Local News
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Antigua and Barbuda Signs Aviation MoU to Boost Caribbean Regional Cooperation
Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with France's Directorate General for Civil Aviation during a regional directors' meeting held in Antigua from June 1 to 3. The agreement establishes a Regional Technical Cooperation Committee aimed at strengthening collaboration on aviation safety, security, and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
Police Defend Major Cannabis Raid Near Pares Village, Warn Illegal Growers
Police have seized more than 500 cannabis plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana in a major raid near Pares Village, with four men arrested. ASP Frankie Thomas warned that illegal cultivation will continue to be prosecuted regardless of the country's decriminalisation laws.
ASP Frankie Thomas Defends Major Cannabis Bust Near Pares; Four Men in Custody
Four men remain in police custody following a major cannabis bust near Pares Village, where officers seized more than 500 plants and close to 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana. ASP Frankie Thomas defended the operation, stating the unlicensed, commercial-scale plantation was a clear violation of Antigua and Barbuda's laws.
High Lending Rates Threaten ECCU's 'Decade of Decision' Growth Ambitions
A new financial commentary series examines whether high lending rates across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union — some 820 basis points above Euro Area business lending — threaten the region's stated goal of doubling its economies within a decade. The analysis, reported by Antigua News Room, calls on ECCU institutions to address structural cost-of-capital barriers without sacrificing the region's hard-won macroeconomic stability.
National Performing Arts Centre on Track for CHOGM Opening, Minister Turner Says
Minister Rawdon Turner says the National Performing Arts Centre, currently under construction at the former Deluxe Cinema on High Street, remains on schedule for completion ahead of the November 2026 CHOGM opening ceremony. The nearly 900-seat venue, featuring a double-roof acoustic system and two-tier balcony, is being described as the most advanced performance facility in the Eastern Caribbean.
Tourism Minister Fernandez Highlights New Investments and Carnival 2026 at Caribbean Week
Tourism Minister Charles "Max" Fernandez used a Caribbean Week appearance on New York Living to highlight new investments, sustainability efforts, and Antigua Carnival 2026 as part of the twin-island nation's push to strengthen its global tourism appeal.
Four Men Arrested After Police Seize 500 Cannabis Plants Near Pares Village
Four men were taken into custody on Thursday after a joint law enforcement operation uncovered more than 500 cannabis plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana at an illegal plantation near Pares Village. Authorities say the operation far exceeded the legal limits for cannabis cultivation permitted in Antigua and Barbuda.
Four Arrested After Joint Operation Uncovers Major Cannabis Plantation Near Pares Village
Four men remain in police custody after a joint law enforcement operation near Pares Village uncovered an unlicensed cannabis plantation, resulting in the seizure of over 500 plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured cannabis.
Commonwealth Observers Urge Constitutional Protection for Antigua's Electoral Commission
A Commonwealth Observer Group has recommended that Antigua and Barbuda amend its Constitution to formally entrench the Electoral Commission, citing the need to strengthen institutional independence and public confidence in the country's electoral process. The recommendation is part of a wider set of reforms proposed in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
Barbuda Senator's Office Marks First Month with 20 New Driver's Licence Registrations
Senator Kendra Beazer's office reports that 20 Barbuda residents obtained first-time driver's licences in the office's first month of operation. The office is also urging the Barbuda Council to prioritize a proposal for improved road infrastructure across the island.
Five Islands Campus Makes History with Three Medals at Debut UWI Games
The UWI Five Islands Campus made a historic debut at the 2026 UWI Games, claiming three bronze medals and finishing fourth overall among five campuses at the regional competition held in Trinidad and Tobago.
Commentary: Why Making Spanish an Official Language Is a Strategic Investment for Antigua and Barbuda
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders makes the case for Antigua and Barbuda's landmark decision to adopt Spanish as a second official language, arguing it carries far-reaching implications for tourism, trade, security, and diplomacy. The policy, announced at the OAS on 3 June, drew immediate enthusiasm from Latin American delegations.
Antigua and Barbuda's Median Age Reaches 35.5 as CARICOM Ages Unevenly
Antigua and Barbuda's median age has reached 35.5 years, placing it among eleven CARICOM member states now older than the global median of 30, according to Antigua News Room. The trend signals growing pressure on pension and healthcare systems as working-age populations across the region begin to shrink.
UWI Researcher Co-Authors Landmark Lancet Study on Global Kidney Disease Crisis
UWI researcher Dr Lori-Ann Fisher is among international experts featured in a landmark Lancet series identifying chronic kidney disease as a rapidly escalating global health crisis affecting 844 million people. The study calls for urgent improvements in early diagnosis and treatment, with particular implications for the Caribbean where access to dialysis and transplant services remains limited.
Two Antiguan Chefs Represent Nation on BBC MasterChef UK Finals Week
Chefs Eustace Cabral Jr. and Maurine Bowers represented Antigua and Barbuda on BBC MasterChef UK's Finals Week, airing June 3, drawing international attention to the nation's culinary heritage. The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association has congratulated both chefs for the milestone appearance.
Antigua Showcases Flood Gains, Eyes Regional Disaster Hub at EU Programme Meeting
Minister of State Kiz Johnson has highlighted Antigua and Barbuda's progress under an EU-funded disaster resilience programme, including flood mitigation works and a new community command centre. The country is also advancing plans to become a regional search and rescue training hub.
All Saints Road to Close Overnight Thursday for Major Infrastructure Works
The Ministry of Works has announced an overnight closure of All Saints Road between Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am, as part of the Government's All Saints Road Project. Detour routes and flag persons will be in place to guide motorists.
Public Consultation Opens on Barbuda Road and Wharf Rehabilitation Project
The Ministry of Housing and Works has opened a public consultation on a major Barbuda road rehabilitation project spanning 12.6 kilometres across six corridors, releasing environmental, engineering and social planning documents for public review. The project, funded through the Caribbean Development Bank as part of post-Hurricane Irma recovery efforts, includes climate-resilience measures and is expected to take up to 24 months to complete.
Apostle Defends Resurrection as Historical Fact at Senator Hurst's Funeral
Apostle Dr. Stephen Andrews used the funeral of former Senator Cheryl Mary-Clare Hurst to deliver a vigorous defence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, calling it a historical fact supported by eyewitness accounts. His remarks reignited one of Christianity's longest-running debates, drawing on scripture and early church history while rejecting secular scholarly skepticism.
Saharan Dust Pushes Antigua and Barbuda to Air Pollution Alert Level II
Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing its tenth Saharan dust event of 2026, with air quality pushed into the moderate category and an Air Pollution Alert Level II in effect. Authorities are advising vulnerable groups, including those with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children, to limit outdoor exertion until conditions improve.