Niño and a 70 percent chance of a Super El Niño developing. The northeastern Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, remains identified as a higher-than-average risk area.
Antigua's Immigration Amnesty Programme Processes 40 Applicants Daily
Antigua and Barbuda's immigration amnesty programme is processing around 40 applicants per day under a new number system, Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood has confirmed. Officials say early teething problems have subsided as the process gains order.
Researcher Links Declining Calypso Tent Attendance to Broader Regional Shifts
Music researcher Dr. Andrew Martin says falling calypso tent attendance in Antigua and Barbuda reflects a broader regional decline, driven by changes in the music industry and the art form's increasingly localised appeal. As reported by Antigua Observer, Martin also noted that the shift away from record sales has left calypsonians with fewer avenues to earn a living.
Analyst Calls on Jumby Bay to Fund Scholarships Amid Illegal Dumping Row
Policy analyst Akil Jabari is calling on Jumby Bay Island Company to fund environmental and bioscience scholarships for Parham residents following an illegal dumping controversy. Jabari praised St Peter MP Roydan Turner for publicly confronting the company and said meaningful action, not just apologies, is needed.
ABYETS Tradeshow Puts Barbuda's Young Entrepreneurs in the Spotlight
More than 30 young entrepreneurs aged five to 18 showcased a wide range of trades and talents at the annual ABYETS tradeshow held at Holy Trinity School in Codrington, Barbuda, on July 4th, 2026. The event, reported by Antigua Observer, highlighted the Community Charitable Ministry's mission of fostering professional skills in the next generation.
Security Forces to Restrict Parts of St. John's This Week Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Antigua's national security agencies will conduct Exercise Stronghold in parts of St. John's on Wednesday and Friday, imposing traffic and movement restrictions within a designated Red Zone as the country prepares to host CHOGM in November. Wednesday's Soft Lockdown runs from 8:00 am to noon, while Friday's Hard Lockdown will fully restrict both vehicles and pedestrians from 6:00 am to noon.
UPP Launches Monthly Public Consultations on Third-Country Nationals MOU
The United Progressive Party will hold its first public consultation on the US-Antigua MOU and third-country nationals issue on July 9th at the Moravian Conference Hall at Cashew Hill. Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says the session, set for 7:00 p.m., will be the first in a planned series of monthly consultations held across the country.
Department of Culture Launches Free Workshop to Preserve Traditional Carnival Characters
The Department of Culture is launching a free Cultural Characters Workshop beginning this Wednesday, offering the public hands-on training in traditional performance arts including Moko Jumbies, conch shell blowing, and Carnival character costumery. The programme runs July 8–24, with organisers hoping to boost the presence of traditional characters at this year's Carnival Monday parade.
Antigua and Barbuda Transfers ECCB Monetary Council Chair to Dominica
Antigua and Barbuda will formally transfer the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship to Dominica on 9 July 2026, with the ceremony also set to feature the unveiling of redesigned EC banknotes and coins marking the currency's 50th anniversary.