Local News
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ABEC Sends Staff to India for AI and Elections Training Course
Two ABEC staff members are attending an international training course on Artificial Intelligence and electoral governance in New Delhi, India, from July 6th to 10th, 2026. The Commission says the programme supports its commitment to professional development and the adoption of global best practices in election management.
Education Ministry Honours Top 10 Students in 2026 Grade Six National Assessment
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has congratulated the top 10 performers in the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment, praising their dedication and academic excellence. The ministry also recognised the vital role played by educators and families in the students' success.
Public Asked to Cooperate as Exercise STRONGHOLD Enters Next Phase Friday
The CHOGM National Security Planning Committee is urging residents to cooperate as Exercise STRONGHOLD's third phase takes place Friday, July 10, from 6 a.m. to 12 noon. The exercise forms part of Antigua and Barbuda's preparations for hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year.
Antigua's Immigration Amnesty Programme Hits 40 Applications Per Day
Antigua and Barbuda's immigration amnesty programme is now processing around 40 applications per day, with Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood reporting improved organisation following a chaotic opening day. The programme allows undocumented residents who have lived in the country for more than four years to regularise their immigration status.
Immigration Amnesty Programme Hits Its Stride, Processing 40 Applicants Daily
Antigua and Barbuda's immigration amnesty programme is processing around 40 applicants daily, with Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood reporting that operations have grown more organised following a chaotic opening day that left over 100 people unable to submit their applications.
High Street Magistrates' Court to Close Two Days for CHOGM Security Drill
The High Street Magistrates' Court will close on July 8 and July 10 to accommodate Exercise Stronghold, a national security drill tied to Antigua and Barbuda's CHOGM preparations. Persons with scheduled matters on those dates are instructed to appear on Monday, July 13.
OECS Extends Blue Economy Grant Deadline to July 24 for MSMEs in Three Countries
The OECS Commission has extended the Window 2 application deadline for the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme to July 24, 2026, giving Blue Economy value chain groups in Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines more time to access grant funding. Women-led enterprises are especially encouraged to apply.
Greene Calls for Public Cooperation as CHOGM 2026 Security Drill Gets Underway
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene is calling on the public to cooperate with authorities during a three-day national security simulation exercise ahead of CHOGM 2026. The drill, which will cause temporary traffic disruptions, is designed to test emergency response and security coordination before Commonwealth leaders arrive in November.
Benjamin Urges Public Patience as Antigua Launches Three-Day CHOGM Security Drill
National Security Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin is urging public cooperation as Antigua and Barbuda conducts a three-day security exercise from July 8 to 10 in preparation for hosting CHOGM in November. Motorists should expect significant traffic restrictions in St. John's and on major roadways during the drill.
Opinion: Is Antigua's Deportee Deal a Masterstroke or a Dangerous Gamble?
Opinion columnist Yves R. Ephraim, as reported by Antigua News Room, argues that the Antigua and Barbuda government's offer to accept up to ten US deportees may be a calculated diplomatic bluff — but one that carries serious risks if the strategy fails.
CHOGM Security Drill Completes Day One; Barricades Lifted, Normal Access Restored
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has wrapped up day one of Exercise STRONGHOLD, a three-day security simulation in preparation for hosting CHOGM 2026. All barricades have been lifted and normal public access has been restored.
NSWMA Warns of Waste Collection Delays During CHOGM Security Exercise
The NSWMA has warned residents that household waste collection services may face delays between July 8 and 10 due to road closures and security measures linked to the CHOGM 2026 STRONGHOLD Security Exercise. Collection crews will continue operating where access is available, with affected areas to be serviced as soon as roads reopen.
Royal Police Force Appeals for Blood Donations for Injured Sergeant
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is urgently appealing for blood donations for Sergeant Jeffery Benjamin, who was seriously injured after being struck by a Mack truck on July 3. Members of the public of all blood types are encouraged to donate at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre's laboratory.
Antigua Opens First Tissue Culture Lab, Boosting Food Security and Local Agriculture
Antigua and Barbuda has inaugurated its first tissue culture laboratory, a milestone investment that will allow the country to produce disease-free planting material locally and reduce reliance on overseas facilities. The Ministry of Agriculture says the facility is a cornerstone of the nation's food security strategy.
Ministry Opens Registration for 2026 Agricultural Water and Irrigation Training
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has opened registration for a month-long training course on agricultural water and irrigation technologies, set to take place in St. John's from November 19 to December 16, 2026.
UWI and Caribbean Telecommunications Union Sign MoU to Drive Regional Digital Growth
The University of the West Indies and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise strategic cooperation on digital policy, capacity development, and regional digital transformation. The partnership moves the two institutions from informal collaboration to a structured framework, with joint initiatives already scheduled for mid-2026.
Pringle Blasts Government's Transparency Over EU Pressure on Citizenship Programme
Opposition Leader Jamal Pringle has accused the government of mismanagement and a lack of transparency in its handling of EU pressure to phase out Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment Programme by 2028. Pringle is calling for cross-party consultation and greater openness with Parliament on major national issues.
Pringle Slams Government Over Lack of Transparency on Third-Country Deportee Deal
Opposition Leader Jamal Pringle is calling on the government to publish the memorandum of understanding on a proposed third-country deportee arrangement and table it in Parliament, accusing the administration of sidelining lawmakers and the public. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has previously stated that a White Paper on the matter will be presented to Parliament.
Twenty Antiguan Footballers Set for European Development Tour in Poland This July
Twenty young footballers from Antigua and Barbuda will represent the nation on the JETS FC European Development Tour 2026 in Poland from July 12th to 27th, competing in six international matches and training under professional coaches. The squad was selected through a competitive national talent identification programme hosted by JETS FC earlier this year.
Vincentian Man Fined $8,000 for Highway Crash That Injured Cyclist Tahje Browne
Vincentian national Kishroy Harry has been fined $8,000 after pleading guilty to four traffic offences, including dangerous driving, following a June 20 highway collision that left national cyclist Tahje Browne seriously injured. Harry, who attempted to flee Antigua by air the day after the crash, was intercepted at V.C. Bird International Airport before facing justice.