Politics
2562 articles
Government Subsidizes Fuel Prices to Shield Antiguans from Global Hikes
The Antiguan government is heavily subsidizing fuel prices to shield consumers from global price increases, keeping the twin-island nation among the lowest-priced in the region. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed the policy at Thursday's post-Cabinet press briefing.
Free UWI Tuition Limited to First Undergraduate Degrees, Government Clarifies
The Antiguan government has confirmed that its free tuition policy at UWI Five Islands Campus applies only to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree, including those currently enrolled. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant outlined the eligibility criteria on Thursday.
Gov't Eyes Windfall Tax Expansion to All Businesses Earning EC$1M or More
The Antiguan government is weighing an expansion of its windfall tax to cover all businesses posting annual profits of EC$1 million or more, a move that would significantly widen the scope of a measure first introduced in 2019 for select high-earning sectors. The proposal emerged from Cabinet's weekly meeting and was outlined at Thursday's post-Cabinet press briefing.
Antigua's Cancer Centre Set to Reopen This Year, But Costs Remain Uncertain
Antigua and Barbuda's cancer treatment centre is expected to reopen later this year, more than three years after its closure, but the government has yet to confirm a specific date or what patients will be charged for care.
Information Commissioner Still Without Office Nearly Two Years After Appointment
Antigua and Barbuda's Information Commissioner Anthony Athill still lacks a dedicated office nearly two years after his appointment, with the issue raised in Parliament by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle. Prime Minister Gaston Browne addressed the matter in the House.
MP Calls for Roadside Breathalyzer Testing During Fatal Accidents Bill Debate
St. Peter MP Rawdon Turner is calling for breathalyzer testing to be administered immediately at accident scenes as Parliament debates the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, which aims to modernize Antigua and Barbuda's laws on fatal accidents and family compensation.
Minister Johnson Commits to Boosting Disaster Preparedness in GSD Partnership
Minister of State Kiz Johnson has committed to bolstering Antigua and Barbuda's disaster preparedness after meeting with officials from Global Support and Development, a humanitarian nonprofit focused on community resilience.
Adult Men Responsible for 80% of Teen Pregnancies in Antigua and Barbuda
A reproductive health researcher has revealed that men aged 20 and older account for 80 percent of teenage pregnancies in Antigua and Barbuda, with the majority involving men aged 20 to 24. The findings were presented on Observer Radio's The Big Issues programme by Dr. Frederick Nunes.
Search Warrant Bill Ignites Parliamentary Debate on Police Powers and Civil Liberties
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament is debating the Magistrate's Code of Procedure Amendment Bill 2026, which proposes expanding the circumstances under which magistrates may issue search warrants. The bill has sparked sharp discussion over balancing effective crime-fighting tools with the protection of civil liberties.
Doctors Call for Repeal of Antigua's 163-Year-Old Abortion Law
Two Antiguan doctors are calling for the repeal of the country's 1861 abortion law, describing it as an outdated colonial-era statute that has never been meaningfully updated despite reforms elsewhere in the Commonwealth.
PM Browne Claims Near Full Employment, Concedes Labour Survey Needs Updating
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told Parliament that Antigua and Barbuda is at "practically full employment," but acknowledged the country's labour market survey is outdated. The matter was raised by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle during a parliamentary session.
PM Browne Calls Youth Work Ethic a Growing Cultural Crisis
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has labelled low reliability among young public workers a cultural crisis, defending his administration's employment strategies during parliamentary questioning from Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle.
Opposition Leader Pringle Challenges Speaker's Impartiality at Parliament Opening
Newly sworn-in Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle publicly called for an impartial Speaker during the June 16th sitting of the Lower House, drawing a direct floor response from House Speaker Osbert Richard Frederick in an exchange broadcast live on state media.
MCA Moves to Clarify Legal Framework After Pares Village Cannabis Bust
The Medicinal Cannabis Authority has issued a statement correcting public misconceptions about sacramental cannabis authorization following a law enforcement operation against unauthorized cultivation in Pares Village. The Authority is urging the public to understand the legal framework governing cannabis activity in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Has No Official Language, Panellists Argue
Two panellists have argued that Antigua and Barbuda has never formally declared an official language, raising questions about government proposals to make Spanish a second official language. The debate highlights a long-standing gap in the country's legislative framework.
Education Director Tells Top Scholars They Are Blueprint for Antigua's Future
Director of Education Clare Browne told top CSEC scholars at the 40th Annual National Awards Ceremony that their academic achievements represent a deliberate blueprint for shaping Antigua and Barbuda's future. Browne highlighted the students' leadership and innovation as active forces driving the nation forward.
Potter Warns Long-Term Harm Outweighs Benefits of Child Labour Programs
People's Union President Ralph Potter has warned that early work integration and apprenticeship programs for minors carry long-term harms that outweigh any short-term benefits. Potter's remarks raise questions about youth labour policy in Antigua and Barbuda.
23 Young Leaders Chosen to Shape 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum in Antigua
Twenty-three young leaders have been appointed to an international taskforce responsible for planning and delivering the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Forum, which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda during CHOGM.
Local and Regional Groups Launch Campaign Against Unhealthy Food Marketing Targeting Children
A coalition of health organisations, led by Hope for the Future in Antigua and Barbuda, has launched a public campaign to protect children from unhealthy food marketing. The initiative is part of the regional Make it Make Sense campaign and involves multiple local and Caribbean partners.
Public Servants Still Awaiting Back Pay Weeks After Election Promise
More than six weeks after Antigua and Barbuda's April 30 general election, public servants say they are still waiting for back pay that Prime Minister Gaston Browne repeatedly promised during the campaign. The unresolved issue continues to weigh on affected workers with no official disbursement timeline announced.