Politics
2562 articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PM Browne Meets Romanian Ambassador to Explore Trade, Education and Investment Ties
Prime Minister Gaston Browne met with Romanian Ambassador Theodora Magdalena Mircea on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in St. Lucia to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, education and investment. Among the proposals was a Romanian business mission to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as academic and professional training opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans in Romania.
PM Browne Pushes for Reversal of US Visa Restrictions on Antiguans
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed hope that the United States will lift new visa restrictions on Antiguan and Barbudan citizens, which reduce 10-year multiple-entry permits to three-month single-entry visas. Browne, speaking at the 51st CARICOM summit in Saint Lucia, said the measures are disrupting travel for families, students and businesses.