Politics
2068 articles
Cabinet Backs Digital App to Address Child Maintenance Crisis in Antigua and Barbuda
Cabinet has endorsed MainCollect, a locally developed digital app designed to modernise child maintenance payment collection in Antigua and Barbuda, where between 1,500 and 2,500 fathers are recorded as having outstanding obligations. The platform, already approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and rolled out across the OECS.
PM Browne Joins Villa Primary Students to Build CHOGM 2026 Bottle Cap Mural
Prime Minister Gaston Browne joined Villa Primary School students on Thursday to contribute to a recycled bottle cap mural being created in anticipation of CHOGM 2026, scheduled for November 1–4 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet Backs Digital Maintenance App, Fisheries Overhaul, and Fort James Redevelopment
Cabinet has backed a new digital child maintenance platform, overhauled management of the nation's fisheries complexes, and approved a government-led redevelopment plan for the Fort James Beach area. The decisions emerged from the Cabinet's sitting on Thursday, June 4th, 2026.
Health Minister Inspects Morgue, Renal Facility and Other Key Infrastructure Projects
Minister of Health Michael Joseph toured several key healthcare facilities and construction projects, including a new renal facility, morgue, and a centre for children with special needs, as part of a broad assessment of the nation's health infrastructure.
Ghana Parliament Passes Bill Criminalising Homosexuality with Up to Three Years' Jail
Ghana's parliament has passed legislation criminalising homosexuality and LGBTQ+ identity, proposing prison sentences of up to three years. The bill now awaits the signature of President John Dramani Mahama, who has indicated his support.
UPP Senator Flags $236M in Unaccounted CBI Funds, Demands Parliamentary Oversight Reform
UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner is calling for parliamentary oversight reform and a restructured Public Accounts Committee, citing EC$236 million in CBI programme funds he says have gone unaccounted for over the past decade. Wehner argues that gaps in CIU reporting and a 2016 ministerial powers amendment have created conditions ripe for financial mismanagement.
Cabinet Appoints New Leadership for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Board
Cabinet has approved new leadership for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board, naming Dr. Philmore Benjamin as executive chairman and Dr. Edward Mansoor as deputy chairman, alongside a series of other statutory appointments under the Ministry of Health.
Antigua Cabinet Approves Dedicated Night Court to Fast-Track Traffic Cases
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of a dedicated night court to hear traffic cases, aiming to clear a growing backlog and improve road safety enforcement. The initiative follows a recommendation by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin.
Government to Absorb Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Into National Early Childhood Network
The Antiguan government will take over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Child Development Centre, a UNESCO-designated model school founded over 50 years ago, as part of an expanding national early childhood education network. New preschool centres are also planned for Judges Hill and Jennings.
Antigua Cabinet Backs Digital Child Support Platform, Eyes Public Defaulter Register
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the Main Collect digital platform to streamline child maintenance payments, while also considering a public register of delinquent fathers and stronger enforcement measures to combat widespread non-compliance.
Antigua and Barbuda Signs Aviation MoU to Boost Caribbean Regional Cooperation
Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with France's Directorate General for Civil Aviation during a regional directors' meeting held in Antigua from June 1 to 3. The agreement establishes a Regional Technical Cooperation Committee aimed at strengthening collaboration on aviation safety, security, and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
National Performing Arts Centre on Track for CHOGM Opening, Minister Turner Says
Minister Rawdon Turner says the National Performing Arts Centre, currently under construction at the former Deluxe Cinema on High Street, remains on schedule for completion ahead of the November 2026 CHOGM opening ceremony. The nearly 900-seat venue, featuring a double-roof acoustic system and two-tier balcony, is being described as the most advanced performance facility in the Eastern Caribbean.
Commonwealth Observers Urge Constitutional Protection for Antigua's Electoral Commission
A Commonwealth Observer Group has recommended that Antigua and Barbuda amend its Constitution to formally entrench the Electoral Commission, citing the need to strengthen institutional independence and public confidence in the country's electoral process. The recommendation is part of a wider set of reforms proposed in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
Barbuda Senator's Office Marks First Month with 20 New Driver's Licence Registrations
Senator Kendra Beazer's office reports that 20 Barbuda residents obtained first-time driver's licences in the office's first month of operation. The office is also urging the Barbuda Council to prioritize a proposal for improved road infrastructure across the island.
Commentary: Why Making Spanish an Official Language Is a Strategic Investment for Antigua and Barbuda
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders makes the case for Antigua and Barbuda's landmark decision to adopt Spanish as a second official language, arguing it carries far-reaching implications for tourism, trade, security, and diplomacy. The policy, announced at the OAS on 3 June, drew immediate enthusiasm from Latin American delegations.
Antigua Showcases Flood Gains, Eyes Regional Disaster Hub at EU Programme Meeting
Minister of State Kiz Johnson has highlighted Antigua and Barbuda's progress under an EU-funded disaster resilience programme, including flood mitigation works and a new community command centre. The country is also advancing plans to become a regional search and rescue training hub.
Public Consultation Opens on Barbuda Road and Wharf Rehabilitation Project
The Ministry of Housing and Works has opened a public consultation on a major Barbuda road rehabilitation project spanning 12.6 kilometres across six corridors, releasing environmental, engineering and social planning documents for public review. The project, funded through the Caribbean Development Bank as part of post-Hurricane Irma recovery efforts, includes climate-resilience measures and is expected to take up to 24 months to complete.
Apostle Defends Resurrection as Historical Fact at Senator Hurst's Funeral
Apostle Dr. Stephen Andrews used the funeral of former Senator Cheryl Mary-Clare Hurst to deliver a vigorous defence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, calling it a historical fact supported by eyewitness accounts. His remarks reignited one of Christianity's longest-running debates, drawing on scripture and early church history while rejecting secular scholarly skepticism.
Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Advances Blue Economy Agenda at Tokyo Ocean Summit
Antigua and Barbuda is attending the Island States Ocean Summit 2026 in Tokyo, where Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy Anthony Shamari Smith Jr. is leading a national delegation to advance ocean governance, climate resilience and sustainable fisheries on the global stage.
Minister Browne's Road Works Push Reshapes Infrastructure Across Antigua
Road works are expanding across Antigua and Barbuda under Housing Minister Maria Browne, with major projects on All Saints Road, Newgate Street, and numerous communities island-wide. Opinion contributor Justin Preston argues the sustained momentum, continuing even after elections, reflects a meaningful shift in infrastructure delivery and government accountability.