Local News
2910 articles
Young Antiguan Swimmers Shatter National Records at Wadadli Invitational
Multiple national records fell at the 10th Wadadli Aquatic Racers Developmental Invitational Swim Meet, with Isabel Nicholas of Wadadli Aquatic Racers breaking five national age group records across the weekend. Vipers Swim Club members Madison MacMillan, Anya DeGannes, and Alessandro Bazzoni also claimed national records at the three-day event.
Antigua and Barbuda Records One of CARICOM's Lowest Maternal Mortality Rates
New UN estimates rank Antigua and Barbuda among CARICOM's safest nations for maternal health, with a lifetime pregnancy-related mortality risk of just 1 in 2,108. While most Caribbean countries have made progress since 2000, the pace of improvement has slowed across the region.
PM Browne Signals Uncertainty Over Leading ABLP Into Fifth Election
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said there is "no guarantee" he will lead the ABLP into a fifth consecutive general election, calling on the party to develop its next generation of leadership. The comments came days after the party's landslide April 30 election win.
PM Browne Signals He May Not Lead ABLP Into a Fifth Election
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly stated for the first time that there is "no guarantee" he will lead the ABLP into a fifth general election, signalling that succession planning is becoming a priority within the governing party. The remarks come shortly after the ABLP's sweeping April 30 election victory, in which the party won 15 of 17 parliamentary seats.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures Fourth Spot Among Caribbean's Strongest Passports for 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has ranked fourth among the Caribbean's most powerful passports for 2026, with holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 154 destinations worldwide. The country trails only Barbados, the Bahamas, and St. Kitts and Nevis in the regional ranking.
Twelve ABLP Representatives Sworn In as Browne Calls for Unity and National Renewal
Twelve newly elected ABLP representatives were sworn into office on Tuesday, with three taking oaths as Ministers of State following the party's decisive win in the 2026 General Elections. Prime Minister Gaston Browne called on the new administration to pursue excellence, unity, and national renewal.
Antigua and Barbuda Passport Ranks 22nd Globally in 2026 Henley Index
Antigua and Barbuda's passport has been ranked 22nd in the world in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 destinations globally. The ranking keeps the nation among the top-performing passports in the Caribbean and the OECS.
Four Young Antiguans Named Official Social Media Correspondents for CHOGM 2026
The CHOGM 2026 Secretariat has appointed four young Antiguans and Barbudans — Janet Simon, Gabrielle Hamlet, Lutrell John and Joshua Edwards — as official Social Media Correspondents for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, set to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
Antigua and Barbuda Eligible for Up to €80,000 in Caribbean Plastic Waste Grants
Antigua and Barbuda is eligible to apply for between €30,000 and €80,000 through the Sustainable Small Grants Programme, a new Caribbean initiative targeting plastic waste reduction and circular economy development. Registered community groups, CSOs, and MSMEs may submit one application each, with projects required to conclude by August 2027.
Antigua and Barbuda Joins Regional Drive to Eliminate Mercury from Skin-Lightening Products
Antigua and Barbuda participated in the launch of a new WHO behavioural insights toolkit in Panama City on 25 February 2026, joining a regional effort to eliminate mercury-containing skin-lightening products. The toolkit helps countries identify and address the drivers behind harmful skin-lightening practices, which pose serious health and environmental risks.
Proposed US Visa Changes Could Create Hurdles for Antiguan and Barbudan Students
Antiguan and Barbudan students planning to study in the United States could face new hurdles under a proposed overhaul of the US international student visa system, which would replace open-ended status periods with fixed admission windows of up to four years. The changes, if approved, could take effect before the Fall 2026 academic intake and may also affect post-graduation work opportunities.
Barbuda Food Vendors Complete Safety Training Ahead of Caribana Festival
Public health officials in Barbuda have trained more than 30 food vendors in food safety practices ahead of the Caribana festival, with authorities emphasising that all vendors must hold a valid Food Safety Badge to operate.
All Saints Road Night Closure in Effect from May 6 for Infrastructure Works
The Ministry of Works has announced a nighttime traffic detour on All Saints Road, between FADI Building Supplies and Fresh and Eazy Supermarket, running from 7:00 pm on May 6 to 7:00 am the following morning as part of the ongoing All Saints Road Project.
Police Arrest Several in Early Morning Raids, Seize Firearms and Ammunition
Royal Police Force officers arrested several individuals and seized firearms and ammunition during a series of coordinated early morning operations in the Freetown and Collins areas on Wednesday, May 6. The operations involved multiple units, including the CID Task Force, GAGSU, SSU, and the K-9 Unit.
Singapore Confirms Teachers May Cane Students as Young as 9 Under New Discipline Framework
Singapore's Education Minister Desmond Lee has confirmed that teachers are authorised to cane students, including boys as young as nine, under a new disciplinary framework set to be implemented across the country's schools from 2027. The announcement has drawn scrutiny amid growing global opposition to corporal punishment in schools.
St John's Taxi Association Elects New Executive Board for 2026–2028
The St John's Taxi Association has elected Sean Beazer as President along with a full Executive Board at its bi-annual elections held on May 5, 2026. The newly elected board will serve a two-year term through 2028.
Antigua and Barbuda Swears In New Cabinet With Oath Dropping Loyalty to British Monarch
Antigua and Barbuda has sworn in a new Cabinet under Prime Minister Gaston Browne, with officials taking an oath of allegiance to the nation rather than the British monarch for the first time in the country's post-independence history. The historic change follows a constitutional amendment approved by Parliament in December 2025.
New Minister Kiz Johnson Sets Sights on Housing, Youth and Women's Empowerment
Newly elected St Philip South MP Kiz Johnson has outlined her priorities as Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, including housing for the homeless, a refuge for runaway teens, and expansion of the HAPI programme. She and Maria Browne are currently the only two women serving in the House of Representatives.
Nine Buildings Destroyed in Dominica Capital Fire, Including Opposition Leader's Office
A major overnight fire destroyed nine buildings in Dominica's capital, Roseau, including the office of United Progressive Party leader Joshua Francis. The cause remains unknown as investigations continue.
Nine Buildings Destroyed in Roseau Fire; Opposition Leader's Office Among Losses
A major fire tore through Roseau, Dominica, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, destroying nine buildings including the office of United Workers Party Leader Joshua Francis. The cause remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation.