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CXC to Phase Out Traditional School-Based Assessments by 2027 Amid AI Concerns
The Caribbean Examinations Council has announced plans to phase out traditional School-Based Assessments for several CSEC and CAPE subjects from 2027, replacing them with a revised Paper 032 format in response to growing concerns about AI and academic integrity. Practical subjects such as Visual Arts and Agricultural Science will retain SBAs, while Mathematics, English, and other non-practical subjects will transition to the updated assessment model.
Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Expands for 2026 with Public Installation and Legacy Exhibition
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has announced an expanded programme for the fourth edition of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, running November 11–18, 2026, headlined by a new large-scale public art installation and a retrospective honouring the late artist Maria Ross Iztueta. Artists wishing to participate may submit applications until July 30.
Tian Winter Steps In for Ailing Sir Oungku at FACE OFF Carnival Showdown
Entertainer Tian Winter has stepped in to replace Sir Clarence "Oungku" Edwards at the FACE OFF Carnival event following the veteran performer's health concerns. Organizers confirm the show will proceed as scheduled, with Winter set to battle Dominica's Triple K International.
Antigua and Barbuda Ramps Up 2025 Census Drive With 300 Job Openings
Antigua and Barbuda's 2025 Population and Housing Census is accelerating, with the Census Department seeking to recruit 300 workers to support the nationwide exercise. Officials are urging full public participation, stressing the data will inform key national development decisions.
Sanders: Antigua Leads Caribbean on TCN Transparency While Small States Navigate U.S. Pressure
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders argues that Antigua and Barbuda's transparent handling of U.S. Third-Country National proposals — including a published White Paper and parliamentary resolution — sets a regional standard for how small states can defend their sovereignty through principled, open engagement with powerful partners.
Antigua and Barbuda Co-Hosts Global Maritime Security Symposium with United States
Antigua and Barbuda co-hosted a three-day Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John's alongside the United States, drawing representatives from 26 countries to tackle sanctions evasion and the financing of weapons programmes through maritime channels.
Prosecution to Appeal $8,000 Sentence for Entertainer Convicted of Sexual Assault
Entertainer Harrison Horsford, known as Jesse Fyah, has been fined $8,000 after being convicted of indecently assaulting a woman in 2020 — a sentence the prosecution now intends to appeal. Horsford, who was convicted on two counts before Justice Ann Marie Smith, had remained in custody since the jury's verdict in May.
Tian Winter Steps Up for FACE OFF After Sir Oungku's Health Issues Sideline Key Acts
Tian Winter has stepped up to represent Antigua at the FACE OFF concert after Sir Clarence "Oungku" Edwards' health concerns forced Burning Flames and Red Hot Flames to withdraw. Promoters confirm the show will go on, with Winter set to face Dominica's Triple K alongside other top local acts.
Oungku Withdraws from Carnival 2026 After Medical Emergency
Soca legend Sir Clarence "Oungku" Edwards has withdrawn from all Carnival 2026 performances following a medical emergency on June 30th that required hospitalisation. Doctors have advised the founding member of Burning Flames to rest for four to six weeks, prompting a wave of support from fans across the region.
Cabinet Makes CXC Exam Fee Support Permanent with Subject Caps
Cabinet has made permanent a programme covering CXC examination fees for eligible students, capping support at 10 CSEC, five CAPE and five CCSLC subjects per candidate. The policy, first introduced in the 2025–2026 academic year, applies to students at public and private secondary schools, approved home-schooling programmes and the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies.
Cabinet Approves CXC Fee Support Programme With Repayment Conditions
Cabinet has formalised the National CXC Examination Fee Support Programme, which covers examination fees for eligible secondary school students but includes repayment conditions for those who fail to complete assessments or sit their exams without a valid reason.
CCTV Expansion Across 42 Sites Set for Late August Completion
Antigua and Barbuda's government-led CCTV expansion, covering 42 new high-definition camera sites, is expected to be fully operational by late August, as reported by Antigua Observer. Officials are also exploring whether the network could eventually be used to automate traffic law enforcement.
Health Ministry Moves to Enforce Cemetery Construction Rules Nationwide
The Ministry of Health has identified multiple cases of unauthorised construction in public cemeteries and is warning that such work will be halted, dismantled and removed under the Public Health Act. Offenders face prosecution, and all cemetery works must receive prior written approval from the Chief Health Inspector.
Prosecution Appeals 'Unduly Lenient' $8,000 Sentence for Convicted Entertainer Jesse Fyah
The prosecution has appealed the $8,000 sentence imposed on entertainer Jesse Fyah — real name Harrison Horsford — following his conviction on two sexual offences, arguing the punishment is unduly lenient given each charge carries a maximum five-year prison term. As reported by Antigua News Room, a jury convicted Horsford on both counts after less than an hour of deliberation.
Jesse Fyah Sentenced to Fine and Compensation After Sexual Offence Convictions; Crown to Appeal
Antiguan entertainer Harrison "Jesse Fyah" Horsford has been sentenced to pay $5,000 in compensation to his victim and a $3,000 court fine following convictions for indecent assault and serious indecency. The Director of Public Prosecutions has announced an intention to appeal the sentence, arguing it is too lenient.
Sir Ronald Sanders Hosts Cornell University Students for Diplomacy Discussion in Washington
Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, hosted Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy students at the Washington embassy for a discussion on diplomacy, democratic governance and U.S.-Antigua relations.
Gender Affairs Directorate Launches Inaugural Financial Empowerment Fair
The Directorate of Gender Affairs hosted its inaugural Access to Finance and Empowerment Fair on July 16, bringing together more than 60 members of the public and 11 financial and insurance institutions to improve access to loans, grants and insurance products for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Joins Regional Disaster Resilience Conference in Barbados
Antigua and Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services is representing the twin-island nation at the 2nd Annual Community Resilience Regional Conference in Barbados, a three-day event focused on strengthening climate and disaster resilience across CARICOM member states.
Citizen Calls on Government to Toughen Penalties for Selling Drugs to Minors
A concerned citizen has written an open letter urging the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen penalties for individuals who sell marijuana to school-aged children and teenagers. The letter calls for a balanced approach combining tougher legal consequences with expanded prevention, counselling, and community outreach programmes.
Antigua and Barbuda, U.S. Conclude Maritime Security Symposium with 26 Nations
Antigua and Barbuda and the United States have wrapped up a three-day Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John's, uniting representatives from 26 countries to combat sanctions evasion and illicit maritime activity. The event was co-hosted by the U.S. Department of State and ADOMS.