Local News
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Cabinet Clears Live Coverage for Antigua Carnival 2026, Rejects Broadcast Delay
Antigua's Cabinet has rejected a proposal that would have imposed a mandatory 24-hour delay on Carnival broadcasts, directing that all official Antigua Carnival 2026 events be available for live coverage by accredited media. The decision aims to maximise the festival's global reach and keep diaspora audiences connected in real time.
CXC Overhauls SBA Framework to Counter AI Threat to Exam Integrity
The Caribbean Examinations Council has announced a major overhaul of its School-Based Assessment programme, phasing out traditional SBAs in theory-based subjects and replacing them with a new examination-condition assessment in response to the growing use of generative AI. Changes will begin rolling out in the 2027 academic year across both CSEC and CAPE programmes.
AG Benjamin Pledges Better Insurance and Welfare Benefits for Police Officers
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has pledged improved insurance coverage and welfare benefits for police officers and their families, making the announcement at the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda's 50th recruit graduation ceremony. Benjamin said the government is reviewing measures to better protect officers injured or killed in the line of duty.
National CCTV Network Set for Completion by End of August
Antigua and Barbuda's national CCTV surveillance network is on track for completion by the final week of August, with 42 strategic locations identified for high-definition cameras. The system will be integrated into the Royal Police Force's infrastructure to support crime prevention, traffic management, and emergency response.
NHC Monitors Atlantic Tropical Wave Posing No Threat to Antigua and Barbuda
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical wave southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands, but forecasters say the system carries only a 10 percent chance of development and poses no threat to Antigua and Barbuda.
Government to Redistribute 682 Acres to Farmers in Food Security Push
The Ministry of Agriculture has identified 682 acres of abandoned and underutilised land for redistribution to farmers, with the first phase allocating plots to 50 vetted individuals under probationary agreements. The initiative is part of the government's strategy to boost local food production and reduce food imports.
Minister Benjamin Pledges Budget Consideration for New Police Academy
Minister of Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin has indicated that construction of a new police academy will be considered in this year's budget discussions, responding to a direct appeal from the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy commandant for a modern training facility. No timeline or funding figure has yet been announced.
International Consortium Pitches US$100M Horse Racing Industry to Antigua Cabinet
An international consortium has presented Cabinet with a US$100 million proposal to develop a horse racing and equine industry in Antigua and Barbuda, with Phase One estimated at US$25 million. Cabinet welcomed the proposal but agreed further reviews are needed before any decision is made.
Valedictorian Calls on New Police Recruits to Lead With Integrity and Compassion
Special Constable Dante Browne, valedictorian of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda's 50th Recruit Training Course, urged 43 fellow graduates to lead their careers with integrity and compassion, reminding them their badges symbolise public trust rather than authority. The recruits completed a six-month programme at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy.
Cabinet Approves EC$15M Livestock Complex to Boost Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a EC$15 million Veterinary and Livestock Development Complex at Betty's Hope, featuring an abattoir and poultry processing facility aimed at strengthening national food security and reducing dependence on imported meat.
Royal Police Force Graduates 43 Officers in Historic 50th Recruit Training Course
Forty-three new officers have been welcomed into the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda following the completion of the historic 50th Recruit Training Course, achieving an overall pass rate of 95.6 percent. Police Academy Commandant Superintendent Rodney Ellis marked the occasion as a landmark in the force's history, urging graduates to be remembered for their integrity and service rather than their examination results.
Police Academy Chief Urges Government to Build Modern Training Facility
Police Academy Commandant Superintendent Rodney Ellis has called on the government to build a modern training facility, warning that the current academy is ill-equipped to prepare officers for increasingly sophisticated crime. The appeal came during the graduation of the academy's historic 50th recruit training course, which saw 43 recruits complete the programme with a 95.6 percent pass rate.
Police Commissioner Jeffers Apologises for Force's Shortcomings, Vows Accountability
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has publicly apologised to members of the public let down by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, pledging greater accountability and professionalism. His remarks came during the graduation ceremony for the 50th Recruit Training Course at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy.
Commissioner Jeffers Urges Newly Graduated Officers to Put Public Service First
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers addressed 43 newly graduated officers at the 50th Recruit Training Course ceremony, urging them to place public service at the core of their careers and warning that unprofessionalism will not be tolerated in the force.
Health Minister Moves to Strengthen Data Systems for Better Healthcare Planning
Health Minister Michael Joseph has met with the Ministry's Health Information Division to advance efforts to modernise health data systems and improve evidence-based decision-making in Antigua and Barbuda's healthcare sector.
Over 800 Canadian Wildfires Spread Hazardous Smoke Into US as World Cup Concerns Mount
More than 850 wildfires burning across Canada have driven air quality to hazardous levels in parts of the northern United States, with smoke threatening to reach New Jersey ahead of Sunday's World Cup final. Hundreds of First Nations community members have been forced to evacuate, and rail operations in northern Ontario have been suspended following a dramatic rescue of trapped workers.
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Spends US$90,000 on Laundry System Overhaul
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has invested approximately US$90,000 in new professional laundry equipment, including a barrier washer and industrial ironer, as part of a government-funded EC$1.8 million operational improvement programme. The upgrade is designed to strengthen infection control and improve the efficiency of the hospital's linen services.
Tian Winter Steps Up to Lead Team Antigua at FACE OFF After Sir Oungku's Health Setback
Soca artist Tian Winter will replace Sir Oungku at the FACE OFF competition following the veteran performer's health setback, vowing to lead Team Antigua against Dominica's Triple K. Winter says he will be joined by several of Antigua's top musical acts in a performance dedicated to Sir Oungku.
Antigua and Barbuda Makes CXC Exam Fee Support a Permanent National Policy
The Antigua and Barbuda government has made its CXC examination fee support programme permanent policy, ensuring eligible students can sit CCSLC, CSEC and CAPE examinations at no personal cost. Cabinet approved the measure following a successful rollout in the last academic year.
Cabinet Rejects 24-Hour Delay Proposal, Keeps Carnival 2026 Events Live
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has unanimously rejected a proposal to impose a 24-hour delay on Carnival broadcasts, affirming that all official Carnival 2026 events will continue to be streamed and broadcast live. Festivals Minister Dwayne George was among those who strongly opposed the restriction, citing concerns over public access and international promotion.