Local News
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Meteorologists Warn of Island-Wide Drought Emergency for Antigua Through November
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service is warning of escalating drought conditions, with forecasters projecting a full island-wide drought emergency by the end of November 2026. June recorded below-normal rainfall and a 14-day dry spell, with northern and eastern areas already classified as extremely dry.
Minister Nicholas Meets Huawei Executives in China to Drive Digital Transformation
Minister Melford Nicholas met with Huawei Vice President Harry Bei in China to explore collaboration on ICT infrastructure, artificial intelligence and smart government solutions. The visit forms part of Antigua and Barbuda's broader push to modernise its digital ecosystem and transform public service delivery.
SLBMC Launches Investigation Into Infant Death After Social Media Video Surfaces
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has opened an investigation into the death of an infant after a video linked to the incident went viral on social media. The hospital has expressed condolences to the family but says it cannot comment on clinical details while the review is ongoing.
Operational Excellence, Not Just Customer Service, Is the Key to Business Success
Business commentator Garfield Joseph argues, as reported by Antigua News Room, that most customer service failures in Antigua and Barbuda are in fact operational failures — and that investing in process improvement, technology, and consistent systems is essential for businesses and the nation to compete and grow.
Antigua and Barbuda Officials Attend Climate Transparency Workshop in Guatemala
Representatives from Antigua and Barbuda's Department of Environment attended a regional climate transparency workshop in Guatemala City from July 6 to 8, focusing on strengthening reporting capacities under the Paris Agreement. The two officials participated in training on adaptation reporting, climate data systems, and Biennial Transparency Report preparation.
Genevieve Smith Foundation Honours Four Potters Primary Graduates in Late Educator's Name
The Genevieve Smith Foundation awarded four Potters Primary School graduates scholarships totalling EC$2,000 at the school's July 8 graduation ceremony, marking the first such presentation since the passing of the Foundation's founder, beloved educator Genevieve "Teacher Gen" Smith, in December 2025.
Sports Minister Sends Team Antigua and Barbuda Off to NACAC Championships in Mexico
Sports Minister Dwayne George addressed Team Antigua and Barbuda at V.C. Bird International Airport on Wednesday, urging the athletes to compete with pride at the NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Athletics Championships in Apizaco, Mexico, running July 10 to 12.
ECCB Governor to Address Monetary Council on Currency Union's Path to Resilience
ECCB Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine will present a report on regional monetary and financial conditions at the 113th Monetary Council Meeting in Dominica on July 9, with discussions also set to cover the transformative Big Push Agenda and two flagship payment system initiatives.
Finalists Named for 2026 Junior Calypso and Junior Party Monarch Competitions
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has named the finalists for the 2026 Junior Calypso Monarch and Junior Party Monarch competitions, with both finals set for Carnival City on 19th July. Admission to both events is free.
Ministry Reverses PiAngo Fest Cancellation, Merges Event into New National Agricultural Festival
The Ministry of Agriculture has walked back its announcement cancelling PiAngo Fest, clarifying the event will not be scrapped but merged into a new National Agricultural Festival. The ministry apologised for confusion caused by its earlier release, which had drawn public criticism.
Hit-and-Run Driver Fined $8,000 After Seriously Injuring National Cyclist
Kishroy Harry, a 24-year-old Vincentian national, has been fined $8,000 after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and related offences stemming from a hit-and-run collision that seriously injured national cyclist Tahje Browne. Harry was arrested the day after the June 20th crash while attempting to leave Antigua for St Vincent.
EAG Reports Early Drop in Turtle Nesting, Expects Activity to Rise
Hawksbill and Green Turtle nesting numbers have dipped early this season, but the Environmental Awareness Group says the decline is not unusual and expects activity to increase through November. The EAG is urging residents to report any turtle sightings and has launched a new citizen science partnership with Rotary.
Agricultural Specialist Urges Banks to Finance Farmers Directly
Agricultural specialist Owolabi Elabanjo is urging local banks to offer low-interest loans to farmers, warning that growers currently fund months of production costs out of pocket before seeing any return. Speaking at a workshop at the American University of Antigua, he also highlighted gaps in seed selection as a key barrier to consistent local food production.
Barbuda MP: Education and Land Access Key to Keeping Youth on the Island
Barbuda MP Trevor Walker says education and access to land are central to keeping young Barbudans at home, pushing back against claims that the island lacks economic opportunity. Speaking on Observer AM, Walker highlighted land allocation, entrepreneurship, and diaspora investment as pillars of Barbuda's development strategy.
Educator Warns Poor Childhood Diets Straining Health System
A primary school teacher and farmer is urging Antiguan parents to monitor their children's diets more closely, warning that poor nutrition is visibly affecting students and placing long-term strain on the country's healthcare system and economy.
Security Forces Declare First Day of CHOGM Exercise Stronghold a Success
Antigua and Barbuda's security forces declared the first day of 'Exercise Stronghold' a success, completing the CHOGM security drill two hours ahead of schedule. The exercise involved a soft lockdown of a designated security zone in the capital as authorities prepare for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.
SLBMC Launches Investigation Into Infant's Death Amid Circulating Video
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has launched an investigation into the death of an infant at the facility after a video related to the incident began circulating on social media. The hospital has expressed condolences to the family while declining to release specific clinical details pending the outcome of the inquiry.
CARICOM Backs Haiti's Push for Security and Elections at Saint Lucia Summit
CARICOM heads of government, meeting in Saint Lucia, have issued a statement endorsing Haiti's efforts to restore security and hold free and credible elections under Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. The regional bloc called for the renewal of the Gang Suppression Force mandate and urged continued international cooperation to support Haiti's democratic transition.
Treasury Department to Close Friday for CHOGM Security Exercise
The Treasury Department will close its doors to the public on Friday, 10th July 2026, due to Exercise STRONGHOLD, a national security exercise being conducted in preparation for CHOGM 2026. Normal services will resume on Monday, 13th July.
Autistic Child Missing After Camp Attendance; Family Appeals for Public Help
An autistic child has gone missing after attending camp on Wednesday, with his family urging the public to contact police immediately with any information on his whereabouts.