Local News
3334 articles
Thirteen GRACE Programme Graduates Celebrated at 'Serving with Dignity' Ceremony
Thirteen caregivers graduated Thursday from Antigua and Barbuda's GRACE Programme, a government initiative providing professional in-home care for elderly and disabled citizens. The ceremony at the Zion Church of God featured remarks from Senator Angelica O'Donoghue, who urged graduates to serve as champions of dignity and compassion.
US$200M Zen Resort Breaks Ground at Long Bay with AI Butlers and Underwater Chapel
The Ediacaran Group has broken ground on the US$200 million Long Bay Zen Resort in Antigua, a 113-key luxury property featuring an AI butler service and an underwater chapel, with government backing and construction set to accelerate later this year.
ABLP Hails Samantha Marshall's Appointment as Ambassador-at-Large
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has congratulated Samantha Marshall, an Attorney-at-Law and former Parliamentarian, on her appointment as Ambassador-at-Large. The party praised her years of dedicated public service and expressed confidence in her ability to represent the nation with distinction.
Antigua and Barbuda to Offer Free Corneal Surgeries in New US Partnership
Antigua and Barbuda is finalising a partnership with US-based World Eye Mission to provide free corneal replacement surgeries locally, with the programme expected to begin with five procedures. The initiative aims to reduce the need for costly overseas medical travel and expand specialist eye care services on island.
Dangerous Overtaking Manoeuvre on Airport Road Caught on Video
A driver in an orange Honda Fit RS was caught on video overtaking three vehicles using a lane designated for oncoming traffic on Airport Road, forcing a white van to swerve sharply to avoid a collision. The footage has circulated widely on social media, prompting public calls for stricter traffic law enforcement.
UWI Five Islands Campus Mourns Sudden Loss of Counsellor and Musical Director Dr. Renee Smith
Dr. Renee Smith, Campus Counsellor and Musical Director of The UWI FIC Singers, died suddenly Thursday morning at the age of 48. Her passing has prompted widespread grief across Antigua and Barbuda's educational and cultural communities.
Cabinet Approves Specialised Autism Centre to Expand Care Nationwide
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of a specialised Cognitive Behavioral Centre to provide comprehensive autism and neurodivergent care, with specialist recruitment already underway. The facility will offer services ranging from occupational therapy to neurological psychology for both children and adults.
Letter: Cannabis Charge Withdrawal Sparks Public Outcry Over Equal Justice
The withdrawal of drug trafficking charges against Canadian national Roselynee Crisostomo — allegedly found with over 67 pounds of cannabis at V.C. Bird International Airport — has prompted a public letter demanding answers from the Director of Public Prosecutions over what many see as unequal treatment under the law. As reported by Antigua.news, the charges were dropped for undisclosed medical reasons, drawing sharp criticism from citizens who argue that locals face far harsher consequences for far smaller offences.
Antigua and Barbuda Demands Fairer Climate Finance Ahead of UN Bonn Talks
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Honourable Michael Joseph has called on major emitting nations to accelerate emissions cuts and reform climate financing systems at an AOSIS forum ahead of UN talks in Bonn. The minister warned that limited implementation capacity continues to hinder the country's ability to deliver critical climate resilience projects, despite eligibility for up to US$250 million through the Green Climate Fund.
Butterfield to Acquire CIBC Caribbean in Landmark $1.8 Billion Deal
Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited has announced a definitive agreement to acquire CIBC Caribbean in a deal valued at approximately US$1.8 billion, creating a combined banking group with roughly US$29 billion in assets. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is set to become one of the most consequential banking mergers in Caribbean financial history.
Antigua Expands National Surveillance Network with 200+ Cameras to Strengthen Security
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out a phased installation of more than 200 security cameras nationwide to enhance crime prevention, support investigations, and modernise national security operations. Minister Melford Nicholas presented the update, confirming the Royal Police Force has already begun deployments at strategic locations.
Antigua Cabinet Appoints Marshall and Massiah as Ambassadors-at-Large
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has named former minister Samantha Marshall and former opposition senator Joanne Massiah as Ambassadors-at-Large, as the government reorganises its diplomatic corps to better align with national priorities.
Night Detour Set for All Saints Road as Infrastructure Works Begin Thursday
The Ministry of Works has announced a temporary nighttime traffic detour along All Saints Road from 7:00 p.m. on May 28 to 7:00 a.m. the following morning, as infrastructure works advance between the Belmont Clinic and the Bellevue Heights Service Station. Flag persons and signage will guide motorists, with local access and businesses remaining unaffected.
Choir Director and Educator Dr. Renee Smith Dead at 48
Dr. Renee Smith, celebrated director of the National Youth Choir and founder of the UWI Five Islands Singers, has died at the age of 48. Tributes are pouring in from across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region for the educator and musician.
Antigua Deepens Healthcare Ties with Mercy Ships Australia and Margo Hartley Foundation
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has held high-level talks with Mercy Ships Australia and the Margo Hartley Foundation to expand healthcare collaboration, including the donation of two shipping containers of medical supplies to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Discussions covered healthcare resilience, mental health initiatives, and strategies to combat non-communicable diseases.
Antigua and Barbuda Engages Regional Climate Technology Forum in Belize
Antigua and Barbuda's Department of Environment represented the country at the 2026 LAC National Designated Entities Forum in Belize, engaging regional governments and international financiers on climate technology and adaptation strategies. The four-day event explored tools including AI-driven forecasting, drone technologies, and nature-based solutions to support Small Island Developing States.
Caribbean Immigration and Customs Chiefs Convene in Antigua for Regional Border Security Summit
Senior immigration and customs officials from across the Commonwealth Caribbean are meeting in Antigua and Barbuda for the 29th Session of Chiefs of Immigration and Comptrollers of Customs, focusing on border security, regional cooperation, and the free movement of people. As reported by Antigua.news, the three-day summit brings together delegates to confront growing security threats and strengthen coordination among regional border agencies.
Caridocs to Host Document Processing Support Day for Jamaicans in Antigua
Immigrant support service Caridocs will host a Bulk Application Day on June 5 at the Villa Polyclinic Conference Room to assist Jamaican nationals in Antigua and Barbuda with official document processing and authentication requirements. The organisation is also warning the public to avoid fraudulent 'back door' document services.
Antiguan Woman Convicted in 1978 UK Child Death Case Awaits Sentencing
Janice Nix, 67, has been convicted at Isleworth Crown Court in London of manslaughter and child cruelty over the 1978 death of five-year-old Andrea Bernard, nearly 48 years after the case was originally treated as an accident. Sentencing is expected at a later hearing.
ECAB to Permanently Close Woods Legacy Branch on June 1
Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) will permanently close its Woods Legacy Branch on June 1, 2026, with customers directed to alternative branches and digital platforms. The bank is urging customers to complete safety deposit box transfers and collect outstanding items before May 29.