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US Waives $15,000 Visa Bond for World Cup Fans From 50 Countries
The Trump administration has waived a $15,000 visa bond requirement for football fans from 50 countries who hold valid tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Five of those nations — Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia — have qualified for the tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Air Peace to Launch Twice-Monthly Antigua-Nigeria Flights Starting May 25
Nigerian airline Air Peace is set to launch twice-monthly flights connecting Antigua and Barbuda with Lagos, Nigeria, beginning May 25, with a stop in Barbados. The new route marks the first direct air link between the two countries in recent years.
Antigua Honours Newest Centenarian Ruth Henry with Ceremony and $10,000 Grant
Antigua and Barbuda marked the 100th birthday of educator and community figure Mrs. Ruth Henrietta Georgiana Henry on Wednesday, with a government-organised ceremony that included the presentation of an EC$10,000 grant under a new initiative recognising the nation's centenarians.
Air Peace to Launch Twice-Monthly Antigua–Nigeria Flights Starting May 25
Nigerian carrier Air Peace will launch twice-monthly flights between Antigua and Barbuda and Lagos, Nigeria, beginning May 25, with a stopover in Barbados. The route marks a significant new air link between the Caribbean and West Africa.
PM Browne Heads to New York for Climate, Energy and Justice Talks
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has departed for New York City to participate in high-level climate, energy and justice discussions as part of the Global Citizen NOW initiative. The engagements include panel appearances and key bilateral meetings aimed at advancing Antigua and Barbuda's international agenda ahead of CHOGM 2026.
Antigua and Barbuda Seeks Access to $250M Climate Loss and Damage Fund
Antigua and Barbuda joined Caribbean nations in Bridgetown for a two-day training workshop on accessing the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which has launched an initial $250 million grant financing window. Representatives focused on preparing the country to submit competitive funding proposals ahead of the June 15, 2026 deadline.
Fernandez Urges Aggressive Push to Sustain Antigua and Barbuda's Tourism Boom
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has called for an aggressive push to build on record-breaking visitor arrivals in 2026, stressing a focus on sustainable growth and the quality of the visitor experience. His remarks came during activities surrounding the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, which Antigua and Barbuda is hosting for a second consecutive year.
Antigua and Barbuda Posts 7% Visitor Surge in Best-Ever Tourism Quarter
Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 110,832 visitors in the first quarter of 2026, a 7 percent increase that tourism officials are calling one of the strongest starts in the country's history. March alone posted the highest monthly arrival total ever recorded.
Antigua and Barbuda Posts Strongest-Ever First Quarter Tourism Arrivals
Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 110,832 visitors in the first quarter of 2026, a 7 percent increase that tourism officials are calling one of the strongest openings in the country's history. March recorded the highest monthly visitor total ever, as the sector eyes further growth through cruise expansion and luxury development.
Opinion: Should Antigua Accept US-Deported Third Country Nationals?
Opinion writer Franchesca Sterling raises serious legal, public health, and human rights concerns about Antigua and Barbuda potentially accepting third country nationals deported from the United States, questioning the arrangement's compliance with local immigration law and the principle of non-refoulement.
Veteran Footballer Georgetta Lewis-Buchanan Eyes ABFA First Vice President Role
Georgetta Lewis-Buchanan, a national footballer and coach with over two decades of experience, has announced her bid for First Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association. Her campaign highlights an extensive career spanning international competition, coaching honours, and football administration.
Building Materials to Be Distributed to Barbuda Residents in Need
ABLP caretaker for Barbuda Kendra Beazer has announced that building materials are being prepared for distribution to vulnerable residents on the sister island. No timeline or beneficiary numbers were provided.
Opinion: Uncoordinated Disaster Donations Can Slow Relief Efforts, Experts Warn
Disaster relief experts from CDEMA and IOM warn that uncoordinated donations following major Caribbean disasters can overwhelm logistics systems and delay life-saving aid, with up to 60 percent of unsolicited goods going unused. The opinion piece calls for more responsible, needs-based donation practices.
Massive Fire Destroys Two-Storey Wehner Road Building; Explosions Reported
A massive fire destroyed a two-storey commercial building on Wehner Road on Wednesday afternoon, triggering multiple explosions and drawing five fire tenders to the scene. All occupants escaped safely, though firefighters faced water access challenges linked to an earlier island-wide power outage.
Fire Destroys Wehner Road Building; Investigators Probe Possible Generator Link
A major fire destroyed a two-storey building on Wehner Road on Wednesday afternoon, gutting a hardware store and restaurant while all occupants escaped safely. Fire officials have launched an investigation, with residents reporting the blaze may be linked to a generator failure following an island-wide power outage.
Joel Rayne Sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in Finance Ministry
Senator Joel Rayne has been sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships. The ceremony also marked the completion of the government's Senate appointments, with Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters officially joining the Upper House.
APUA Restores Power Island-Wide After Feeder Fault Triggers System Collapse
APUA says crews are restoring electricity across Antigua following an island-wide outage caused by a fault on the Cassada #2 Feeder near a substation. The utility authority estimates full restoration within approximately one and a half to two hours.
Power Restored Island-Wide After Cassada Gardens Substation Fault
APUA has restored electricity to all areas affected by Wednesday's island-wide blackout, which was caused by a suspected fault in the 11kV switchgear at the Cassada Gardens Substation. The outage disrupted numerous communities and impacted critical facilities including V.C. Bird International Airport and Holberton Hospital.
Joel Rayne Elevated to Parliamentary Secretary; Tiffany Strann-Peters Appointed to Senate
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has appointed Tiffany Strann-Peters to the Senate and elevated Senator Joel Rayne to Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, with both appointments taking effect from 14 May 2026. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at Government House.
Strann-Peters Named to Senate as Rayne Elevated to Parliamentary Secretary
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has appointed Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters to the Senate and elevated Senator Joel Anderson Rayne to Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, with both appointments taking effect 14 May 2026. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at Government House on Thursday.