Local News
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Pringle: Antigua Lacks Legal Framework to Handle Third-Country Deportees
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle is warning that Antigua and Barbuda lacks the legal framework and institutional capacity to manage third-country deportees under a proposed arrangement with the United States. Speaking at a UPP town hall, Pringle said the government's own White Paper acknowledges critical gaps in legislation and public service capacity.
Sir VC Bird and Dame Eugenia Charles to Feature on New EC $20 Banknote
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has unveiled redesigned banknotes replacing the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II with national heroes from across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda's Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. and Dame Mary Eugenia Charles on the new $20 note. The historic redesign follows public consultations held across the ECCU in 2023.
Rotaract District 7030 Conference Returns to Antigua After Two Decades
The Rotaract Club of Antigua hosted the 2026 Rotaract District 7030 Conference, bringing together nearly 200 young leaders from 15 Caribbean territories for the first time in over 20 years. The four-day event, themed "Linked in Wadadli," featured leadership development sessions, community service initiatives, and cultural celebrations.
PM Browne Pushes for Shared OECS ICT Network to Cut Broadband Costs
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for a shared OECS ICT network underpinned by subsea fibre-optic cables, with discussions reportedly underway with the European Union to make broadband services more affordable across the Eastern Caribbean.
Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy Kicks Off with Regional Prize for Top Student
Fourteen secondary school students have begun the 2026 Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy, a six-week culinary training programme. This year's top student will earn a trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands to participate in a regional junior chef programme.
Rotaract Club of Antigua Installs First Peace Pole, Launches Menstrual Health Initiative
The Rotaract Club of Antigua has unveiled the country's first Peace Pole at Mount St. John's Medical Centre and launched Supporting Her Flow Collective, a regional menstrual health initiative, as lasting outcomes of the Rotaract District 7030 Conference hosted in Antigua. Both projects emerged from the conference's community service programme and are set to extend their impact across Antigua and Barbuda.
Cost Pro Supermarket Shuts Down Permanently, All Staff Made Redundant
Cost Pro Supermarket has permanently closed its Woods Mall location, terminating all employees due to redundancy effective July 9. Staff are to receive final payment statements, including any severance owed under Antiguan labour law, by July 17.
Cost Pro Supermarket Shuts Down Permanently, Dozens of Workers Left in Limbo
Cost Pro Supermarket abruptly shut its doors permanently on Thursday evening, sending dozens of employees home with a termination letter and no firm commitment on wages or severance. Union representatives are now meeting with staff, and Labour Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin has been informed.
SLBMC Launches Investigation After Infant Death Video Spreads Online
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has confirmed it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an infant after a related video began circulating on social media. The hospital has extended condolences to the family while declining to release clinical details pending the outcome of the review.
Advocates Push for Junk Food Marketing Restrictions Around Antigua Schools
Youth advocates with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition are urging Antigua and Barbuda to regulate junk food marketing around schools, arguing it warrants the same legislative scrutiny applied to tobacco and alcohol. The country is reportedly developing school nutrition policies similar to those already implemented in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.
PAHO Warns of Ongoing Health Crisis Two Weeks After Venezuela Earthquakes
Two weeks after earthquakes killed more than 3,800 people in Venezuela, PAHO says the health response is entering a recovery phase but warns that urgent needs — including mental health, sanitation and continuity of care — remain critical. The organization has launched a US$24 million emergency appeal to sustain support through the end of the year.
Genevieve Smith Foundation Honours Four Potters Primary Graduates in 'Teacher Gen's' Name
The Genevieve Smith Foundation awarded four Potters Primary School graduates with EC$500 scholarships each during the school's July 8th graduation ceremony, marking the first such presentation since the passing of founder Genevieve "Teacher Gen" Smith in December 2025. The Foundation, now in its third year of awards, reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward Teacher Gen's lifelong dedication to education and youth empowerment.
High Court Dismisses Murder Charges Against Jahciba Shoy After No-Case Submission
A High Court judge has dismissed murder, manslaughter, and aggravated robbery charges against Jahciba Shoy after accepting a no-case submission, finding the prosecution's evidence insufficient to support a conviction. The charges arose from the 2023 fatal shooting of Syrian national Roudi Shmaly at the Pick 'n Mix Mart on Desouza Road.
Parker Stars as Female Flyers Win; Strictly Business Edge Out 3Js in ABSCA Softball Cricket
Terez Parker's unbeaten 44 guided Female Flyers to a seven-wicket win over Survivors, while Strictly Business edged out Buckleys 3Js by two wickets in the ABSCA 20 Overs Competition on Wednesday.
UK School Returns for Third Straight Sports Tourism Netball Exchange
The Nottingham Girls' Day School from the UK has returned to Antigua and Barbuda for a third consecutive year, with two under-17 netball teams set to compete in exhibition matches and cultural activities from July 9th to 17th.
Officials Appeal for Public Cooperation as Exercise Stronghold Day 2 Begins
Security forces and stakeholders have launched Day 2 of Exercise Stronghold, a pre-CHOGM readiness drill involving a 'hard-lockdown' of Antigua's Red Zone. Officials, including Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene, are urging public patience and cooperation as temporary traffic and access restrictions take effect.
Government Commits Nearly US$50,000 for Injured Police Officer's Treatment Abroad
The Antiguan government has approved nearly US$50,000 to fly injured Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin to Trinidad and Tobago by air ambulance for specialised treatment aimed at saving one of his legs following a serious traffic accident. The funding, confirmed by Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, includes US$40,000 from the Medical Benefits Scheme and US$8,104 for air ambulance costs.
Government Approves US$50,000 for Injured Police Officer's Medical Care
The Antiguan government has approved roughly US$50,000 to cover medical treatment and airlift costs for Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin, who is fighting to save an injured leg following a traffic crash. According to Antigua News Room, the officer is set to be transported to Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, July 10.
Nine Antiguan Bakers Nominated for 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards in Sint Maarten
Nine Antiguan and Barbudan bakers and pastry professionals have been nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards, to be held during a three-day festival weekend in Sint Maarten. The annual event celebrates baking excellence, youth development, and culinary tourism across the Caribbean.
PM Browne Hails Antigua and Barbuda's First-Ever UN Secretary-General Nomination
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has celebrated Antigua and Barbuda's historic first-ever nomination of a candidate for UN Secretary-General, endorsing H.E. María Fernanda Espinosa for the role following the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia.