Local News
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Former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh Joins Immigration Dept. After Disciplinary Convictions
Former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh, found guilty on fifteen disciplinary charges in 2023, has quietly returned to government service as a General Consultant at the Department of Immigration, according to Antigua.news. The appointment has not been publicly announced by the government.
Labour Advocate Malaka Parker Sworn In as Senator at Government House
Malaka Parker, a former President of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union, was officially sworn in as a Senator on Monday in a ceremony held at Government House. Her appointment brings a long record of labour advocacy into the national legislature.
Police Seize Gun, Ammo and Cannabis in Pre-Dawn Red Hill Raids
Police executed pre-dawn raids across multiple properties in Red Hill on Monday, seizing a firearm, ammunition and cannabis, and taking three individuals into custody. The operation involved four specialist units and is part of a continued law enforcement push against illegal weapons and drugs.
Antigua and Barbuda Raises $30M in Oversubscribed Treasury Bill Auction
Antigua and Barbuda successfully raised $30 million through a Treasury bill auction on May 13, with investor demand exceeding the target by $4.2 million. The oversubscribed auction signals strong market confidence in the government's securities.
AG Questioned Over Remarks on Opposition MPs' Absences at Parliamentary Opening
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin cast doubt on the opposition's absences at the opening parliamentary sitting, despite a statement issued the day before confirming that UPP Leader Jamale Pringle had accompanied his daughter abroad for medical care and MP Trevor Walker was attending to family matters. Both MPs had formally notified Parliament in advance.
PM Browne Warns New MPs: Parliamentary Attendance Is Not Optional
Prime Minister Gaston Browne used Monday's parliamentary swearing-in ceremony to warn newly elected MPs that attendance in the House of Representatives is not optional, citing illness or official travel as the only acceptable grounds for absence. He also reminded lawmakers that their April 30th electoral victory is a mandate for faithful public service, not complacency.
Mango Season Blamed for Blood Sugar Emergencies at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
Emergency cases tied to dangerously high blood sugar levels have been recorded at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with health officials linking many incidents to excessive mango consumption during the current fruit season. Authorities are urging residents, especially diabetics, to practise moderation.
Climatologist Calls for Tsunami Preparedness After Strong Earthquake Strikes Antigua
Climatologist Dale Destin is calling for heightened tsunami awareness in Antigua and Barbuda after a magnitude 6.1–6.4 earthquake struck on May 16, urging residents to learn natural warning signs and be ready to act. No deaths or major damage were reported, but Destin warned the event highlights the region's ongoing vulnerability to seismic hazards.
Autism Retreat Draws 100+ Caregivers, Spotlights Mental Health and Resource Gaps
More than 100 caregivers gathered at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre on Sunday for a free autism retreat that combined clinical education with emotional support and a frank look at the lack of local autism data and resources. The event, reported by Antigua.news, was organised by the ABHC, the Directorate of Gender Affairs, and the Center for the Holistic Advancement of Therapeutic Services, with funding from the Mill Reef Fund.
Urlings Community Holds Candlelight Vigil for Three Fishermen Lost at Sea
Residents of Urlings held an emotional candlelight vigil to honour Devon Prince, Adrian Pryce and Carlton Pitt — three fishermen who went missing at sea on March 11 and were never found. The community gathered in grief after search operations were suspended without resolution.
PM Browne Eyes Geothermal Power from Nevis Ahead of OECS Chairmanship
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is in advanced talks with St Kitts-Nevis and the EU on a geothermal energy deal that could deliver power to Antigua via an undersea cable from Nevis. The announcement comes ahead of Browne's assumption of the OECS chairmanship next month.
Apostle Andrews Credits Divine Protection for Antigua's Resilience at ABLP Thanksgiving Service
Apostle Dr. Stephen Andrews used an ABLP Thanksgiving Service on Sunday to call on Antiguans and Barbudans to recognise divine protection in the nation's ability to sustain economic growth despite chronic exposure to hurricanes, earthquakes and droughts. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and senior government officials were among the hundreds in attendance.
Pringle and Walker Apologise for Absence from First Post-Election Parliamentary Sitting
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda MP Trevor Walker have apologised for their absence from Monday's first post-election sitting of Parliament, citing overseas family and medical commitments. Both men are expected to take their Oath of Allegiance at the next ordinary sitting of the Lower House.
Junior Tourism Minister to Represent PM Browne at London Development Forum
Junior Tourism Minister Senator Michael Freeland will travel to London to represent Prime Minister Gaston Browne at the Global Partnerships Conference, a high-level international development forum scheduled for May 19–20, 2026. The event will bring together world leaders and stakeholders to tackle global challenges including climate change, economic instability, and humanitarian crises.
PM Browne Defends Spanish as Antigua and Barbuda's Official Second Language
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended Cabinet's decision to make Spanish Antigua and Barbuda's official second language, citing economic, diplomatic and social benefits. The policy, approved May 14, will make Spanish a compulsory subject from pre-school through secondary level.
Browne Leads ABLP Thanksgiving Service, Calls for National Unity After Election Win
Prime Minister Gaston Browne led the ABLP in a post-election Thanksgiving service, crediting divine guidance for the party's victory and calling on all Antiguans and Barbudans to unite behind a shared vision of national development. Browne urged citizens to move beyond partisan divisions and work together toward what he described as a national Renaissance.
Mother Pleads for Answers Nine Years After Son Vanished in Antigua
Nine years after Roman Mussabekov vanished during a visit to Antigua, his mother is renewing her public plea for information, saying not a day passes without thoughts of her missing son. The family is urging anyone with knowledge of his movements in May 2017 to come forward.
Earthquake Rattles Supermarket Shelves Across Antigua After 6.1 Magnitude Tremor
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Antigua on Monday morning, leaving bottles and cans strewn across the floors of multiple supermarkets island-wide. No injuries have been reported.
Police Seek Public Help After Armed Robberies Strike Hatton and Bendals
Police are investigating two armed robberies in Hatton and Bendals that occurred on the same Friday morning, with suspects still at large in both cases. Authorities are appealing to the public for information and urging anyone with details to contact the Criminal Investigations Department or Crimestoppers.
6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northeast of Antigua and Barbuda
A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 80 kilometres northeast of St. John's on Saturday morning, shaking Antigua and Barbuda and a wide swath of the Eastern Caribbean. No immediate injuries or damage were reported in the early aftermath.