Local News
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Ricardo Drue Foundation Hosts Girls' Mentorship Workshop at Hodges Bay Resort
The Ricardo Barriteau Drue Foundation hosted a mentorship workshop for girls aged 12 to 17 at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, addressing issues including bullying, self-esteem, gang violence and sexuality. The event, titled "I am, I will," is part of a growing series of youth programmes established to honour the vision of the late Ricardo Drue.
NSWMA Launches Overnight Pre-Carnival Clean-Up Across St. John's City
The National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Central Board of Health have launched a nightly pre-Carnival clean-up initiative across St. John's City, running from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. until completion, ahead of Antigua Carnival 2026.
PM Browne Warns Antigua May Suspend CIP Amid U.S. and EU Visa Pressure
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that Antigua and Barbuda may need to suspend its Citizenship by Investment Programme as pressure mounts from both the United States and the European Union over visa restrictions linked to the scheme.
PM Browne Raises Possibility of Suspending CIP to Restore US, EU Visa Access
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has signalled that Antigua and Barbuda may need to consider suspending its Citizenship by Investment Programme in order to restore full visa access to the United States and European Union. The remarks represent a notable shift in tone from his earlier insistence that the programme would continue regardless of the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
Murder Charge Against Dexter Scotland Dismissed After Judge Upholds No-Case Submission
A High Court judge has dismissed the murder case against Dexter Scotland after upholding a no-case submission, finding that the prosecution failed to disprove his claim of self-defence in the fatal shooting of Jahfari Isaac. The prosecution has signalled its intention to appeal the ruling.
Murder Charge Against Willikies Man Dismissed After Self-Defence Ruling
A High Court judge has dismissed the murder charge against Dexter Scotland of Willikies, ruling that the prosecution failed to disprove his self-defence claim in the 2023 shooting death of Jahfari Isaac. The prosecution has signalled its intention to appeal the decision.
Murder Charges Against Jahciba Shoy Dismissed; Bail Granted Pending Appeal
The High Court has dismissed murder, aggravated robbery, and manslaughter charges against Jahciba Shoy in connection with the 2023 fatal robbery that killed businessman Roudi Shmaly, with the judge finding insufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Shoy has been granted bail on a $10,000 bond while prosecutors pursue an appeal.
Shoy Granted Bail After Murder Charges Dismissed; Prosecution to Appeal
The High Court has dismissed all charges against Jahciba Shoy in connection with the 2023 fatal armed robbery that killed businessman Roudi Shmaly, with Justice John Spencer upholding a no-case submission. Shoy has been granted bail on a $10,000 bond as the prosecution moves to appeal the ruling.
Ministry of Works Drivers Return to Work After Pay Dispute Resolved
Heavy-duty truck drivers at the Ministry of Works staged a brief protest Tuesday morning over outstanding payments, blocking the Denry Lane compound entrance before returning to work following talks with management.
Ministry of Works Truckers End Road Blockade After Management Talks
Heavy-duty truckers at the Ministry of Works ended a morning blockade of their compound on Denry Lane after management met with employees and provided assurances that outstanding payment concerns are being addressed.
Greene: Antigua Engaged US on Migrant Transfers to Protect Sovereignty, Not Yield It
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene told Parliament on Tuesday that Antigua and Barbuda engaged the United States over the possible transfer of third-country nationals in order to protect — not compromise — its sovereignty. Greene outlined five non-negotiable principles that guided negotiations and detailed significant changes the government secured before countering Washington's original proposals.
PM Browne Calls for Global Action Against Rising Maritime Crime at Antigua Symposium
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that rising illegal activities at sea threaten global security, speaking at the opening of the 2026 Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in Antigua and Barbuda. The three-day event has brought together more than 90 delegates from governments, international maritime organisations, and industry bodies to address sanctions evasion, fraudulent vessel registrations, and illicit shadow fleets.
AG Benjamin: No Final Deal Reached on US Third-Country National Transfers
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin told Parliament that Antigua and Barbuda has not finalised any agreement with the United States on third-country national transfers, clarifying that lawmakers are being asked only to approve guiding principles for ongoing negotiations. Benjamin emphasised that the country retains full control over immigration decisions, including the right to refuse any proposed transfer.
Fernandez Warns Tourism at Stake in US Negotiations Over Third-Country Nationals
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has warned that Antigua and Barbuda's economy — some 60 to 65 percent of which depends on tourism — is at stake in ongoing negotiations with the United States over the transfer of third-country nationals. Speaking in Parliament, Fernandez called for a careful balancing act that upholds national dignity without jeopardising the country's most critical industry.
AG: Antigua Accepted Five US-Deported Nationals Since March 2025
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin revealed in Parliament on Tuesday that Antigua and Barbuda accepted five U.S.-deported nationals between March 2025 and June 2026, while clarifying that no final agreement on third-country national transfers with Washington currently exists.
PM Browne: Antigua Will Not Become 'Dumping Ground' Under US Third Country National Deal
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has told Parliament that Antigua and Barbuda will not sign a Third Country National agreement with the United States unless it includes firm written protections against the transfer of violent criminals, unaccompanied minors, and individuals with unresolved asylum claims. Browne stressed the country will cooperate with Washington but will not allow the island to become a 'dumping ground.'
PM Browne: Antigua Would Accept US Visa Curbs Before Taking Foreign Criminals
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said Antigua and Barbuda would accept US visa restrictions rather than receive foreign nationals with criminal backgrounds, while clarifying that current negotiations do not obligate the country to take any such individuals. Speaking in Parliament, Browne outlined the government's firm conditions for any potential third-country national transfer agreement with the United States.
APUA Warns of Lower Water Pressure as Bendals Valley Source Falls Below Extraction Level
APUA has warned residents across several Antiguan communities to expect lower water pressure and reduced availability after surface water levels at the Bendals Valley source fell below extraction requirements. The Ffryes Reverse Osmosis Plant will take on expanded supply duties while distribution is rotated among affected areas.
Walker: Antigua and Barbuda Holds 'No Cards' in US Negotiations Over Third-Country Nationals
Barbuda MP Trevor Walker warned in parliament Tuesday that Antigua and Barbuda lacks negotiating leverage with the United States over the potential transfer of third-country nationals, citing existing US visa restrictions and calling for regional solidarity and greater public consultation before any deal is signed.
Antigua Seeks US$75,000 Per Migrant in Talks with Washington
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will demand up to US$75,000 per third-country national in negotiations with the United States, arguing the island's high cost of living warrants greater financial support than other countries have received. Browne told Parliament no agreement will be finalised without advance written funding commitments.