Local News
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U.S. Tourist Dies After Scuba Diving Incident Off Antigua's North Sound
A 59-year-old tourist from North Carolina died Monday afternoon after becoming unresponsive during a scuba diving excursion near Red Head and Rabbit Island off Antigua's North Sound. Police have launched an investigation and an autopsy is expected to determine the cause of death.
U.S. Tourist Dies After Becoming Unresponsive During Scuba Dive Near North Sound
A 59-year-old American tourist from North Carolina died after becoming unresponsive during a scuba diving excursion near Red Head and Rabbit Island on Monday afternoon. Police are investigating the incident, and an autopsy is expected to determine the cause of death.
U.S. to Offer Expedited Visa Interviews for $750 Under New Pilot Program
The U.S. State Department will launch a pilot program from July 1 allowing visa applicants to pay $750 on top of standard fees for an expedited interview within 10 days at select embassies. The move comes amid widespread delays linked to the Trump administration's tightened immigration measures.
Minister Johnson Calls for Respect and Inclusion of Antigua's Centenarians
Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Kiz Johnson is urging Antiguans and Barbudans to honour and include the nation's oldest citizens during Centenarians Week 2026. The minister described centenarians as a vital national resource and reaffirmed her ministry's commitment to building inclusive, supportive communities for seniors.
Minister Johnson Urges Caribbean Unity on Women's Economic Empowerment
Minister Kiz Johnson called for unified Caribbean action on women's economic empowerment during a ministerial dialogue, urging regional governments to address financial barriers and tackle the underrepresentation of women in well-paying roles within the tourism sector.
150 Students to Be Honoured at 40th Annual National CSEC Awards Ceremony
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will honour 150 top-performing CSEC students at a landmark 40th annual awards ceremony on June 11. The event, themed "Architects of Tomorrow: Honouring Minds, Building Our Future," will be held at the SJPC House of Restoration Ministries and broadcast live on ABS Television.
PM Delivers Special Message to Mark Centenarian Week
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has released a video message marking Centenarian Week, honouring Antigua and Barbuda's oldest citizens and their lasting contributions to the nation.
PM Browne Honours Centenarians as Architects of Modern Antigua and Barbuda
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has honoured Antigua and Barbuda's centenarians during Centenarians Week 2026, crediting their hard work, sacrifice, and service as foundational to the nation's development.
Queen of Carnival Contestant Turns Childhood Burns Into a Story of Resilience
Queen of Carnival contestant Shavessa Gasper, representing Miss Exotic Antigua, is using the 2026 competition stage to inspire others after surviving severe childhood burns that left lasting scars. Her story of resilience and perseverance has made her a role model ahead of Carnival 2026.
Burn Survivor Shavessa Gasper Takes the Queen of Carnival Stage in 2026
Burn survivor Shavessa Gasper will compete as Miss Exotic Antigua in the 2026 Queen of Carnival Competition, bringing with her a powerful story of resilience after suffering severe burns and facial disfigurement as a child. Her participation is already being celebrated across Antigua and Barbuda as an inspiring challenge to conventional notions of beauty.
Police Hunt Driver After Hit-and-Run on Josephs Lane Leaves Woman Injured
Police are seeking the driver of a white Suzuki Jeep who allegedly struck a woman on Josephs Lane Sunday evening and left the scene without rendering aid. The victim has also raised concerns about the police response to her report at the Grays Farm Police Station.
SLBMC Chief of Surgery Named Finalist for Caribbean Global Award
Dr. Vonetta George, Chief of Surgery at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, has been named a finalist for the Global Doctor, Innovation and Leadership Award 2026 by the Caribbean Global Awards. The winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in London on September 26, 2026.
Antiguan National Dr. Dave Ray Receives Honorary Doctorate at San Francisco Convocation
Antiguan national Dr. Dave Ray was awarded an honorary doctorate by EuroAsian University at a Grand Convocation Ceremony in San Francisco on June 6, 2026, honouring 37 years of entrepreneurship and the creation of 173 jobs across Antigua and the United States. Dr. Ray, who serves as the US Diaspora Official for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, was one of 93 global honourees recognised at the ceremony.
Opinion: Making Spanish an Official Language Remains a Dangerous Idea
A critical opinion piece argues that the Antigua and Barbuda government has failed to justify its decision to declare Spanish a second official language, contending that the cited benefits are achievable without such a declaration and that the true motivation behind the move remains unexplained.
Minister Turner Honours Centenarians as 'Living History' During National Centenarian Week
Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner has honoured Antigua and Barbuda's centenarians as "living history" in a message marking Centenarian Week, praising their resilience and reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting elderly citizens with dignity.
NODS Eyes $19M Hurricane-Proof Shelter as CDEMA Signs Five-Year Disaster Plan
The National Office of Disaster Services is seeking funding for a US$19 million purpose-built hurricane shelter capable of housing 500 people, as CDEMA officials visit Antigua and Barbuda to sign a five-year national disaster management programme.
Works Ministry Replaces Damaged Drain Covers in Grays Farm and Grace Green
The Ministry of Works has launched repairs to replace missing and damaged concrete drain covers in the Grays Farm and Grace Green area, Minister Maria Browne confirmed Monday. The work aims to improve safety for residents and pedestrians exposed to hazards from the uncovered drainage channel.
Barbuda Council Returns to Court to Challenge Government Land Adjudication Process
The Barbuda Council returns to court Tuesday to challenge the central government's land adjudication programme, arguing the process threatens the island's communal land system and was launched without proper consultation. The case is widely regarded as one of the most significant legal battles over land rights and governance in Barbuda's history.
Soca Artist Tizzy Drops Eight-Track EP Ahead of Carnival 2026
Soca artist Tizzy has released her eight-track EP "SOUL – FIRE – ROAD" ahead of Carnival 2026, featuring four new songs that mix high-energy road anthems with a message of unity and loyalty. The project is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Two Mack Pond Residents Charged with Murder of Sheldon Dias
Kyle Taylor, 29, and Candace Sawyers, 30, both of Mack Pond, All Saints, have been formally charged with the murder of 35-year-old Sheldon Dias following an alleged altercation on June 5, 2026. The pair are expected to appear in court this week.