Local News
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Greene Urges Public Cooperation as Antigua Launches CHOGM 2026 Security Drill
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. E.P. Chet Greene has called on Antiguans and Barbudans to cooperate with authorities during a two-day Security Simulation Exercise launched in preparation for CHOGM 2026. The minister apologized for any disruptions, including traffic delays and restricted access, describing the exercise as essential to ensuring a safe and successful Commonwealth summit in November.
French Guiana Becomes CARICOM's Eighth Associate Member
French Guiana has been formally admitted as CARICOM's eighth Associate Member following the signing of a membership agreement at the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia. The agreement was signed by CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and French Guiana's Territorial President Gabriel Serville.
PiAngo Fest Cancelled for 2026 as Ministry Cites Crop Uncertainty
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has cancelled PiAngo Fest for 2026, citing weather-related uncertainty surrounding the mango crop and a need to reassess the festival's long-term framework.
CARICOM Refers Secretary-General Reappointment Dispute to Caribbean Court of Justice
CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to refer the dispute over the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett to the Caribbean Court of Justice for an advisory opinion, following months of objections from Trinidad and Tobago over the process used to renew her contract.
Civil Registry Adjusts Hours, Closes Friday for CHOGM Security Drills
The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Registry will operate on reduced hours Wednesday and remain closed Friday as the Royal Police Force conducts security lockdown exercises ahead of CHOGM. Normal operations resume Monday, July 13.
Best Friend Pays Tribute to Cody Gomes, Calls for Greater Mental Health Awareness
The best friend of 24-year-old Cody Gomes has published an emotional tribute on social media, revealing the private struggles he faced and urging greater compassion around mental health. Gomes was found unresponsive at his Swetes home early Monday morning, and police say the circumstances of his death remain under investigation.
Antigua and Barbuda Opens Plant Tissue Culture Lab to Bolster Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a state-of-the-art Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, established in partnership with China, to advance agricultural research and strengthen national food security. The facility will support disease-free crop propagation, scientific research, and the training of agricultural personnel.
Antigua Opens Chinese-Backed Plant Tissue Culture Lab to Strengthen Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a Chinese-backed plant tissue culture laboratory aimed at advancing agricultural research and food security. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. called the facility a major milestone established under the Phase II Agricultural Technical Assistance Project.
High Street Magistrates' Court to Close July 8 and 10 for CHOGM Preparations
The High Street Magistrates' Court in St John's will close on July 8 and 10, 2026, to accommodate CHOGM-related activities, with affected matters rescheduled to July 13. The closure does not affect the Family Division court at Parliament Drive.
Security Minister Calls for Public Cooperation During Three-Day CHOGM Preparedness Exercise
National Security Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin is calling on the public to observe traffic restrictions during a three-day CHOGM Security Exercise from July 8 to 10, 2026, designed to test Antigua and Barbuda's readiness for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Significant road closures and disruptions are expected in and around St. John's during designated hours on Wednesday and Friday.
Governor General's London Visit Blends Diplomacy, Charity and CHOGM 2026 Preparations
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams completed a high-profile June visit to London combining diplomacy, royal engagements and a major charity gala, as Antigua and Barbuda builds momentum ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026. The visit, as reported by Antigua.news, included meetings with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and attendance at Trooping the Colour.
Security Forces Launch Three-Day CHOGM Preparedness Exercise This Week
Security agencies in Antigua and Barbuda will conduct Exercise STRONGHOLD from July 8 to 10, a three-day operational drill designed to test the nation's emergency preparedness ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026. Motorists and pedestrians should expect road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access in several areas, including parts of St. John's.
Agriculture Interns Discover Freshwater Aquaculture Potential at SeaSprings Aqua Farm
Interns in Antigua and Barbuda's Agriculture Summer Internship Programme visited SeaSprings Aqua Farm, where aquaculture farmer Kevin Alexander demonstrated sustainable freshwater prawn and fish farming techniques. The visit highlighted aquaculture's potential to bolster the nation's agricultural sector.
PM Browne: Government Rejected Tax Waiver, Not Cassada Gardens Project
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his Government supported the Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment with major concessions but refused to exempt a foreign investor from the mandatory 8 percent gaming fee, rejecting claims that the administration blocked the EC$30 million project.
Antigua Turf Club Defends $30M Cassada Gardens Redevelopment as Industry Game-Changer
The Antigua Turf Club is defending its proposed XCD $30 million redevelopment of Cassada Gardens Racetrack, saying the project — which includes a gaming facility, youth programs, and multi-sport amenities — can transform horse racing into a sustainable, professionally regulated industry. The Club, which reported a stalled concession negotiation with the Government, says an updated proposal will be submitted shortly.
ABWU Shapes Global Tourism Agenda at London Conference
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union participated in a major international tourism conference in London, where ABWU General Secretary David Massiah helped lead discussions on workers' rights, gender equality, and sustainable tourism. The gathering also saw the launch of the first global report examining the role of women across tourism transport sectors.
Security Exercise STRONGHOLD to Cause Road Closures Across Antigua July 8–10
A three-day national security exercise, STRONGHOLD, begins July 8 as part of preparations for CHOGM 2026, with road closures and traffic diversions expected across Antigua, including restricted access in parts of St. John's.
Police to Close Roads, Divert Traffic During Three-Day CHOGM Security Exercise
Security forces in Antigua will conduct a three-day exercise codenamed STRONGHOLD from July 8 to 10, 2026, prompting temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access in parts of St. John's as the country prepares to host CHOGM in November.
Opposition Senators Block Compulsory Land Acquisition Resolution Over Transparency Concerns
Opposition Senators have voted against a Government resolution to compulsorily acquire a small parcel of land near the former Deluxe Cinema site, citing a failure to provide Parliament with critical information on costs, negotiations, and planning rationale. Senator Malaka Parker argued that approving such a constitutionally significant power without adequate transparency and disclosure would be a failure of parliamentary duty.
Wanted Jamaican National Arrested in St. Kitts After Repatriation from Antigua
Rohan Mullings, a 44-year-old Jamaican national wanted by St. Kitts and Nevis police, was arrested on July 5 upon his repatriation from Antigua. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force credited cross-border cooperation and public assistance for the successful outcome.