Politics
2562 articles
PM Browne: US Visa Restrictions Hurting Antiguans as Government Awaits Policy Reversal
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says US visa restrictions are hurting Antiguan families, students and businesses, and has expressed hope the measures will be lifted following a key July 1st deadline. According to Antigua.news, Browne made the remarks on the sidelines of the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia.
PM Browne Meets Atlanta Charity Founder on Sidelines of CARICOM Summit
Prime Minister Gaston Browne met with the founder of Atlanta-based humanitarian organisation Caring For Others, Inc. on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, praising the charity's work supporting vulnerable communities across food, clothing, education and housing programmes.
Security Exercise STRONGHOLD Triggers Road Closures Across Antigua Ahead of CHOGM
Security forces are conducting Exercise STRONGHOLD this morning, a major national security drill ahead of CHOGM, causing road closures and traffic diversions across key routes in Antigua, including a restricted zone in the heart of St. John's. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and follow directions from officers on the ground.
PM Browne Meets Romanian Ambassador on Trade and Education at CARICOM Summit
Prime Minister Gaston Browne met with Romania's Ambassador Theodora Magdalena Mircea on the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in St. Lucia to discuss trade cooperation, business missions and educational opportunities for Antiguan nationals.
PM Browne Attends CARICOM Summit Amid Dispute Over Secretary General's Reappointment
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is attending a CARICOM regional summit where the reappointment of Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett has sparked debate, leading leaders to seek a Caribbean Court of Justice advisory opinion on the matter.
Antigua's Immigration Amnesty Programme Processes 40 Applicants Daily
Antigua and Barbuda's immigration amnesty programme is processing around 40 applicants per day under a new number system, Chief Immigration Officer Katrina Yearwood has confirmed. Officials say early teething problems have subsided as the process gains order.
Researcher Links Declining Calypso Tent Attendance to Broader Regional Shifts
Music researcher Dr. Andrew Martin says falling calypso tent attendance in Antigua and Barbuda reflects a broader regional decline, driven by changes in the music industry and the art form's increasingly localised appeal. As reported by Antigua Observer, Martin also noted that the shift away from record sales has left calypsonians with fewer avenues to earn a living.
Freeland Represents Antigua and Barbuda at WIPO Global Assembly in Geneva
Minister of State Michael Freeland represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 68th WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, highlighting the country's intellectual property milestones, including its first three collective trademarks and a mentorship programme for women entrepreneurs. Freeland also announced plans for a Cricket West Indies campus and reaffirmed the government's commitment to innovation-led development.
Analyst Calls on Jumby Bay to Fund Scholarships Amid Illegal Dumping Row
Policy analyst Akil Jabari is calling on Jumby Bay Island Company to fund environmental and bioscience scholarships for Parham residents following an illegal dumping controversy. Jabari praised St Peter MP Roydan Turner for publicly confronting the company and said meaningful action, not just apologies, is needed.
Security Forces to Restrict Parts of St. John's This Week Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Antigua's national security agencies will conduct Exercise Stronghold in parts of St. John's on Wednesday and Friday, imposing traffic and movement restrictions within a designated Red Zone as the country prepares to host CHOGM in November. Wednesday's Soft Lockdown runs from 8:00 am to noon, while Friday's Hard Lockdown will fully restrict both vehicles and pedestrians from 6:00 am to noon.
UPP Launches Monthly Public Consultations on Third-Country Nationals MOU
The United Progressive Party will hold its first public consultation on the US-Antigua MOU and third-country nationals issue on July 9th at the Moravian Conference Hall at Cashew Hill. Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says the session, set for 7:00 p.m., will be the first in a planned series of monthly consultations held across the country.
Department of Culture Launches Free Workshop to Preserve Traditional Carnival Characters
The Department of Culture is launching a free Cultural Characters Workshop beginning this Wednesday, offering the public hands-on training in traditional performance arts including Moko Jumbies, conch shell blowing, and Carnival character costumery. The programme runs July 8–24, with organisers hoping to boost the presence of traditional characters at this year's Carnival Monday parade.
Greene Urges Public Cooperation as Antigua Launches CHOGM 2026 Security Drill
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. E.P. Chet Greene has called on Antiguans and Barbudans to cooperate with authorities during a two-day Security Simulation Exercise launched in preparation for CHOGM 2026. The minister apologized for any disruptions, including traffic delays and restricted access, describing the exercise as essential to ensuring a safe and successful Commonwealth summit in November.
French Guiana Becomes CARICOM's Eighth Associate Member
French Guiana has been formally admitted as CARICOM's eighth Associate Member following the signing of a membership agreement at the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia. The agreement was signed by CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and French Guiana's Territorial President Gabriel Serville.
CARICOM Refers Secretary-General Reappointment Dispute to Caribbean Court of Justice
CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to refer the dispute over the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett to the Caribbean Court of Justice for an advisory opinion, following months of objections from Trinidad and Tobago over the process used to renew her contract.
PM Browne: Gov't Backed Cassada Gardens Redevelopment but Drew Line at Gaming Tax Waiver
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his Government supported the EC$30 million Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment but refused to waive the mandatory eight percent gaming fee for a foreign investor, citing concerns over fairness to existing operators. Browne suggested the concession could instead be offered to a local investor, including the Antigua Turf Club itself.
Civil Registry Adjusts Hours, Closes Friday for CHOGM Security Drills
The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Registry will operate on reduced hours Wednesday and remain closed Friday as the Royal Police Force conducts security lockdown exercises ahead of CHOGM. Normal operations resume Monday, July 13.
Security Minister Calls for Public Cooperation During Three-Day CHOGM Preparedness Exercise
National Security Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin is calling on the public to observe traffic restrictions during a three-day CHOGM Security Exercise from July 8 to 10, 2026, designed to test Antigua and Barbuda's readiness for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Significant road closures and disruptions are expected in and around St. John's during designated hours on Wednesday and Friday.
Governor General's London Visit Blends Diplomacy, Charity and CHOGM 2026 Preparations
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams completed a high-profile June visit to London combining diplomacy, royal engagements and a major charity gala, as Antigua and Barbuda builds momentum ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026. The visit, as reported by Antigua.news, included meetings with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and attendance at Trooping the Colour.
Security Forces Launch Three-Day CHOGM Preparedness Exercise This Week
Security agencies in Antigua and Barbuda will conduct Exercise STRONGHOLD from July 8 to 10, a three-day operational drill designed to test the nation's emergency preparedness ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026. Motorists and pedestrians should expect road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access in several areas, including parts of St. John's.