Local News
3991 articles
PM Browne Floats Windfall Tax Expansion to Boost Education Funding
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has proposed extending the country's windfall tax to include other highly profitable businesses, with the additional revenue intended to fund tertiary education and the expansion of the UWI Five Islands Campus. Browne outlined the idea during his weekly radio programme on Saturday, though no specific industries or tax rates were identified and no final decision has been made.
PM Browne Eyes Harrison and Cort to Lead UWI Five Islands Campus Council
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that businessman David Harrison is giving "serious consideration" to becoming chairman of the UWI Five Islands Campus Council, with former finance minister Dr. Errol Cort named as a possible alternative. The search for a successor follows the recent death of inaugural chairman Sir Aziz Hadeed.
PM Browne Defends Sandals Overwater Bungalows, Calls for Expanded Luxury Tourism
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended plans for overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande Antigua, saying the US$100 million expansion is essential to keeping Antigua competitive in the global luxury tourism market. Browne confirmed the structures will be positioned away from the main beach area to preserve public access to Dickenson Bay.
PM Browne Confirms Construction Underway on Willoughby Bay Residential Development
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that construction is underway at Willoughby Bay, where a Citizenship by Investment Programme investor is developing a high-end residential tourism project on Antigua's southeast coast. Browne provided the update during his weekly radio programme, highlighting the development as part of a broader push to attract foreign investment and expand the country's tourism offerings.
Sandals to Pay $6.5M Tax Settlement, Plans $100M Antigua Expansion
Sandals Resorts International has agreed to pay the Antigua and Barbuda government $6.5 million to resolve outstanding tax issues, while also advancing a US$100 million expansion of its Grande Antigua property that will include over 100 new rooms and approximately 16 overwater bungalows. Prime Minister Gaston Browne disclosed the developments during his weekly radio programme on Saturday.
PM Browne Unveils 'Peace Beach' Project at Barnacle Point Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans for 'Peace Beach,' a new public beach and artificial reef project at Barnacle Point aimed at recreation, marine conservation and education. The development is targeted for substantial completion ahead of Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of CHOGM in November 2026.
Club Med, TUI Eye Jolly Beach Resort as PM Vows to Protect Room Stock
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Club Med and TUI are among entities interested in acquiring Jolly Beach Resort, while stressing that the government will not accept any deal that significantly reduces the property's room inventory. The resort currently generates approximately US$4 million in annual profits and welcomes around 75,000 visitors each year.
Jolly Beach Resort Set for $13.5M Upgrade, Including 500-Seat Conference Centre
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a $13.5 million investment in upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort, including new air-conditioning, improved internet connectivity, and a 500-seat conference facility expected to be completed within months. The government-owned resort, managed by Elite Island Resorts, currently generates around $4 million in annual profit and draws approximately 75,000 visitors per year.
Missing Teen Deshawn James Found Safe After Public Appeal
Fifteen-year-old Deshawn James, who had been reported missing, has been found safe, with family members confirming his recovery and expressing gratitude to the public for their assistance. No further details surrounding his disappearance or return have been released.
Family Pleads for Help Locating Missing 15-Year-Old Deshawn James
The family of missing 15-year-old Deshawn James is appealing to the public for help locating the teenager, who was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. Anyone with information is urged to contact 724-4415 or 781-1054, or notify the nearest police station.
Urlings Fisherman Recovering After Shark Attack During Dive
A fisherman from Urlings is recovering at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre after suffering a serious arm injury during a shark attack while spearfishing at approximately 75 feet below the surface on Tuesday afternoon. Junior Minister for Fisheries Randy Baltimore confirmed the man's injuries are not life-threatening.
Shark Attack Survivor Making Good Progress, Junior Minister Reports
A fisherman attacked by a shark while spearfishing off Urlings on Tuesday is recovering well at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with Junior Minister Randy Baltimore describing his progress as encouraging.
Government Plans Concrete Pier Rebuild at Keeling Point Fisheries Site
The government has announced plans to replace the aging pier at Keeling Point with a new reinforced concrete structure, as part of broader efforts to upgrade fisheries infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda. The visit also addressed safety concerns following a recent shark attack involving a local fisherman.
Hopeful Hearts Foundation and Red Cross Partner to Aid Hundreds of Families
The Hopeful Hearts Foundation, in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, has completed a successful Food and Clothing Drive that benefited hundreds of families across the country. Donors included local businesses, community organisations, and government officials.
Women Urged to Own Their Brand at Emerging Female Leaders Masterclass
Dozens of women gathered at the Harrison Centre on Saturday for a Public Speaking and Personal Branding Masterclass under the Directorate of Gender Affairs' Emerging Female Leaders Programme. Minister of State Kiz Johnson and two expert facilitators led participants through sessions on personal branding, authenticity, and professional confidence.
Caribbean Banking Access Under Threat as Stablecoins and De-Risking Reshape the Financial Landscape
A new commentary in the Caribbean Banking Series warns that correspondent banking access across the Caribbean is thinning under the weight of compliance costs and de-risking, even as new U.S. stablecoin regulations and a US$3 trillion projected stablecoin market by 2030 reshape the global financial landscape. The analysis argues that securing reliable banking access is now an enabling condition of the region's most ambitious growth strategies.
Kennedy Center Confirms Trump's Name Fully Removed After Court Deadline
The Kennedy Center has fully removed President Donald Trump's name from its building, Executive Director Matt Floca confirmed in court documents Saturday, as reported by Antigua News Room. The completion followed a court-imposed deadline extension after thunderstorms delayed overnight removal work, with a crowd gathering outside to witness the historic reversal.
Government Plans Housing and Marina Development at Perry Bay
The Antiguan government has announced plans to survey 13 acres at Perry Bay for a mixed-use development featuring condominium housing, a marina, and other amenities. The project is expected to form the next major phase of the government's broader national housing programme.
Cabinet Warns Illegal Barbuda Structures Face Demolition as Land Registry Push Intensifies
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has warned that unauthorized structures in Barbuda could face demolition as the government intensifies efforts to enforce land laws and establish a formal Barbuda Land Registry. Officials also reaffirmed that the Barbuda Council has no legal authority to sell or lease land on the island.
Antigua and Barbuda Reaffirms Commitment to Cuba Relief Through CARICOM
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its readiness to support Cuba through CARICOM's humanitarian initiative, with Communications Director General Maurice Merchant confirming the country's commitment at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing.