Local News
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Minority Leader Withholds Support for Festivals Commission Bill, Demands Broader Consultation
Senate Minority Leader David Massiah has refused to support the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026, citing inadequate consultation and insufficient time for senators to review the legislation. While backing the concept of a formal festivals authority, Massiah is calling on the government to pursue a more inclusive process before moving the bill forward.
Antigua and Barbuda Records Nearly 14,000 Cruise Visitors in a Single Day
Antigua and Barbuda recorded more than 13,900 cruise passengers and crew arriving in a single day at the close of March, with four vessels docking across St. John's and Falmouth Harbours. The milestone underscores the continued strength of the country's cruise tourism sector.
Norway-Funded Recycling Pilot Launches in Fitches Creek Bay to Tackle Household Waste
The Fitches Creek Residents Association has launched a household waste sorting pilot in Fitches Creek Bay, receiving sorting bins through the Norway-funded ReMLit Project to promote recycling and protect a key wetland biodiversity area. The initiative, years in the making, is implemented locally by the National Solid Waste Management Authority and the Department of Environment.
US Appeals Court Rejects Bid to Obtain Financial Records Tied to Alfa Nero Case
A US appeals court has upheld the quashing of subpoenas sought by Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov for financial records linked to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, ruling her application too speculative to meet the legal threshold required under US law. The decision marks a significant procedural win for Browne and other parties named in the Alfa Nero-related case.
Senate Majority Leader Outlines Powers and Structure of New Festivals Commission Bill
Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia has outlined the structure and powers of the proposed Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, a new statutory body that would oversee the management and financing of national festivals including Carnival. The bill establishes a 13-member Cabinet-appointed board, a dedicated Festivals Commission Fund, and wide-ranging operational and licensing powers.
Champion Bodybuilder Melissa Seaforth Inspires ABAA Athletes Ahead of CARIFTA Games
Champion bodybuilder and back-to-back Sportswoman of the Year Melissa Seaforth addressed Antigua and Barbuda's CARIFTA Games team in a motivational session hosted by the ABAA. She shared practical advice on preparation, mental focus, and performing under pressure ahead of regional competition.
Letter: Seasonal Gifts or Genuine Governance? A Call for Accountability from Every Candidate
A public letter published by Antigua News Room is calling on citizens to distinguish between genuine community service and election-driven gift-giving, while urging candidates ahead of the 2026 general election to sign a formal accountability pledge. The writer, identifying as "The Mirror Holder," criticises both sides of the political divide for failing to uphold electoral law and demands a citizen-led social contract to hold representatives accountable.
Government Launches Island-Wide Road Rehabilitation Drive
The government has launched a nationwide road rehabilitation programme targeting communities including Seaton's Hill, Fry's Hill, Bendals, and Glanvilles, with round-the-clock crews deployed to address long-standing infrastructure concerns. Works on the heavily criticised All Saints Road are also expected to begin shortly.
Government Launches Round-the-Clock Road Repair Campaign Across Antigua and Barbuda
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a major round-the-clock road repair campaign, responding to years of public concern over crumbling infrastructure.
Parham Residents Demand Action Over Alleged Illegal Dumping in Crabbs Mangroves
Parham residents are demanding urgent government intervention after trucks allegedly linked to Jumby Bay contractors were seen dumping seaweed and construction waste onto the sensitive mangrove areas at Crabbs. As reported by Antigua.news, community members warn the dumping poses a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem and nearby fishing grounds.
Antigua Carnival 2026 Event Launch Postponed, New Date Pending
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has postponed the Antigua Carnival 2026 Event Launch, originally set for April 11th at the Rising Sun Grounds, citing scheduling conflicts. A new date will be announced shortly.
Antigua and Barbuda Posts Record Tourism Arrivals Across All Sectors in January 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has posted its best-ever January tourism results, with record arrivals recorded across the cruise, air, and yachting sectors. Cruise passengers topped 197,000 while air arrivals reached a new high of 36,052 visitors.
Festival Commission Bill Passes Senate Amid Accountability Dispute
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026 passed the Senate on Tuesday, with Deputy Commission Chairman Senator Michael Freeland defending the board's record amid unresolved allegations of financial misconduct and calls from the opposition for greater stakeholder consultation.
Appeals Court Ruling a Vindication for PM Browne, Says Senior Counsel Astaphan
Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan says a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling upholding the rejection of a bid to access Prime Minister Gaston Browne's financial records is a major legal and reputational victory for both the Prime Minister and Antigua and Barbuda. The court also quashed related subpoenas and ordered the destruction of all previously obtained documents.
Senator Shoul Defends Stage Purchase, Says Antigua Must 'Go Big or Go Home'
Senator Phillip Shoul defended the government's purchase of a new stage during Tuesday's Senate debate on the Festivals Commission Bill 2026, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda must invest boldly in its entertainment infrastructure to remain competitive. Shoul also criticised the opposition for opposing the bill without proposing alternatives.
CARICHAM Strengthens Regional Resilience with UNDRR Workshop and Strategic Retreat
CARICHAM has concluded a series of high-level meetings in Barbados, held in partnership with UNDRR, focused on disaster risk reduction and private sector resilience. Key outcomes include the establishment of dedicated committees to drive the network's strategic agenda for 2026–2027.
CIBC Caribbean Elevates Two Antiguan Leaders in Regional Management Shake-Up
CIBC Caribbean has appointed Ladesa James-Williams as Senior Director of its Country Management Office and Priscilla Leonce as the new Head of Country for Antigua, in a move the bank says strengthens its regional leadership structure.
U.S. Appeals Court Affirms Ruling in Alfa Nero Case, Deals Blow to Russian Claimant
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has affirmed a lower court ruling dismissing an appeal by Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov in a case tied to the Alfa Nero superyacht dispute, dealing a significant legal blow to the claimant and bolstering the position of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and associated respondents.
US Appeals Court Upholds Rejection of Guryeva Discovery Bid Against PM Browne
A US Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court ruling blocking Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov from accessing financial records linked to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, finding her discovery request too speculative under US law.
St. Philip's North MP Donates Medical Supplies to Glanvilles Polyclinic
St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore has donated medical supplies — including wheelchairs, walkers, gauze pads, and bedding — to the Glanvilles Polyclinic to support patient care and frontline staff. Baltimore described the contribution as part of his ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services in the constituency.