Local News
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PM Browne Announces Indefinite Suspension of Import Tariff on Basic Goods
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced an indefinite extension of the suspension of the Common External Tariff on selected basic goods, a measure that has delivered roughly a 40 percent reduction on the price of certain essential items. The Prime Minister stated the policy will continue regardless of CARICOM's position, citing the welfare of Antiguan and Barbudan households as the administration's top priority.
Robbery Reported in Lower Gambles; Public Asked to Help Identify Suspect
A robbery was reported in Lower Gambles at approximately 4:24 a.m. today. CCTV footage of the suspect has been shared, and the public is being asked to help identify the individual.
Opinion: UPP's Final Rally Location Signals Weakness, Letter Writer Argues
A letter published by Antigua News Room argues that the UPP's decision to hold its final campaign rally in its traditional stronghold of All Saints East and St. Luke signals the party is on course for electoral defeat rather than victory.
PM Browne Condemns White House Incident, Sends Solidarity Message to Trump
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to U.S. President Donald Trump expressing relief and solidarity following a reported armed incident at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. Browne strongly condemned the attack and commended law enforcement for their swift response.
Lobster and Parrotfish Closed Seasons Begin May 1, Fines Up to $50,000 for Violations
Antigua and Barbuda's Fisheries Division has announced closed seasons for Caribbean spiny lobster and parrotfish beginning May 1, with fines of up to XCD$50,000 for anyone caught fishing for, selling, or possessing the protected species during the restricted periods.
Browne Government Targets Up to 3,000 More Homes in Major Housing Expansion
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to build between 2,000 and 3,000 additional homes in the next government term, building on the more than 4,000 homes already built or subsidised by his administration. Additional labour from the Dominican Republic is expected to support the expanded construction effort.
PM Browne Defends Duty Waiver System, Open to Formalisation
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended Antigua and Barbuda's duty waiver system, insisting approvals are made without political bias and are open to all citizens. Browne said he is open to formalising the process but warned that rigid structures could limit administrative flexibility.
'Entangled Islands' Exhibit Opens at Government House, Celebrating 400 Years of Irish-Caribbean Ties
The 'Entangled Islands: Ireland and the Caribbean' exhibition opened at the newly restored Government House on Monday, marking the first exhibition held at the historic venue since its renovation. The event brought together diplomats, cultural figures, and historians to explore more than 400 years of shared history between Ireland and the Caribbean.
UPP's Bowen Pledges Corruption Investigations If Party Wins Government
UPP representative Bowen has declared that a UPP government would investigate corruption, according to Antigua News Room. The pledge appears to be a central element of the opposition party's political platform.
Funding Secured for New Community Centres in Five Islands and All Saints
Financial approval has been secured for new community centres in Five Islands Village and All Saints Village, with ABLP candidates Michael M. Joseph and Lamin Newton leading the respective projects. The facilities are expected to support youth activities, social programmes and broader community development.
Antigua and Barbuda Civil Registry to Close on Election Day, April 30
The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Registry will close at 12 noon on Election Day, Thursday, April 30, 2026, and reopen on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
Oil Price Surge Threatens to Ground Caribbean Tourism Momentum
Escalating global oil prices, fuelled by tensions with Iran, threaten to drive up airfares and living costs across the Caribbean, putting Antigua and Barbuda's record-breaking tourism momentum at risk. According to Antigua.news, the country posted historic arrival figures in January 2026, but sustained fuel price increases could erode those gains by making travel to the island more expensive.
Ireland's Ambassador Touts Small-Business Tourism Model as Blueprint for Antigua
Ireland's Ambassador John Concannon has pointed to Ireland's decades-long model of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises as a potential lesson for Antigua and Barbuda's operators, with discussions already held at the highest levels of government.
22-Year-Old Arrested After Bomb Threat Targeting Police Headquarters
A 22-year-old man from Old Parham Road was arrested early Tuesday morning in connection with a bomb threat made against Police Headquarters. CID Task Force officers took him into custody at approximately 6:15 a.m., and he is currently assisting with the investigation.
Police Arrest 22-Year-Old Man Over Bomb Threat at Police Headquarters
A 22-year-old man from Old Parham Road was arrested early Tuesday morning by CID Task Force officers in connection with a bomb threat made against Police Headquarters the previous day.
Antigua Cruise Port Pours First Pool Foundation as Retail and Parking Works Advance
Construction at the Antigua Cruise Port has reached a new milestone, with the first concrete foundation for a planned Day Club pool poured and retail fit-outs advancing. An expanded parking facility linking Lower Church Street and Newgate Street is also set to begin shortly.
UPP Candidate Malaka Parker Hosts Free Health Fair in Yorks
UPP candidate for St. John's Rural North, Malaka Parker, hosted a free weekend health fair at the Yorks Basketball Court, providing residents with access to paediatric, ophthalmological and general medical screenings. The event forms part of her broader Community Development Plan, which places healthcare access at the forefront of her platform.
PM Browne Hopes U.S. Will Drop Partial Visa Restrictions at June Review
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is hopeful that partial U.S. visa restrictions will not be renewed when they come up for review in June, citing ongoing diplomatic discussions with U.S. officials. Browne has argued the restrictions were imposed on a false premise regarding the country's citizenship-by-investment programme.
St. Peter Leads Voter ID Drive as National Replacements Surpass 32,000
Voter ID card replacements in Antigua and Barbuda have surpassed 32,000, with St. Peter leading all constituencies at 93 per cent completion ahead of the April 30 general election. Activity has surged in recent days, though several St. John's constituencies continue to lag behind.
SLBMC Launches Year-Long 'Project Bloom' Campaign to Boost Early Prenatal Care
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has launched Project Bloom, a year-long public education campaign aimed at encouraging expectant mothers across Antigua and Barbuda to seek prenatal care earlier in their pregnancies. The initiative combines social media outreach, public service announcements, and community engagement to address medical, emotional, and financial barriers to early maternal healthcare.