Local News
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Independent Candidates Join Full Slate for Antigua and Barbuda's April 30 General Election
Nominations have closed for Antigua and Barbuda's April 30 general election, with three independent candidates joining a full slate dominated by contests between the ABLP and UPP across the nation's constituencies.
ABLP Accuses UPP of Circulating Forged Letter Ahead of Elections
The ABLP has accused the UPP of fabricating and circulating a forged letter attributed to Senator Shenella Govia via WhatsApp and the opposition-linked "Real News" Facebook page. The ruling party is urging the public to be vigilant against what it calls a misinformation campaign ahead of elections.
Antigua Motors GM Pushes Back on Duty-Free Claims, Demands Equal Tax Treatment
Antigua Motors General Manager Paul "Pablo" Ryan has refuted suggestions that car dealers are seeking the removal of all vehicle taxes, calling instead for a uniform and equitable tax system that applies equally to all buyers. Ryan outlined concerns over inconsistent duty concessions that he says distort vehicle pricing and valuations across the market.
ABLP's Beazer Pledges Heritage, Youth, and Community Focus in Barbuda Campaign
Kendra Beazer, the ABLP's candidate for Barbuda, has pledged a campaign focused on heritage preservation, youth empowerment, and improved services for seniors ahead of the April 30 general election. The newly nominated candidate called for collective leadership and community spirit to guide the island's development.
Court Finds Driver Liable in Death of Lashauna Bridgen; Body to Be Repatriated After Four Years
The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has found Diondre Samuel civilly liable for the 2022 death of Jamaican national Lashauna Bridgen on Friar's Hill Road, clearing the way for her body to be repatriated to Jamaica on April 14, 2026, after four years in storage. The civil ruling follows Samuel's acquittal on criminal charges in June 2025, with damages yet to be assessed.
PM Browne Accuses Car Dealers of Driving UPP's Vehicle Tax Removal Pledge
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has alleged that car dealers, not public interest, are behind the UPP's campaign promise to eliminate vehicle import duties, claiming the proposal is tied to efforts to secure business financing ahead of the April 30 general election.
UPP Launches 'Ignite' Election Campaign with Prayer, Five-Point Platform Ahead of April 30 Vote
The United Progressive Party launched its 'Ignite' election campaign Sunday night in St. John's Rural West, presenting candidates for prayer before three pastors and unveiling a five-pillar policy platform as the party prepares to challenge the ruling ABLP at the April 30 polls.
UPP's Pringle Pledges Basket of Goods Review and Year-Round Barrel Concession
UPP leader Jamale Pringle has promised to review the basket of goods exempt from ABST and extend the barrel concession from a seasonal measure to a year-round benefit if his party wins the April 30 general election.
PM Browne Dismisses UPP Vehicle Duty Promise, Tells Pringle to 'Spare Us the Dunceness'
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has fired back at Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle's promise to eliminate vehicle import duties, calling the pledge misleading and urging Pringle to 'spare us the dunceness.' Browne made the remarks on the sidelines of his nomination ahead of the April 30 general election.
Belgian Court Recommends Extradition of Fugitive Diamond Tycoon Mehul Choksi to India
Belgium's Antwerp Court of Appeal has recommended the extradition of fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi to India on six of seven charges tied to an alleged ₹13,000 crore banking fraud. The final decision now lies with Belgium's Interior Ministry, expected to rule within weeks.
Simon Touts Service Record in Bid to Retain St. Mary's South for UPP
Sitting UPP MP Kelvin 'Shugy' Simon says his record of service and strong community ties will carry him to victory in St. Mary's South when Antiguans head to the polls on April 30. Simon will face a rematch against ABLP candidate Dwayne George, whom he defeated in a 2023 by-election.
Antigua and Barbuda Lags Behind Regional Peers in Internet Usage, ITU Data Shows
Antigua and Barbuda's internet usage rate of 72.7% places it below the global average and behind several lower-income regional peers, according to 2024 data from the International Telecommunication Union. Across CARICOM, usage ranges from 92.5% in The Bahamas to 47.9% in Haiti.
UPP's Joseph Declares St. Mary's North 'Coming Home' Ahead of April 30 Vote
UPP candidate Senator Johnathan Joseph says St. Mary's North is ready to return to the opposition, citing three years of grassroots work ahead of the April 30 general election. He will face ABLP candidate Dr. Philmore Benjamin, who was chosen to replace the retired Sir Molwyn Joseph.
Letter: St. John's City Is Past Its Prime — and Past Saving
A letter published by Antigua News Room argues that St. John's City has fallen into irreversible decline, citing broken pavements, poor accessibility, deteriorating buildings, and inadequate infrastructure as evidence that the capital is no longer fit for purpose.
Antiguan and Barbudan Craftspeople Begin King's Foundation Heritage Training in UK
The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London has hosted a welcome reception for the first cohort of nationals taking part in The King's Foundation Building Craft Programme, a partnership designed to build local expertise in heritage restoration and sustainable construction techniques.
UPP Completes Candidate Nominations Ahead of Upcoming Election
The United Progressive Party has completed its candidate nominations, with Jamale Pringle, Harold Lovell, George Wehner, and Kelton Dalso among those officially entered into the race.
ABLP Completes Full Slate of Candidate Nominations as Election Season Heats Up
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has secured nominations for its full slate of candidates on Nomination Day, as reported by Antigua.news. The nominees include Prime Minister Gaston Browne and a broad roster of candidates spanning the country's constituencies.
Pringle Pledges Year-Round Barrel Concessions and Tax Relief in Cost-of-Living Plan
UPP leader Jamale Pringle has pledged to expand barrel concessions and introduce a suite of tax relief measures, including removing duties on water storage equipment and personal vehicles, as part of the party's cost-of-living platform ahead of the April 30 general election.
Pringle Nominated to Defend UPP Seat in All Saints East & St Luke
UPP Leader Jamal Pringle has been officially nominated to contest the All Saints East and St Luke constituency, expressing confidence in retaining what he described as a party stronghold. He will face ABLP candidate Lamin Newton in an anticipated competitive race.
PM Browne Nominated as ABLP Candidate for St John's City West
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been nominated as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party candidate for St John's City West, appearing alongside supporters after the announcement.