Local News
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Government Pledges Full Funding for V.C. Bird Airport Runway Rehabilitation
The Antiguan government has pledged to fully fund the rehabilitation of the V.C. Bird International Airport runway, following questions about whether an approved EC$80 million loan covers the project's total cost. Officials say completing the runway is a national priority, with work continuing ahead of the tourism and Carnival season.
Antigua Fully Repays US$20M Chinese Loan for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has fully repaid the US$20 million Chinese loan used to finance the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with the final payment made within the past six months. The repayment is part of a broader effort that has reduced the country's Chinese loan obligations from over US$300 million to approximately US$120 million.
Perry Bay Squatters May Be Included in Government Housing Programme
The government may incorporate Perry Bay-Keeling Point squatters into its housing programme as it moves forward with plans to redevelop the waterfront area into a mixed-use community featuring housing, a marina and commercial lots. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant made the announcement Thursday at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing.
Cabinet to Mandate Quarterly Performance Reports Across All Ministries
The Cabinet has approved a new policy requiring all government ministries and departments to deliver quarterly performance reports, with the Ministry of Tourism set to be the first to present within two weeks. The initiative, announced Thursday, is designed to boost transparency and accountability across the public sector.
Antigua's First LNG Shipment on Track Within 30 Days, Government Confirms
The Antiguan government has confirmed that the country's first liquefied natural gas shipment is expected within 30 days, with an agreement reached between APUA and LNG suppliers and dredging works at Crabs Harbour progressing rapidly. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant delivered the update at Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing.
Health Minister Heads to China to Secure AI Vision Screening for 80% of Population
Health Minister Michael Joseph is set to travel to China to negotiate an AI-powered vision screening partnership that the government says could reach more than 80 percent of Antigua and Barbuda's population by the end of 2026. The initiative, announced at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing, aims to modernize the country's eye care services through advanced diagnostic technology.
Cabinet Orders Quarterly Performance Reviews Across All Government Ministries
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a new quarterly performance review system requiring heads of departments and permanent secretaries to regularly present progress reports to ministers. The Ministry of Tourism will be the first to participate, with its presentation expected within two weeks.
Overseas Scholarships to Continue Alongside Free UWI Tuition, Government Says
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has confirmed that overseas scholarships will remain available for students, even as free undergraduate tuition at UWI Five Islands Campus is now in place. International scholarship assistance is generally limited to programmes not offered locally.
Antigua Demands U.S. Cover All Costs Before Accepting Third-Country Deportees
Antigua and Barbuda's Government has released a White Paper demanding that the United States fully fund all costs associated with any third-country deportees before transfers can be approved. The document also calls for reciprocal benefits, including relief from U.S. visa restrictions on Antiguan and Barbudan citizens.
Antigua & Barbuda Names U20 Beach Volleyball Teams for July Championship in St. Kitts
The Antigua & Barbuda Volleyball Association has named its men's and women's national teams to compete at the 2026 ECVA Under-20 Beach Volleyball Championship in Saint Kitts & Nevis this July. The four selected athletes were chosen based on their performance, training consistency and regional competition experience.
National Cyclist Tahjé Browne Graduates Weeks After Surviving Hit-and-Run
National cyclist Tahjé Browne has graduated from ABCAS, drawing praise from Education Minister Daryll Matthew just weeks after Browne was seriously injured in a hit-and-run collision on Sir Sydney Walling Highway. The milestone has been widely celebrated as a powerful symbol of perseverance and recovery.
Antigua Demands U.S. Visa Restrictions Be Lifted Before Accepting Deported Third-Country Nationals
Antigua and Barbuda has released a White Paper outlining its conditions for accepting third-country nationals deported from the United States, demanding the lifting of blanket U.S. visa restrictions as a prerequisite for any cooperation. The Government insists any agreement must be fully funded, strictly limited, and deliver clear, written reciprocal benefits to the country.
Antiguan Coach Selected to Represent Nation at Regional Beach Volleyball Course
Coach Braulio Estrada Lopez has been selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the 2026 ECVA Beach Volleyball Coaches Course in Saint Kitts & Nevis, scheduled for July 8–12. The announcement was made by the Antigua & Barbuda Volleyball Association as part of its commitment to coach education and sporting development.
Titans Set Up NPPA Championship Showdown with Unbeaten Money Team
The Titans defeated the Billiard Kings 5-3 on Monday to reach the NPPA Team Championship Final for a third straight season, where they will face unbeaten Money Team, who carry a 19-match winning streak into the title clash.
Former Premier Champions Field Youth Teams for Antigua Cup International Tournament
Three former Premier Division champions — Bassa, Parham, and Villa Lions — are among the clubs fielding youth teams at the third edition of the Antigua Cup International Youth Football Tournament, which begins Sunday, July 5, at Buckleys Primary School Playing Field. The weeklong competition features five age categories and concludes on July 12.
Health Minister Tours Medicinal Cannabis Authority, Calls for Greater Public Education
Health Minister Hon. Michael Joseph toured the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority and licensed dispensaries, praising the sector's regulatory rigour while calling for stronger public education on the distinction between medicinal and recreational cannabis use.
Education Minister Hails Cyclist Tahjé Browne's ABCAS Graduation After Near-Fatal Accident
Education Minister Daryll S. Matthew has congratulated national cyclist Tahjé Browne on graduating from ABCAS, praising his perseverance following a serious accident that nearly claimed his life. The achievement marks another milestone in Browne's recovery.
ABCAS Makes History with Inaugural Commencement, Honouring Over 200 Graduates
The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) held its inaugural Commencement Ceremony on July 2, honouring more than 200 graduates as the institution's historic first graduating class. The milestone marks the culmination of a major transition in public tertiary education following the unification of three former colleges.
Cabinet Orders Police Crackdown on Ski Masks Worn in Public
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has ordered police to launch an aggressive crackdown on the illegal wearing of ski masks in public, with officers authorised to confiscate the prohibited face coverings on the spot. The move comes amid rising street crime and a growing trend of individuals — particularly young men — wearing the masks in public.
Agriculture Ministry Interns Gain Hands-On Training at Greencastle Station
Young participants in the Ministry of Agriculture's Summer Internship Programme spent a day at Greencastle Agricultural Station on Friday, rotating through hands-on training in crop production, nursery management, field operations and administrative record-keeping. The visit forms part of a broader programme designed to give youth practical agricultural experience and inspire careers in the sector.