Local News
4754 articles
Man Sentenced to 3½ Years for Sexually Assaulting Five-Year-Old Great-Niece
A High Court judge has sentenced a 56-year-old man to three and a half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting his five-year-old great-niece between March and September 2024. Justice John Spencer imposed the sentence on Friday following the defendant's guilty plea to a single count of serious indecency.
PM Browne Warns Public of Deepfake Investment Scam Using His Image
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned the public about a fraudulent video advertisement that falsely uses his image and voice to promote an investment scam promising earnings of up to EC$8,100 per week. Browne confirmed the advertisement is fake and urged residents to disregard it.
Sunrise Airways to Launch Antigua-Barbados Route July 22 With Fares From US$129
Sunrise Airways will launch a new direct route between Antigua and Barbados on July 22, with introductory one-way fares starting at US$129. Bookings are open now through July 31 using a promotional code.
ABEMS Acting Clinical Director Earns Master's Degree in Acute Medicine from UK University
Brandon Browne, Acting Clinical Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services, has earned a Master's Degree in Acute Medicine from the University of South Wales in the United Kingdom. ABEMS says the qualification will strengthen the organisation's clinical capacity and improve emergency medical care across the country.
Police Warn Public of Road Closures and Restricted Access During CHOGM Security Drill
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has begun a public awareness campaign to prepare residents and businesses for a Hard Lockdown Security Exercise scheduled for next Friday, ahead of CHOGM 2026. The drill will involve temporary road closures, restricted zone access, and traffic diversions.
Earthquake Recorded East of Antigua and Barbuda, UWI Seismic Centre Confirms
An earthquake has been recorded east of Antigua and Barbuda, with the epicentre placed in the Atlantic Ocean according to a seismic map from the UWI Seismic Research Centre. No magnitude, depth details, or reports of damage or injuries have emerged so far.
New Board of Directors Sworn In to Lead Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams has sworn in the newly appointed Board of Directors of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre at Government House, following Cabinet approval of the appointments on 4 June 2026. The Board assumes strategic oversight of Antigua and Barbuda's premier public healthcare institution.
APUA Marks 53 Years of Service With Pledge to Modernise Utilities
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority is marking 53 years of service with celebrations that include a commemorative church service and renewed pledges from both APUA leadership and the Government to modernise the nation's electricity, water and telecommunications infrastructure.
Government Fires Back at Observer Over White Paper on Third-Country Nationals
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a forceful rebuttal to The Observer online, accusing the publication of politically partisan distortion in its criticism of the Government's White Paper on U.S. proposals for the reception of third-country nationals. The Government defends the White Paper as an act of transparency and sovereign caution, rejecting claims of concealment or capitulation.
J.T. Ambrose Student Necasia Ralph Places Third Nationally in Grade 6 Assessment
Necasia B. Ralph of J.T. Ambrose Primary School has placed third overall in the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment, earning the additional distinction of top-performing student from a government primary school. The Ministry of Education has praised her achievement as a source of pride for her family, school and the nation.
Education Minister Hails Top Students as 2026 Grade 6 National Assessment Results Released
Education Minister Daryll Matthew has congratulated students, educators and school communities following the release of the 2026 Grade 6 National Assessment results, with Denushka H. Gibbs of Minoah Magnet Academy named the top national student. The minister praised collective efforts across the education sector while urging all students to take pride in their individual achievements.
Baptist Academy Student Named Top Male in 2026 Grade Six National Assessment
Marlensky J. Salien of the Baptist Academy of Antigua has been recognised as the top male student in the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment after finishing second overall. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology congratulated the student and credited his success to dedication, hard work and strong community support.
UWI Honours 14 Postgraduate Researchers, Sets Sights on 2026 Regional Conference
The University of the West Indies has honoured 14 top postgraduate researchers from its third annual student conference and announced the 4th Annual One UWI Postgraduate Student Conference, scheduled for November 18–21, 2026. The virtual third-edition conference attracted more than 600 participants and featured 51 research presentations across key Caribbean development themes.
Digicel and ACB Caribbean Back Barbuda Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop
ACB Caribbean and Digicel have joined as part-sponsors of the 2026 New Gen Innovators Entrepreneurship Workshop in Barbuda, a four-day EU-funded programme that challenged secondary school students aged 13 to 16 to develop and pitch real business solutions to community problems. The initiative, led by barbudanGO, culminates in a Youth Entrepreneurship Trade Show on 4th July 2026.
Opinion: Should Antigua Restrict Social Media for Children Under 16?
A new opinion piece argues that Antigua and Barbuda's government should move forward with restricting social media access for children under 16, citing mounting research linking excessive use to anxiety, depression, and diminished well-being among adolescents. The author calls on parents, educators, health professionals, and faith leaders to support legislators in pursuing thoughtful protective legislation.
Minoah Magnet Student Tops 2026 Grade Six National Assessment with 383 Marks
Denushka H. Gibbs of Minoah Magnet Primary School has claimed the top spot in the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment with a score of 383 marks. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology announced the results alongside the full Top 100 student rankings.
CARICOM Secretary-General Calls for Collective Action on 53rd Anniversary
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has called on member states to maintain collective action in the face of climate, economic, and social challenges, marking the Caribbean Community's 53rd anniversary. Her message highlighted both regional achievements and the significant headwinds that continue to test Caribbean unity and progress.
Hopeful Hearts Foundation Launches Three-Day Outreach Mission in Barbuda
The Hopeful Hearts Foundation has launched a three-day community outreach mission in Barbuda, bringing donated school supplies, clothing, and children's activities to the island from July 3 to 5, 2026. The mission includes a mural project at Holy Trinity Primary School and a youth empowerment engagement with the Barbuda Youth Council.
Antigua and Barbuda Swim Team Heads to PanAm Aquatics Championships in Colombia
Nine swimmers departed Antigua on Friday to compete at the 5th PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships in Ibagué, Colombia, from July 8 to 12, 2026. The squad, selected by the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation, will face top junior and senior athletes from across the Americas.
Antigua and Barbuda Economy Projected to Grow Five Percent in 2026
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced Thursday that Antigua and Barbuda's economy is projected to grow by five percent in 2026, fuelled by construction activity, rising consumer spending and record customs revenues. The government says growing surpluses have already enabled immediate investments, including a EC$2.5 million CT scanner for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.