Local News
2047 articles
Parliament Dissolved, Executive Retains Governing Authority Ahead of General Elections
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has been formally dissolved, with Cabinet set to continue governing the country as the nation enters a general election period expected within 90 days. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant urged eligible voters to ensure their registration and identification cards are in order ahead of the upcoming polls.
SLBMC Medical Director Calls for Stronger National Support on World Autism Awareness Day
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre's Medical Director Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis used World Autism Awareness Day to call for stronger national action on autism care, urging earlier intervention, greater community awareness, and improved school and therapy resources across Antigua and Barbuda.
Halo Foundation Joins Global Coalition to Protect Children Online
The Halo Foundation has launched the Fostering the Future Together initiative in Antigua and Barbuda, joining a global coalition led by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump to promote children's digital safety and education. Her Excellency Lady Sandra Williams announced the partnership, which includes plans for a national programme featuring STEM labs, digital literacy training, and EdTech access.
Government Waives Utility Arrears for Long-Disconnected Households
The Antiguan government has approved an amnesty waiving all utility arrears for residents disconnected from electricity, water, or landline services for more than six months. Affected households are encouraged to contact APUA to arrange reconnection under the programme.
Four Children Killed in Machete Attack at Ugandan Nursery School
A man disguised as a parent forced his way into a nursery school in Uganda's capital Kampala on Thursday and killed four young children with a machete before being arrested by police.
Opinion: Five Young Women Who Deserve a Seat in Antigua's Senate
As Antigua and Barbuda nears its next general election, a new opinion piece reported by Antigua.news makes the case for appointing five accomplished young women — Janet Simon, Kristine Louisa, Kaiesha Joseph, Makiba Ward, and Tanya Ambrose — to the Senate, citing their proven records in community service, youth advocacy, and national development.
Teen Charged with Murder in 2023 Fatal Beating Over Stolen Phone
An 18-year-old has been charged with the murder of Rodney Piper, who died in September 2023 after being beaten during a dispute over a stolen phone. The accused, who was a minor at the time of the alleged offence, has been granted bail by the High Court.
Commentary: Have We Crucified Our Own Healthcare System?
In a wide-ranging commentary published by Antigua News Room, Dr. Lester Simon argues that the departure of Cuban healthcare workers has exposed deep failures in Antigua and Barbuda's health planning, calling for a fundamental overhaul of how the country develops and sustains its own medical infrastructure.
Water Line Installation Underway in Lightfoot After Years of Advocacy
Work to install a water line in the Myles Codrington Development in Lightfoot has begun, following years of advocacy by community advocate Rawdon Turner on behalf of local residents.
Teen Charged With 2023 Murder of Golden Grove Man, Granted Bail
An 18-year-old has been charged with the 2023 murder of Golden Grove resident Rodney Piper, who died after being beaten by a group of young men over a stolen phone dispute. The accused, treated as a minor due to his age at the time of the offence, has been granted bail by the High Court.
Treasury Begins Retroactive Pay for Public Servants Covering 2018–2023
The Treasury Department has begun issuing retroactive payments to public servants for the contract period January 2018 to December 2023, with no statutory deductions to be applied in accordance with a Cabinet decision. Payments are being processed by Ministry and Department in tranches, with former employees also encouraged to come forward.
Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres to Extend Hours from April 13
The Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres will begin extended operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, starting April 13, 2026, following a brief delay from the originally announced start date. The move is aimed at improving community access to primary care and reducing pressure on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
Over $25,000 Invested in All Saints West Sports Teams, Smith Jr. Announces
Anthony Smith Jr. has announced over $25,000 in investments this year to support football and cricket teams across All Saints West, including financial assistance and sponsored jerseys for four community clubs.
UPP Supporter Refuses to Vote Amid Leadership Confusion Between Lovell and Pringle
A UPP supporter has publicly declared they will abstain from voting in the party's leadership contest, citing a troubling personal encounter with Harold Lovell and expressing firm support for rival Jamal Pringle. The letter, reported by Antigua News Room, highlights deepening divisions within the opposition party.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 Returns to Antigua and Barbuda in May
Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 is set to return to Antigua and Barbuda from May 12–15, with appointments now open and buyer registrations already outpacing last year. The 44th edition of the Caribbean's premier B2B tourism event will connect international buyers with regional suppliers over two days of pre-scheduled meetings.
Lewis Tackles Illegal Dump Sites, Calls for Structured Bulk Waste Collection
St. John's Rural West candidate Richard S. Lewis led a clean-up of illegal dump sites in his constituency this week, calling on the NSWMA to implement scheduled bulk waste collection to address what he described as a persistent public health concern.
ECCB to Oversee Bank Fees Under New 2026–2031 Strategic Plan
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has announced plans to expand oversight of bank fees and charges as part of its 2026–2031 strategic plan, including the creation of a new Office of Financial Conduct to promote fairness and consumer protection across the region's banking sector.
Letter to Editor: Concerns Raised Over Academic Standards and Accountability in Local Schools
A member of the public has written to the editor raising formal concerns about academic misconduct, literacy gaps, and administrative practices said to be undermining standards and fairness in Antigua and Barbuda's education system. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, calls on the Ministry of Education to strengthen policies and enforcement across all schools.
Road Works Ministry Reports Surge in Infrastructure Upgrades Across Antigua
The Ministry of Works says road upgrade efforts intensified across Antigua in March, with the execution phase of the All Saints Road project now officially underway. The Ministry credited Public Works teams, contractors, and partner agencies for sustaining the increased pace of improvements.
Former Gov't Worker Decries Repeated Backpay Delays by Treasury
A former government employee has written to Antigua News Room to voice frustration over months of delays in receiving backpay from the Treasury, with deadlines repeatedly pushed back since December 2024. The writer says Treasury staff have been unable to provide clear answers either in person or by phone.