Local News
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Fernandez Urges Aggressive Push to Sustain Antigua and Barbuda's Tourism Boom
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has called for an aggressive push to build on record-breaking visitor arrivals in 2026, stressing a focus on sustainable growth and the quality of the visitor experience. His remarks came during activities surrounding the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, which Antigua and Barbuda is hosting for a second consecutive year.
Antigua and Barbuda Posts 7% Visitor Surge in Best-Ever Tourism Quarter
Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 110,832 visitors in the first quarter of 2026, a 7 percent increase that tourism officials are calling one of the strongest starts in the country's history. March alone posted the highest monthly arrival total ever recorded.
Antigua and Barbuda Posts Strongest-Ever First Quarter Tourism Arrivals
Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 110,832 visitors in the first quarter of 2026, a 7 percent increase that tourism officials are calling one of the strongest openings in the country's history. March recorded the highest monthly visitor total ever, as the sector eyes further growth through cruise expansion and luxury development.
Opinion: Should Antigua Accept US-Deported Third Country Nationals?
Opinion writer Franchesca Sterling raises serious legal, public health, and human rights concerns about Antigua and Barbuda potentially accepting third country nationals deported from the United States, questioning the arrangement's compliance with local immigration law and the principle of non-refoulement.
Veteran Footballer Georgetta Lewis-Buchanan Eyes ABFA First Vice President Role
Georgetta Lewis-Buchanan, a national footballer and coach with over two decades of experience, has announced her bid for First Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association. Her campaign highlights an extensive career spanning international competition, coaching honours, and football administration.
Building Materials to Be Distributed to Barbuda Residents in Need
ABLP caretaker for Barbuda Kendra Beazer has announced that building materials are being prepared for distribution to vulnerable residents on the sister island. No timeline or beneficiary numbers were provided.
Opinion: Uncoordinated Disaster Donations Can Slow Relief Efforts, Experts Warn
Disaster relief experts from CDEMA and IOM warn that uncoordinated donations following major Caribbean disasters can overwhelm logistics systems and delay life-saving aid, with up to 60 percent of unsolicited goods going unused. The opinion piece calls for more responsible, needs-based donation practices.
Massive Fire Destroys Two-Storey Wehner Road Building; Explosions Reported
A massive fire destroyed a two-storey commercial building on Wehner Road on Wednesday afternoon, triggering multiple explosions and drawing five fire tenders to the scene. All occupants escaped safely, though firefighters faced water access challenges linked to an earlier island-wide power outage.
Fire Destroys Wehner Road Building; Investigators Probe Possible Generator Link
A major fire destroyed a two-storey building on Wehner Road on Wednesday afternoon, gutting a hardware store and restaurant while all occupants escaped safely. Fire officials have launched an investigation, with residents reporting the blaze may be linked to a generator failure following an island-wide power outage.
Joel Rayne Sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in Finance Ministry
Senator Joel Rayne has been sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships. The ceremony also marked the completion of the government's Senate appointments, with Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters officially joining the Upper House.
APUA Restores Power Island-Wide After Feeder Fault Triggers System Collapse
APUA says crews are restoring electricity across Antigua following an island-wide outage caused by a fault on the Cassada #2 Feeder near a substation. The utility authority estimates full restoration within approximately one and a half to two hours.
Power Restored Island-Wide After Cassada Gardens Substation Fault
APUA has restored electricity to all areas affected by Wednesday's island-wide blackout, which was caused by a suspected fault in the 11kV switchgear at the Cassada Gardens Substation. The outage disrupted numerous communities and impacted critical facilities including V.C. Bird International Airport and Holberton Hospital.
Joel Rayne Elevated to Parliamentary Secretary; Tiffany Strann-Peters Appointed to Senate
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has appointed Tiffany Strann-Peters to the Senate and elevated Senator Joel Rayne to Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, with both appointments taking effect from 14 May 2026. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at Government House.
Strann-Peters Named to Senate as Rayne Elevated to Parliamentary Secretary
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has appointed Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters to the Senate and elevated Senator Joel Anderson Rayne to Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, with both appointments taking effect 14 May 2026. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at Government House on Thursday.
Canadian Drug Suspect Remanded at HMP Raises Bed Bug Complaint in Court
A Canadian man on remand at His Majesty's Prison, facing drug importation charges valued at over EC$200,000, complained of bed bugs in court on Wednesday and requested a cell transfer. The judge directed him to raise the matter with his attorney.
APUA Works to Restore Power After Island-Wide Outage Hits Antigua
A fault on the Cassada #2 Feeder near a substation has caused an island-wide power outage in Antigua, with APUA crews working to restore electricity within approximately two hours.
Bush Fire Breaks Out Along Utility Drive Near Car Dealership
A bush fire broke out along Utility Drive on Tuesday, with flames spreading through dry vegetation near overhead utility lines. The extent of the blaze and any threat to nearby homes or infrastructure was not immediately clear.
NSWMA Worker Okeen Lightfoot Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle on All Saints Road
NSWMA worker Okeen Lightfoot has died after being struck by a vehicle while performing roadside duties on All Saints Road on Tuesday. The agency has expressed its condolences, while Health Minister Michael Joseph visited the scene and called for greater road safety.
Centenarian Receives EC$10,000 Grant as Government Fulfils Manifesto Pledge
Mrs. Ruth Henrietta Georgiana Henry celebrated her 100th birthday with a EC$10,000 cheque from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, fulfilling an ABLP manifesto pledge to support citizens who reach the remarkable milestone. The grant is part of a newly announced Centenarian Grant initiative aimed at providing practical support and recognition to the nation's oldest citizens.
Antigua Cruise Port Reports Progress on St. John's Waterfront Redevelopment
Antigua Cruise Port has released drone images showing continued construction progress on the waterfront upland development at St. John's Harbour, including new retail spaces and an expanded parking area. The project is part of broader infrastructure upgrades by Global Ports Holding.