Local News
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WFTA Delegation Wraps Up Connect2Reconnect Visit to Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica
The Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association has wrapped up its Connect2Reconnect Pilot 2026 visit, with delegates meeting senior officials and community leaders across Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica. The visit reaffirmed twinning partnerships that have been in place since 1999.
Bolans Man Pleads Guilty to Scalding Sister with Boiling Water in Vicious Attack
Clayton Jeffery, a Bolans resident, pleaded guilty Monday to wounding with intent after pouring boiling water on his sister and physically assaulting her in October 2023, leaving her with third-degree burns and months of recovery. Sentencing is set for July 20.
PM Browne Warns Water Rates May Rise as Gov't Spends $40M Annually on Subsidies
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has signalled that water rates in Antigua and Barbuda may need to rise, as the Government currently spends an estimated EC$40 million annually subsidizing water production and distribution. Browne cited the high cost of reverse osmosis desalination and the need to encourage conservation amid one of the country's worst droughts in decades.
PM Browne Warns of Possible Water Rate Hike as Annual Subsidies Hit EC$40 Million
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that water rates may need to increase as the Government subsidises water supply to the tune of EC$40 million per year. Browne cited the high cost of reverse osmosis production and the need to discourage wasteful consumption amid one of the country's worst droughts in decades.
Antigua Hits Record 11M Gallons of Daily Water Output Amid Worst Drought in Decades
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that Antigua and Barbuda is producing a record 11 million gallons of water daily despite nine months of near-absent rainfall and the driest May since 1928. The government plans to add a further two million gallons of daily capacity before year's end.
Financial Consultant Anthony Stuart Leads Youth Session on Money Management and Ethical Leadership
Financial and Business Consultant Anthony Stuart delivered a presentation on Financial Management and Ethical Leadership to youth on June 22, as part of an ongoing Department of Youth Affairs development programme supported by the Sandals Foundation and Flow Antigua.
Antigua Government Owes WIOC Over EC$6M as Fuel Subsidy Strains Public Finances
The Antigua and Barbuda government owes more than EC$6 million to the West Indies Oil Company after months of subsidising fuel prices to protect consumers from rising global energy costs. Prime Minister Gaston Browne acknowledged the policy is straining public finances but warned that ending it could result in significantly higher prices at the pump.
Gov't Owes WIOC Over EC$6M to Keep Fuel Prices Among Caribbean's Lowest
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed the Government owes WIOC more than EC$6 million after months of subsidising fuel costs to keep gasoline and diesel prices among the lowest in the Caribbean. Browne warned the policy, while beneficial to consumers, is straining public finances and may not be sustainable if global oil prices continue to rise.
OECS Seeks Urgent EU Talks to Protect Visa-Free Schengen Access for CBI Nations
OECS leaders are seeking urgent talks with the European Union before year's end to protect visa-free Schengen access for countries with Citizenship by Investment programmes. The push comes as the region moves to establish a new unified regulatory authority, ECCIRA, aimed at strengthening international confidence in Caribbean investment migration schemes.
PM Browne Warns Strait of Hormuz Closure Threatens Fuel Relief for Antigua
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is warning that Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push global oil prices higher and deliver a fresh economic blow to Antigua and Barbuda, just as consumers had been anticipating relief at the pump.
OECS Leaders Push for EU Talks to Protect Schengen Visa-Free Access for CIP Holders
OECS heads of government are seeking urgent high-level talks with EU officials to protect Schengen visa-free access for citizenship by investment programme holders, while pointing to the newly established ECCIRA regulatory authority as evidence of the region's commitment to strong governance standards.
Two Men Arrested in Early Morning Hatton Search Warrant Operation
Two men are in police custody after CID Task Force and SSU officers executed early morning search warrants at separate properties in Hatton, seizing jewellery and other items linked to a suspected theft investigation.
Two Men Arrested After Police Seize Jewellery in Hatton Search Operations
Two men are in police custody after CID Task Force and SSU officers executed search warrants in Hatton, seizing jewellery and other items as part of an investigation into suspected theft.
Long Bay Zen Resort to Bring AI Concierge, Robotics and Over-Water Chapel to Antigua
A US$200 million resort planned for Antigua's Long Bay will feature AI concierge technology, robotic services and an over-water chapel, with major construction set to begin later this year. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez have both voiced support for the project, citing its alignment with the government's focus on high-value tourism.
UWI Five Islands to Host Blue Finance Event at CHOGM 2026
The Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy at UWI Five Islands Campus has announced a Blue Finance and Ocean Innovation Side Event to be held during CHOGM 2026, bringing together global leaders in ocean conservation and financing. The event, organised in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, will feature exhibitions, high-level discussions, and addresses from heads of government.
Opinion: Reparations Should Go Directly to Descendants, Not Institutions
In an opinion piece published by Antigua News Room, columnist Brent Simon argues that reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans must be paid directly to individuals, challenging the paternalistic tendency — even among advocates — to route compensation through governments and institutions rather than the people themselves.
MP Greene Hails Liberta Town Hall as Residents Raise Water, Roads and Drug Concerns
St. Paul MP Chet Greene says the constituency's first town hall meeting at Liberta Primary School was a success, with residents raising urgent concerns over water shortages, road rehabilitation, youth drug exposure and economic development. A second meeting is scheduled tonight at Cobbs Cross Primary School.
ABFC Launches Panorama 2026, Hands Pan Association $165,000 Cheque
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has launched Panorama 2026 and presented a $165,000 cheque to the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association as part of a three-year funding agreement. The finals are set for August 1, 2026, at Carnival City, with tickets available islandwide for $40.00.
Air Quality Remains Good as Minimal Saharan Dust Affects Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda's air quality remains in the good range, with the Meteorological Service reporting minimal Saharan dust concentrations and an Air Quality Index between 20 and 40 as of June 19. No public action is required, though vulnerable groups are advised to stay alert to any changes.
Met Office Issues Small Craft Advisory as Rough Seas Expected Through Wednesday
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued a Small Craft Advisory warning of hazardous sea conditions, including waves up to 9 feet, expected from midnight Tuesday through early Wednesday morning. Inexperienced mariners and small vessel operators are urged to stay out of affected waters.