Politics
2068 articles
PM Browne Honours Sir Aziz Hadeed at Official Funeral, Hails Legacy of Service
Prime Minister Gaston Browne paid tribute to Sir Aziz Hadeed at his official funeral Saturday, honouring the late businessman's decades of service to Antigua and Barbuda, including his role in negotiating the forgiveness of approximately EC$500 million in national debt. Sir Aziz, who died on May 23 in Chicago, was remembered as a devoted patriot whose generosity and vision left a lasting mark on the nation.
PM Browne Unveils 'Peace Beach' Plans for Barnacle Point with Artificial Reef and Marine Trail
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled concept plans for a "Peace Beach" at Barnacle Point, featuring an artificial reef, marine snorkel trail, beach huts and a viewing deck. The project is intended to combine coastal protection, marine conservation and public recreation.
Commonwealth Observers Call for Independent Board to Oversee ABS
The Commonwealth Observer Group has again called for the Antigua Broadcasting Service to be governed by an independent board of directors, citing ongoing concerns about fairness and bias in state media coverage during elections. The recommendation was contained in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
50 New Homes Planned for Bolans Under Antigua-China Housing Partnership
The Antiguan government, in partnership with China, plans to build 50 affordable homes in Bolans, with St. Mary's South MP Dwayne George calling the development a major investment in community stability and homeownership.
Good Humans 268 Carries Antigua and Barbuda's Environmental Voice to Paris and Uzbekistan
Two representatives of Good Humans 268 Inc. travelled to Paris and Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to attend separate international environmental forums, carrying Antigua and Barbuda's message on climate action and sustainability to a global audience. The organisation's recycling project, supported by GEF Small Grants Programme funding, has diverted more than two million recyclable items from local landfills.
Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Sworn In Under New Legislative Framework
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has been sworn in for a new two-year term under recently enacted legislation, with Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul assuming the role of Chairperson. The new governance framework aims to strengthen accountability and drive the continued growth of the nation's cultural and festival sectors.
Commonwealth Observers Call for Faster Resolution of Election Petitions in Antigua
Commonwealth election observers have called on Antigua and Barbuda's electoral commission and judiciary to resolve election petitions more quickly, warning that lengthy proceedings undermine confidence in democracy and the justice system. The recommendation was issued in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
Government Plans Two New Preschool Centres for Judges Hill and Jennings
The Antigua and Barbuda government has announced plans to build two new early childhood education centres in the Judges Hill/New Winthorpes and Jennings communities. The announcement came alongside Cabinet's approval to assume responsibility for the Sir Luther Winter Preschool, founded over 50 years ago by the late Dame Idris Bird.
Parents Demand Answers Over AGHS Graduation Fees Totalling $155,000
Parents of graduating students at the Antigua Girls' High School are demanding financial transparency over a $1,150 mandatory graduation fee that, combined with prom charges, could see the school collect $155,000 from a single class. With no itemised breakdown provided and fees far exceeding those at comparable institutions, families are calling on the Ministry of Education to intervene.
US Judge Strikes Down Trump Immigration Policies Affecting 39 Countries
A federal judge in Rhode Island has struck down Trump administration immigration policies that blocked nationals from 39 countries from receiving decisions on asylum, work permit, green card and citizenship applications. Chief U.S. District Judge John McConnell ruled the policies were unlawful, finding they were adopted without proper authority and based on impermissible anti-immigrant sentiment.
Antigua and Barbuda Reaffirms Support for CDEMA's Long-Term Sustainability
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its strong support for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), backing efforts to establish sustainable long-term financing for the organisation. The pledge follows a Cabinet presentation by CDEMA's Executive Director, who warned of growing climate-related disaster risks and mounting financial pressures on the regional body.
Commonwealth Observers Commend Antigua Election, Call for Sweeping Reforms
Commonwealth election observers have praised Antigua and Barbuda's April 30, 2026 general election as peaceful and transparent, while calling for reforms in areas including campaign finance, constituency boundaries and media independence. The Commonwealth Observer Group's final report commended ABEC and polling staff, but identified several areas requiring legislative and regulatory attention.
Antigua Weighs Salary Deductions to Enforce Child Support Payments
The Antiguan government is considering direct wage deductions and other enforcement measures to combat chronic non-payment of court-ordered child support, as it prepares to launch the MainCollect digital payment platform. No final decisions have been made, with legislative changes and ongoing Family Court consultations still under review.
Govt Maintains Fuel Subsidies as APUA Daily Costs Nearly Double
The Antigua and Barbuda government is maintaining fuel subsidies for consumers even as APUA's daily fuel costs have nearly doubled — rising from $460,000 in January to approximately $886,000. Officials say the subsidy will continue, though no end date has been specified.
Antigua Night Court for Traffic Cases to Launch Within Weeks After Cabinet Approval
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of a dedicated night court for traffic matters, which is set to become operational within weeks. The court aims to clear a growing backlog of traffic cases and serve as a deterrent against road offences, according to Antigua.news.
Parliament Set to Debate Expanded Powers Over Derelict Properties on June 16
The Antiguan government is set to bring legislation before Parliament on June 16 that would expand its powers to remove derelict and hazardous properties from communities across Antigua and Barbuda. The planned measures were announced at Friday's post-Cabinet media briefing by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant.
Commonwealth Observers Call for Polling Station Vote Counts to Boost Electoral Transparency
Commonwealth election observers have recommended that Antigua and Barbuda count votes at polling stations immediately after polls close, citing improvements to transparency and public confidence. The proposal is part of a broader set of electoral reforms outlined in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
PAHO Urges Caribbean Nations to Bolster Health Preparedness Ahead of 2026 Hurricane Season
The Pan American Health Organization is urging countries across the Americas, including those in the Caribbean, to strengthen health system preparedness ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, despite forecasts of below-normal activity. PAHO warns that even a single severe storm can pose serious public health risks and disrupt essential services.
Saint Lucia to Host 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in July 2026
Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Gros Islet from July 5 to 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Regional leaders will deliberate on key issues, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at Sandals Saint Lucia and streamed live online.
Cabinet Backs App to Tackle Child Support Arrears Affecting Thousands of Families
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has endorsed the MainCollect app, a digital platform designed to improve child maintenance payment collection, targeting up to 2,500 fathers in the country listed in court records as having outstanding obligations. The system, approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and eventually extended across OECS member states.