Local News
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Police Warn Against Drunk Driving, Alcohol Sales Ban in Easter Safety Advisory
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued an Easter safety advisory warning against drunk driving and reminding business operators that alcohol sales are prohibited on Good Friday. Officers will conduct increased patrols throughout the holiday weekend.
ABEC Meets Returning Officers in Preparation for 2026 General Elections
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has held a preparatory meeting with Returning Officers from all 17 constituencies ahead of the General Elections set for April 1, 2026. The 17 officers were subsequently sworn in by Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on April 2.
NASA's Artemis II Launches on Historic Moon Mission With Crew of Four
NASA's Artemis II rocket launched on April 1 from Kennedy Space Center, sending four astronauts on a historic mission to circle the far side of the Moon and surpass the distance record set by Apollo 13. The crew is expected to complete a lunar flyby on April 6 and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 11.
Antigua and Barbuda Pledges US$200,000 in Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
Antigua and Barbuda has pledged US$200,000 in humanitarian aid to Cuba as part of a CARICOM-led regional response to the island's ongoing economic and supply difficulties. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant made the announcement at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing.
Antigua and Barbuda Backs CARICOM Chief as Reappointment Row Divides Region
Antigua and Barbuda has voiced strong support for CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett amid a regional dispute over the legitimacy of her reappointment, with Trinidad and Tobago challenging the process and threatening to cut its financial contributions to the bloc.
Antigua Backs CARICOM Chief Amid Growing Row Over Reappointment Process
Antigua and Barbuda has expressed full Cabinet confidence in CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett, as a regional dispute intensifies over the procedural legitimacy of her reappointment to a second five-year term. Trinidad and Tobago has formally rejected the reappointment and threatened to cut its financial contributions to the regional body.
Cabinet Approves $50,000 Monthly Subsidy to Lower Antigua–Barbuda Airfares
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a $50,000 monthly subsidy to reduce airfare costs between the two islands, following concerns raised by newly appointed Barbuda caretaker Kendra Beazer about rising ticket prices and limited travel options.
Treasury Begins Final Phase of Retroactive Pay Disbursements for Public Servants
The Treasury Department has begun the final phase of retroactive pay disbursements to public servants covering January 2018 to December 2023, with total payments across the first two phases exceeding $4.6 million. Outstanding teacher upgrade payments are expected to be issued by the end of Thursday.
ABWU Warns Cabinet's Phased Minimum Wage Plan Will Harm Vulnerable Workers
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union has accepted the Government's minimum wage increase to $11.50 per hour but warns that the Cabinet's extended three-phase rollout to $13.01 will prolong hardship for vulnerable workers. The union is also questioning whether the timing of the announcement is politically motivated.
Government to Complete Teacher Upgrade Payments by Week's End Amid Retroactive Pay Rollout
The government aims to complete long-outstanding upgrade payments to teachers by Thursday, as retroactive pay disbursements covering January to December 2023 continue across public service departments. More than EC$4.6 million has already been distributed, with additional payments pending final verification.
Government Launches Subsidised Cement Block Sales to Boost Affordable Housing
The Antiguan government has begun producing subsidised cement blocks at a state-backed facility, with plans to sell them to the public as part of a broader affordable housing initiative. Housing Minister Rawdon Turner is expected to announce distribution details in the coming days.
Government Expands Housing Support With New Building Materials Shipment and Duty Waiver
The Antiguan government has announced a new shipment of building materials alongside an expanded duty waiver programme aimed at broadening housing support for residents. The initiative is intended to ease the financial burden on citizens seeking to build or repair their homes.
All Saints Road Works Resume with Overnight Closures and Detours
The Ministry of Works has announced the resumption of infrastructure rehabilitation on All Saints Road, with overnight road closures and detours in the Briggins area taking effect from 7 pm on Thursday, 2nd April 2026. Motorists are advised to adjust their travel plans and follow directions from flag persons on site.
UPP Names Adrian Williams as St. John's City South Candidate for General Election
The United Progressive Party has selected Adrian Williams as its candidate for St. John's City South, with the party's full slate of candidates set for formal ratification on April 7. The party waived its standard membership requirement to allow Williams to contest the seat.
Man Sentenced to Five Years for Sexually Assaulting 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 on what was supposed to be a trip to school. The jury unanimously rejected his defence, delivering guilty verdicts after roughly 90 minutes of deliberations.
Census Field Operations Suspended Ahead of Antigua and Barbuda General Elections
Antigua and Barbuda's Census Office has temporarily halted all 2025 Population and Housing Census field operations, including household visits and data collection, ahead of the country's impending general elections. Officials say the suspension is necessary to protect the integrity of both processes, with field work set to resume after the elections conclude.
UPP Names Adrian Williams as St. John's City South Candidate Ahead of General Election
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has confirmed Adrian Williams as the UPP's candidate for St. John's City South, with the party's full candidate slate set to be ratified by the General Council on April 7.
Government Approves Second $1M Building Materials Shipment to Aid Vulnerable Homeowners
The government has approved a new shipment of building materials, valued at approximately $1 million, expected to arrive within two weeks to support housing repairs for low-income and vulnerable residents. The announcement follows a previous delivery of equal value and an expanded duty waiver programme on construction materials.
APUA Reports Rise in Network Leaks as Daily Water Output Tops 9 Million Gallons
APUA has reported a rise in network leaks due to strain on aging pipelines, while confirming that daily water production remains stable at over 9 million imperial gallons. The authority says several infrastructure upgrades, including a new reverse osmosis plant at Crabbs, are currently in progress.
Cabinet Rejects Election Inducement Claims as Campaign Period Begins
The Antiguan government has rejected claims that recent policy announcements are intended as electoral inducements, with the Director General of Communications insisting the measures are consistent with the administration's long-standing record of governance. The comments follow the dissolution of Parliament, with general elections expected within 90 days.