PM Browne: Global Pressures Make Governing One of the Most Difficult Periods in Recent History

PM Browne: Global Pressures Make Governing One of the Most Difficult Periods in Recent History

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described the current global geopolitical climate as "hostile" and among the most difficult environments in which to govern a small island state. Speaking on Saturday, Browne addressed both international pressures and domestic crime concerns, while highlighting a youth intervention programme that has seen former gang members graduate from ABCAS.

Tuesday at 7:23 AM · Antigua.news
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Senior Police Sergeant Struck by Truck on Valley Road, Hospitalised

Senior Sergeant Jeffery Benjamin of Golden Grove is hospitalised after being struck by a truck on Valley Road Friday evening. The truck driver claims brake failure caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

Tuesday at 4:00 AM · Antigua Observer
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Rising Production Costs Threatening Young Soca Talent, Artist Warns

Soca artist Tanzania Sebastian-Hector, known as Tizzy, is warning that soaring production costs — from studio fees to promotional visuals and travel expenses — are pushing young, financially unsupported artists out of the industry. She is also calling for greater airplay to ensure quality soca music reaches local audiences.

Tuesday at 4:00 AM · Antigua Observer
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Retired Banker Calls for Unclaimed Millions to Fund Healthcare, Education Over OECS Airline

Retired banker Everett Christian is calling on regional governments to use millions in long-unclaimed bank deposits to fund healthcare, education, or a university campus rather than a proposed OECS airline. Christian also questioned the financial viability of launching another regional carrier, citing LIAT's troubled ownership history.

Tuesday at 4:00 AM · Antigua Observer
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Trial Date Set for Man Charged in Fatal Friars Hill Road Crash

A trial date of October 12 has been set for Karim Edwards, who is charged with causing death by reckless driving in connection with a 2022 Friars Hill Road crash that killed medical student Kenneth Mathew and left another victim with permanent injuries.

Tuesday at 4:00 AM · Antigua Observer
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Eyewitness Testifies in Murder Trial Over Syrian National's 2023 Shooting Death

The murder trial of Jahciba Shoy, charged in the May 2023 shooting death of Syrian national Roudi Shmaly, resumed in the High Court with an eyewitness describing the moments before the fatal shooting at a Desouza Road shop. The witness told the court she heard two gunshots after alerting others to the armed man inside.

Tuesday at 4:00 AM · Antigua Observer
Former Athlete Convicted of Sexually Abusing 8-Year-Old Daughter

Former Athlete Convicted of Sexually Abusing 8-Year-Old Daughter

A former athlete has been convicted on two counts of serious indecency after an all-female High Court jury found he sexually abused his young daughter on multiple occasions between 2022 and 2023. Sentencing is set for July 24.

Tuesday at 4:00 AM · Antigua Observer
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Police Investigate Sudden Death of 24-Year-Old Swetes Resident

Police are investigating the sudden death of a 24-year-old Swetes resident who was found unresponsive by a family member early Monday morning. The man was pronounced dead at approximately 7:45 a.m., and investigators have not yet disclosed a cause of death.

Tuesday at 4:00 AM · Antigua Observer
Former Athlete Convicted of Two Counts of Serious Indecency Against Young Daughter

Former Athlete Convicted of Two Counts of Serious Indecency Against Young Daughter

A former athlete has been convicted of two counts of serious indecency against his young daughter following a High Court trial before Justice Ann Marie Smith. Sentencing is set for July 24, after the court ordered a social inquiry report.

Monday at 10:57 PM · Antigua News Room
Parliament to Debate White Paper on US Deportee Agreement This Month

Parliament to Debate White Paper on US Deportee Agreement This Month

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Parliament will debate the government's White Paper on a proposed agreement to receive third-country nationals deported from the United States before the end of this month. The document has already been published for public review ahead of the legislative debate.

Monday at 10:54 PM · Antigua News Room
Police Target Rise in Chain-Snatching as PM Browne Points to Teenage Offenders

Police Target Rise in Chain-Snatching as PM Browne Points to Teenage Offenders

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says police are stepping up efforts to address a rise in chain-snatching incidents, with teenagers believed to be responsible for many of the offences. Browne has called on young people to engage with government education and employment programmes as an alternative to crime.

Monday at 10:50 PM · Antigua News Room
Met Service Issues Small Craft Advisory as Rough Seas Threaten Eastern Caribbean Waters

Met Service Issues Small Craft Advisory as Rough Seas Threaten Eastern Caribbean Waters

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory for Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands, warning of hazardous Atlantic seas with waves reaching up to 3.1 metres and gusts of 54 kilometres per hour. Inexperienced mariners and small vessel operators are urged to stay out of open waters until conditions improve.

Monday at 10:46 PM · Antigua News Room
Saharan Dust Lowers Air Quality Across Antigua and Barbuda Through Wednesday

Saharan Dust Lowers Air Quality Across Antigua and Barbuda Through Wednesday

The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an Air Pollution Alert Level II as the country's seventeenth Saharan dust surge of 2026 pushes the Air Quality Index between 65 and 100. Vulnerable groups, including asthmatics, the elderly, and children, are advised to limit outdoor exertion until conditions improve by Wednesday.

Monday at 10:44 PM · Antigua News Room
Barbuda Road Programme Gets Green Light as Government Pushes Broader Development Push

Barbuda Road Programme Gets Green Light as Government Pushes Broader Development Push

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that Barbuda's road improvement programme has received approval, with a new cargo port, airport upgrades, and housing construction also underway as part of a broader development push for the sister island.

Monday at 10:42 PM · Antigua News Room
Barbuda Cargo Port Construction to Launch Within 60 Days, PM Browne Announces

Barbuda Cargo Port Construction to Launch Within 60 Days, PM Browne Announces

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that construction of a new cargo port in Barbuda will begin within 60 days, with the project forming part of a wider government infrastructure push on the sister island.

Monday at 10:37 PM · Antigua News Room
PM Browne Calls for Shift to Local Foods to Fight Chronic Disease

PM Browne Calls for Shift to Local Foods to Fight Chronic Disease

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on residents to eat more locally produced food, arguing that processed imports are contributing to chronic disease and rising healthcare costs. He also highlighted ongoing government investments in agriculture aimed at boosting domestic food production.

Monday at 10:35 PM · Antigua News Room
Antigua and Barbuda Ranks Among Caribbean's Wealthiest Nations, PM Browne Says

Antigua and Barbuda Ranks Among Caribbean's Wealthiest Nations, PM Browne Says

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says World Bank 2024 figures place Antigua and Barbuda's per capita income above US$21,300, positioning the twin-island nation as one of the Caribbean's highest-income countries. Browne credited his administration with raising per capita income by more than US$8,000 since taking office in 2014, while acknowledging the status limits access to concessional international financing.

Monday at 10:30 PM · Antigua News Room
Antigua's New Renal Unit Set to Open Within Two Months, PM Browne Says

Antigua's New Renal Unit Set to Open Within Two Months, PM Browne Says

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda's new renal unit is practically finished and will open within one to two months. The announcement comes alongside updates on a planned cardiac unit and a cancer treatment centre expected to open this fall.

Monday at 10:22 PM · Antigua News Room
Antigua and Barbuda Government Plans Operation Of Cancer Centre by Early 2024

Cancer Treatment Centre on Track to Open This Fall, PM Browne Says

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that Antigua and Barbuda's long-delayed cancer treatment centre is expected to open this fall, with all major medical equipment already procured. Browne also confirmed that a new renal unit is nearing completion and should be operational within one to two months.

Monday at 10:20 PM · Antigua News Room
Antigua Turf Club Defends Racetrack Redevelopment Plan Amid Tax Concession Impasse

Antigua Turf Club Defends Racetrack Redevelopment Plan Amid Tax Concession Impasse

The Antigua Turf Club has publicly defended its Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment plan, revealing that negotiations with the Government stalled over a tax concession disagreement despite an EC$30 million investment proposal from the USVI-based Caravelle Group. The club says an updated proposal will be submitted and expresses hope that talks can resume.

Monday at 9:55 PM · Antigua News Room