Local News
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Cabinet Tightens Work Permit Rules to Prioritise Local Hiring
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved new work permit rules requiring employers to advertise vacancies across multiple platforms before hiring foreign workers. The measures aim to strengthen labour market protections and prioritise local job seekers.
CARICOM Moves to Standardise EV Charging Infrastructure Across the Region
The CARICOM Secretariat hosted a webinar to advance the standardisation and harmonisation of EV charging infrastructure across Member States. Key challenges identified include small technical workforces, limited budgets, and the need for locally relevant, technology-neutral standards.
Government Presses Ahead with Barbuda Land Registry as Council Digs In
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed plans to establish a Barbuda Land Registry and proceed with Crown land sales, setting up a direct confrontation with the Barbuda Council, which insists the island's communal lands are not for sale. Court proceedings related to the dispute are ongoing, with the registry expected to become operational by end of August.
Cabinet Warns Illegal Barbuda Land Deals Will Be Void, Structures Face Demolition
The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has warned that unauthorised land sales and development activities in Barbuda will carry no legal weight and that illegally erected structures could face demolition. The warning was issued as the government advances efforts to establish a formal Barbuda Land Registry.
CBH Urges Family to Claim Body of Grays Farm Woman or Face Government Burial
The Central Board of Health has renewed its appeal for relatives of Silvie Martin of Grays Farm Village, who died on April 4, 2026, to claim her unclaimed body from Barnes Funeral Home within 14 days or face a government-arranged public burial.
Spain to Help Antigua and Barbuda Make Spanish the Country's Second Language
Antigua and Barbuda is pursuing technical assistance from Spain, including lecturers, teaching materials and teacher-training programmes, as part of a government initiative to establish Spanish as the country's second language. The plan also includes proposals for a Spanish Language and Cultural Institute and specialised training for workers in key economic sectors.
Cabinet Approves Return of Premier League Football to the Antigua Recreation Ground
Cabinet has approved the return of Premier League football to the Antigua Recreation Ground for the September-to-December season under a new pilot framework allowing football and cricket to share the historic venue. The arrangement will be managed on a trial basis with a dedicated structure overseeing scheduling and maintenance.
Lions Club and Cool & Smooth Donate Refrigerator to Boost Zion Church Feeding Programme
The Lions Club of Antigua and Cool & Smooth Store have donated an EC$8,500 refrigerator to the Zion Church of God, bolstering a feeding programme that has served vulnerable residents for more than 35 years.
Government Eyes Compulsory Acquisition of Derelict Properties to Boost Housing
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government is weighing compulsory acquisition of derelict properties in St. John's to advance the national housing programme. The move comes amid an ongoing campaign to demolish abandoned structures across the capital.
WIOC Mourns Death of Businessman Lawrence 'Larry' Gonsalves
The West Indies Oil Company Ltd. has paid tribute to businessman Lawrence "Larry" Gonsalves following his passing, describing him as a respected community figure, mentor, and longtime operator in the fuel retail sector.
Civil Liberties Group: Barbudans Must Have Final Say on Land Ownership Changes
The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Liberties Movement is demanding that Barbudans provide free, informed and meaningful consent before any major changes are made to the island's communal land ownership system or development plans. The group is urging the government to respect the constitutional role of the Barbuda Council in all decisions affecting the island's lands and resources.
Labour Department to Hold Free Health and Wellness Fair on Thames Street Friday
The Labour Department will host a free Health and Wellness Fair on Thames Street this Friday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring health screenings, HIV/AIDS testing, and outreach services from multiple government agencies.
Visa Issues Force Abigail Piper Out of Miss Caribbean Universe Pageant
Miss Abigail Piper will not compete at the Miss Caribbean Universe Pageant on June 13 after visa-related challenges prevented her participation. The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission confirmed she will instead represent the nation at the Miss Caribbean Beauty and Intelligence Pageant this August.
US Launches Second Day of Airstrikes on Iran as Trump Vows More Attacks
The US has launched a second day of airstrikes against multiple targets in Iran, with President Trump vowing further attacks after negotiations with Tehran failed to produce a deal. The offensive follows an Iranian drone strike that downed a US helicopter off the coast of Oman.
Government Seeks Family of Deceased Grays Farm Woman Before Public Burial
The Central Board of Health is seeking relatives of Ms. Silvie Martin of Grays Farm Village, who passed away on April 4, 2026. Family members have 14 days to contact Barnes Funeral Home to arrange a private burial, or the government will proceed with a public interment.
Chief Magistrate Brings Court Expertise to Police Academy Recruits
Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel visited the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy on June 9, delivering a lecture on court procedure and the Child Justice Act while urging recruits to uphold integrity, discipline, and service above self. The engagement followed a firsthand visit by recruits to the St. John's Magistrate's Court earlier this month.
Potters Playing Field Complex Set for September Completion Ahead of CHOGM 2026
The Potters Playing Field multi-sport complex is on schedule for substantial completion by September 30, ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting set to take place in Antigua and Barbuda. Minister of State Michael Freeland and High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill toured the site this week to review progress on the facility.
Antigua and Barbuda to Host Regional Services Sector Training Programme in 2026
Antigua and Barbuda will host a regional OECS Specialised Services Sector Training Programme from June 29 to July 2, 2026, aimed at strengthening the trade policy and negotiation skills of public and private sector stakeholders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration is inviting interested parties to register for the hybrid training initiative.
U.S. Revokes Hundreds of Visas in Global Birth Tourism Crackdown
The U.S. State Department has revoked hundreds of visas and moved to dismantle organised birth tourism networks operating across West Africa, Europe and North Africa. According to Antigua News Room, investigators uncovered schemes using fraudulent documents and coaching services to help foreign nationals obtain U.S. visitor visas under false pretences.
Potters Playing Field Multi-Sport Complex on Track for CHOGM 2026 Deadline
Senior government officials have toured the Potters Playing Field redevelopment project, with the multi-sport complex on track for substantial completion by September 30, 2026 — ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John's this November.