Local News
2047 articles
WIOC Posts EC$230M in Profits Since Government Takeover, Officials Say
The West Indies Oil Company has generated more than EC$230 million in profits since the government acquired the firm in 2015, officials announced Thursday. The state-owned enterprise has also invested approximately EC$270 million in infrastructure and is actively exploring expansion into Guyana and Suriname.
Government Raises Duty Waiver Ceiling to $100,000 for Home Construction and Repairs
The Antiguan government has expanded its duty waiver programme under the CABI initiative, allowing homeowners and builders to access up to $100,000 in tax-free building materials for both new construction and renovations. The move aims to ease construction costs and improve housing conditions across the island.
Government Closely Monitoring Antiguan Students in Cuba Amid Ongoing Concerns
The Antiguan government says it is in weekly contact with Antiguan and Barbudan students in Cuba, offering financial assistance and developing contingency plans with OECS partners amid persisting concerns over conditions on the island.
High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua, Barbuda and Neighbouring Islands
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory for Antigua, Barbuda, and several neighbouring islands, warning of dangerous surf heights of up to 3 metres and life-threatening rip currents along northern coastlines through Friday. Beachgoers are urged to exercise extreme caution.
Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board Celebrates 53 Years of Service
The Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board is commemorating 53 years of service, reaffirming its commitment to social protection and its role as a cornerstone of national development. The Board expressed gratitude to contributors and beneficiaries while pledging to adapt to future economic and social challenges.
Man Sentenced to Five Years for Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old Cousin
A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting his 13-year-old cousin during a school drop-off in October 2022. A jury deliberated for roughly 90 minutes before returning unanimous guilty verdicts on charges of serious indecency and indecent assault.
Hopeful Hearts Foundation Launches Youth Group to Empower Antiguan Teens
The Hopeful Hearts Foundation has launched a youth group initiative for residents aged 11 to 18, aiming to build confidence, leadership, and community engagement across Antigua and Barbuda. Interested youth can contact the foundation at 770-4700.
Barbuda Emerges as Caribbean's Hottest Residential Address Backed by De Niro
Barbuda is emerging as one of the Caribbean's most exclusive new resort and residential destinations, with Robert De Niro among the investors behind a sprawling beachfront development anchored by Nobu Barbuda. As reported by Antigua News Room, the low-density, sustainable project spans nearly 400 acres along more than two miles of pristine coastline.
Woman Ordered to Pay $9,000 for Violent Attack on Retired Teacher
Veyella Peters has been convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and ordered to pay $9,000 to a retired teacher she attacked inside his home in November 2023. The court rejected her self-defence claim, finding the victim's account credible.
Government Opens 50-Acre Land Programme for First-Time Owners in All Saints
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has made 50 acres of land in the MacPond area of All Saints available through its Land Empowerment Programme, with residential plots priced from $3 per square foot and monthly payments starting at $175. The initiative targets first-time landowners and low- to middle-income earners, with a concessional rate available for long-standing occupants.
Cabinet Rallies Public Support for PM Browne Ahead of General Elections
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a statement urging citizens to support Prime Minister Gaston Browne's government in the upcoming general elections, citing twelve years of national development and the need for continued strong leadership.
Freeman's Village Street to Bear Name of Centenarian Trade Unionist Christopher Browne
Cabinet has approved the naming of a Freeman's Village street after the late Christopher Neville Browne, a centenarian trade unionist and lifelong advocate for workers' rights. The street will be officially designated "Christopher Neville Browne Road."
WIOC Marks 11 Years of Public Ownership with EC$230M in Profits
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has marked eleven years of public ownership of the West Indies Oil Company, which has generated more than EC$230 million in profits and invested approximately EC$270 million in infrastructure since the 2015 transfer. WIOC, now publicly listed on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange, is expanding regionally and positioning itself to enter the renewable energy sector.
UWI Five Islands Campus, Agricultural Health Council Formalise Landmark Partnership
The Coordinating Council on Agricultural Health and Food Safety for Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UWI Five Islands Campus, formalising a partnership to advance the nation's agricultural health, food safety policy, and student engagement in food systems.
Antigua and Barbuda Exceeds Global Average Cost for Healthy Diet, CARICOM Data Reveals
New FAO data shows the average daily cost of a healthy diet across 13 CARICOM nations reached PPP $5.81 per person in 2024 — 30% above the global average — with Antigua and Barbuda among the countries exceeding the global benchmark. Both agricultural producers and food importers appear at opposite ends of the regional cost range, pointing to complex structural factors beyond domestic food production.
Lovell: All Saints West Voters Threaten to Withhold Votes Over Roads, Water Crisis
UPP candidate Harold Lovell says All Saints West residents are fed up with deteriorating roads and poor drainage, with one constituent threatening to withhold her vote unless basic infrastructure issues are addressed. Lovell is calling for a long-term road construction programme, accusing the government of rushing projects before elections and abandoning them after.
Parliament Dissolved, Elections Imminent as Cabinet Approves Sweeping Relief Measures
Parliament has been formally dissolved ahead of general elections, as Cabinet also approved a sweeping package of measures including utility arrears waivers, land releases, building material duty exemptions, and the continuation of retroactive pay for public servants.
Jumby Bay Removes Seaweed from Mangrove Areas After Parham Residents Raise Alarm
Jumby Bay resort has confirmed that its contractor removed seaweed deposited near mangrove areas in Parham following public complaints, as reported by Antigua.news. The company maintains the original removal activity was authorized, but says immediate steps were taken to address environmental concerns.
Woman Ordered to Pay $9,000 After Meat Cleaver Attack on Sleeping Retired Teacher
Veyella Peters has been convicted and ordered to pay $9,000 in compensation after attacking a retired man with a meat cleaver as he slept. The court rejected her self-defence claim, finding the late-night assault deliberate.
Gov't Opens 50 Acres in All Saints for Purchase Under Land Empowerment Programme
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has made 50 acres of land in the All Saints area available for purchase under its Land Empowerment Programme, with monthly payments starting as low as $175. Long-standing occupants of 15 of those acres will be offered the land at a special concessional rate of $1 per square foot.