Local News
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Ministry of Agriculture Doubles Student Intake for 2026 Summer Internship Programme
The Ministry of Agriculture is doubling its student intake for the 2026 Agriculture Internship Summer Programme, signalling a stronger push to develop the next generation of agricultural professionals in Antigua and Barbuda.
NODS Reviews Caribe Wave 2026 Drill to Strengthen Antigua's Tsunami Preparedness
Antigua and Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services is reviewing results from the Caribe Wave 2026 tsunami drill, aiming to refine emergency protocols and broaden tsunami-ready designations nationwide. NODS Public Relations Officer Midcie Francis confirmed the ongoing audit to Observer Media over the weekend.
Man Convicted of Attempted Rape and Serious Indecency After Trial
A jury has convicted Sazeek Joseph on charges of attempted rape and serious indecency, following a trial that heard how he drove a woman to a secluded dirt road and assaulted her. Joseph was 22 at the time of the offences, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Taxi Driver Faces Five Charges Following Confrontation with Police Officer
Taxi driver Denicia Martin of Bethesda has appeared in court on five charges following an alleged confrontation with a female police officer on Long Street. The incident has since escalated into a legal matter, with the case now before the courts.
CARICOM Health Chair Urges Innovation and Funding to Combat Caribbean HIV Crisis
CARICOM's COHSOD Chair, Guyanese Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, has called for greater innovation, equity, and financing to address the Caribbean's HIV crisis, as approximately 15,000 new infections are recorded annually in the region. A quarter of those new cases occur among young people aged 15 to 24.
Experts Call for Overhaul of Prenatal Screening on World Down Syndrome Day
Medical professionals in Antigua and Barbuda marked World Down Syndrome Day by calling for a sweeping overhaul of prenatal screening and pediatric support services. According to Antigua Observer, Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre was among experts highlighting critical gaps in the country's healthcare framework.
Recalled Products Slipping Into Antigua Via Online Shopping, Consumer Chief Warns
Director of Prices and Consumer Affairs Orrin Steele has warned that recalled and banned products are entering Antigua through online shopping platforms, posing a growing risk to consumers. The caution was issued during a Monday morning interview on Observer AM, as reported by Antigua Observer.
US Visa Restrictions on Antiguans and Barbudans Unlikely to Ease, Expert Warns
A Washington-based foreign policy expert warns that Antiguans and Barbudans may face a lengthy wait for relief from US visa restrictions, with the current administration showing no signs of reversing course. According to Antigua Observer, the US has been using visa access as a deliberate political tool.
Cabinet Approves Discounted Land Sales for Long-Term Occupants of State Property
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a new policy allowing long-term occupants of state-owned land to purchase their residential plots at heavily discounted rates. The initiative targets citizens who have lived on government land for over a decade.
Cabinet Approves Minimum Wage Increase and Public Sector Pay Rise
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an increase to the national minimum wage and an interim pay rise for public servants, both set to take effect on April 1st, 2026. The measures are aimed at addressing the rising cost of living across the twin-island nation.
Government Announces Two-Day ABST Holiday to Ease Back-to-School Costs
The Antiguan government has announced a two-day ABST holiday on April 10 and 11, suspending sales tax on essential items to help families manage back-to-school expenses. The Cabinet confirmed the measure as reported by Antigua Observer.
Coach's Silent Strength Fuels ABCAS Debating Team to Second Regional Title
Dr. Na-Ajele Buffonge guided her debating team to a second regional ABCAS victory, with Antigua Observer reporting that her most powerful coaching moment this year was defined not by strategy, but by what she chose to keep silent.
High Court Rejects Fishermen's Co-Op Bid to Reclaim Control Over Rival Board
A High Court judge has dismissed a bid by the Antigua and Barbuda Fishermen Co-Operative Society's 2014 board to reclaim control from a rival group, ruling the application procedurally unfair. The decision is the latest chapter in a protracted legal dispute over the society's leadership that dates back to 2017.
Friends of the Care Project to Host Forum Supporting Families Affected by Intellectual Disabilities
Friends of the Care Project, a local non-profit, is launching a community forum to support families, caregivers, and advocates navigating intellectual disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda. A representative from the organisation announced the initiative on State Media.
Urologist Warns Kidney Cancer Going Undetected as Antiguans Skip Wellness Checks
A consultant urologist is warning that kidney cancer is claiming lives in Antigua and Barbuda because residents are not getting screened until it is too late. Dr. Adrian Rhudd is urging the public to make wellness checks a priority before symptoms ever appear.
MP Simon Urges Government Action on Rural Youth Neglect in St Mary's South
St Mary's South MP Kelvin Simon is urging the government to urgently address what he calls the systematic neglect of rural youth, warning that without investment in agriculture, fishing, and vocational training, entire communities will continue to be left behind.
ABEC Chairman Reaffirms Push for Electronic Voting in Antigua and Barbuda
ABEC Chairman Ambassador Arthur Thomas has confirmed the commission remains committed to exploring and implementing electronic voting in Antigua and Barbuda, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Pollster Wickham Urges PM Browne to Call Snap Election, Citing ABLP Momentum
Prominent regional pollster Peter Wickham is advising Prime Minister Gaston Browne to call a snap general election, citing strong momentum for the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party following the election of Randy Baltimore as a new MP.
US Policy Risks Fracturing CARICOM Unity, Foreign Policy Expert Warns
A leading US foreign policy expert has warned that Washington's strategy toward the Caribbean is deliberately aimed at fracturing CARICOM unity, cautioning that island states which break from the bloc risk long-term sovereignty for short-term gains that may never materialise.
PS Accuses Festivals Commission Chair of Financial Misconduct in Letter to PM Browne
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries has written to Prime Minister Gaston Browne alleging financial misconduct, unauthorised expenditure, and contracts signed in her name without her knowledge at the Festivals Commission.