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Caribbean Nations Deserve Stronger Voice in Global Climate Talks, Says Antiguan Minister
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and Environment Michael Joseph has called for greater representation of Small Island Developing States in global climate talks, arguing that Caribbean nations bear a disproportionate burden of climate change despite contributing negligibly to global emissions. Joseph made the appeal following his participation in the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026.
ECAB Warns Customers: Visa and Mastercard Cards No Longer Accepted in Cuba
ECAB has advised customers that Visa and Mastercard cards can no longer be used in Cuba following a U.S. Executive Order issued on May 1, 2026, which led to the suspension of credit card processing operations in the country. Customers travelling to Cuba are urged to arrange alternative payment methods.
Tropical Storm Arthur Causes Up to $6 Billion in Damage, AccuWeather Estimates
Tropical Storm Arthur has caused an estimated $4 to $6 billion in total damage and economic loss after dumping more than 20 inches of rain across the Gulf Coast, according to preliminary figures from AccuWeather. At least two fatalities and hundreds of flooded homes have been reported, with damage assessments still ongoing.
Dominica Launches Caribbean's First Digital Platform for Sickle Cell Patients
Dominica has launched SickleConnect, the Caribbean's first dedicated digital health platform for sickle cell patients, offering AI-powered clinical reporting, medication tracking, and emergency alerts. The free platform was developed by the Sickle Cell Cares Foundation and went live on World Sickle Cell Day.
OAS Official Calls for Renewed Development Commitment Ahead of Panama Assembly
OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development Ambassador Isabelle Valois is calling for renewed multilateral commitment to the Americas' unfinished development agenda ahead of the 56th OAS General Assembly in Panama City from June 22 to 24. Writing in an opinion piece reported by Antigua.news, Valois highlights critical gaps — including 160 million people without safe drinking water and nearly 10 million children out of school — while pointing to concrete OAS initiatives delivering results across the hemisphere.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches Seed Bank and Sweet Potato Projects to Boost Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda is advancing two major agricultural initiatives — a Mobile Seed Bank Project and a regional Sweet Potato Production Programme — aimed at bolstering food security, disaster preparedness and climate resilience. The projects, developed in partnership with IICA and CARDI, were presented to Cabinet by the Minister for Agriculture.
Antigua and Barbuda Parliament Passes Tough New Cybercrime Penalties
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has passed cybercrime legislation imposing fines of up to EC$1 million on individuals or companies that refuse to provide electronic data to law enforcement. The Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill also targets local managers of companies that cite overseas headquarters as justification for non-compliance.
Antigua Endures Six Months of Drought as Rainfall Hits Near-Record Lows
Antigua has endured six straight months of below-normal rainfall, with May ranking as the third-driest since records began in 1928, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service. The prolonged drought has heightened concerns about the island's water resources as officials work to expand water production capacity.
Letter: Tackling Mental Health Stigma in Antigua's Workplaces and Communities
A community member has written to Antigua News Room calling for an end to mental health stigma in workplaces and society, urging greater empathy and noting interest in the country's proposed mental health legislation.
PSG Star Hakimi to Face Rape Trial in France, Appeals Court Rules
A French appeals court has confirmed that PSG defender and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape, as reported by Antigua News Room. Hakimi, 27, denies the allegations and says he welcomes the trial as a chance to speak publicly in his defence.
Antigua and Barbuda Demands Greater Climate Justice Voice at Berlin Forum
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and Environment, Michael Joseph, is calling for greater representation for climate-vulnerable nations at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, warning that Small Island Developing States bear a disproportionate burden of the climate crisis despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Two Armed Robbery Suspects at Large After Worker Shot on All Saints Road
Two suspects remain at large after an armed robbery at a construction site on All Saints Road ended with a worker being shot in the lower abdomen on June 12. Police are actively investigating the incident.
Public Sector Workers Still Waiting on COVID-19 Back Pay Six Months After Deadline
A public sector employee is calling on the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to explain why COVID-19 salary compensation payments, expected to begin in January 2026, have still not been received by numerous eligible claimants six months later.
Antigua Records Third-Driest May Since 1928 as Drought Conditions Intensify
Antigua recorded its third-driest May since 1928, with island-wide rainfall averaging just 17.5 millimetres, as the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service reports intensifying drought conditions across both Antigua and Barbuda.
Government Threatens Prosecution Over Bus Stop Vandalism as Infrastructure Upgrades Planned
The Antiguan government has warned that individuals who vandalize bus stops and other public infrastructure could face prosecution and be ordered to pay for damages. The warning came as Cabinet announced plans to upgrade bus stops and road signage across the country.
Antigua and Barbuda Eyes July Launch for Mobile Number Portability
The Antiguan government is targeting July for the launch of mobile number portability, which will allow customers to switch between Flow, Digicel and APUA Inet while keeping their existing phone numbers. The move, years in the making, is expected to boost consumer choice and intensify competition in the local telecommunications sector.
Women's Labour Force Participation Across CARICOM Ranges from 45% to 71%
New 2025 data shows female labour force participation across CARICOM nations ranges from 44.9% in Suriname to 70.7% in The Bahamas, highlighting stark regional disparities. The Bahamas leads the bloc with both the highest rate of women's participation and one of the smallest gender gaps in the region.
Saharan Dust Event to Push Air Quality to Moderate Levels Through Saturday
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an Air Quality Bulletin warning of a new Saharan dust surge expected to push air quality to moderate levels from Thursday through Saturday. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or heart conditions, the elderly, and children, are advised to take precautions and limit prolonged outdoor activity.
Antigua Targets 200,000 Black Pineapple Plants in Industry Revival Push
The government has unveiled plans to propagate at least 200,000 Antigua Black Pineapple plants at the Cades Bay Agricultural Station, with a fresh shipment of 15,000 tissue-cultured plants expected to arrive within days. The initiative is part of a broader Ministry of Agriculture programme to revive the iconic fruit's production and restore its traditional size and yield.
Cabinet Approves Free UWI Tuition, Eyes Windfall Tax Expansion to Fund Education
Cabinet has approved free undergraduate tuition at the UWI Five Islands Campus and a 50 percent subsidy for law students, while opening discussions on expanding the Windfall Tax to all businesses earning annual profits of EC$1 million or more to help fund the initiative.