Politics
2068 articles
Antigua and Barbuda Suspends Visa Waivers for All Travelers Departing Africa
Antigua and Barbuda has suspended visa waivers for all travelers departing from African countries and will deny entry visas to anyone who has recently visited regions affected by Ebola or other serious viral outbreaks. The measures, announced following the May 27 Cabinet meeting, include the reinstallation of thermal cameras at V.C. Bird International Airport and enhanced coordination among border agencies.
Minister Baltimore Elected Chair of Caribbean Regional Fisheries Council
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of State Hon. Randy Baltimore has been elected Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council, assuming leadership of the CARICOM regional fisheries body. The Council's twentieth meeting produced 19 resolutions, a new five-year aquaculture action plan, and a 2026–2027 work plan and budget.
Performing Arts Centre on Track for September Completion Ahead of CHOGM
Minister Rawdon Turner says the new Performing Arts Centre is on track for completion by the end of September, with balcony seating the last major construction phase remaining. The 875-seat venue is set to host the opening of CHOGM 2026 in November before becoming a permanent cultural facility.
High Court Weighs Landmark Ruling on Barbuda Airport Development
A High Court judge is now considering arguments in a landmark case challenging the legality of the Barbuda airport development, after environmental activist John Mussington and Barbuda Council member Jackie Frank completed their court proceedings this week. The ruling could have significant implications for environmental protections and development approvals across Antigua and Barbuda.
Barbuda Airport Legal Challenge Heads to Judgment After Full High Court Hearing
Environmental activist John Mussington and Barbuda Council member Jackie Frank are awaiting a High Court ruling after the full hearing of their legal challenge against the Barbuda airport development, which they allege proceeded without proper environmental approvals or public consultation. The case, backed by the Global Legal Action Network, follows a landmark 2024 Privy Council ruling that affirmed their legal standing to bring the challenge.
Minister George Meets Carnival Committees as Antigua Ramps Up Preparations for 2026 Festival
Minister of Sports and Creative Industries Dwayne George has met with the Festivals Commission and its subcommittees to accelerate planning for Carnival 2026, pledging government support for what is expected to be one of the country's largest carnival celebrations in recent years.
Youth Ambassador Makiba Ward Completes Leadership Exchange Programme in China
National Youth Ambassador Makiba O. Ward has returned from a two-week leadership exchange seminar in China, where she represented Antigua and Barbuda alongside youth leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America. The programme, held from May 19 to June 1, focused on youth development, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation.
Fernandez Pushes for Cheaper Intra-Regional Airfares at Caribbean Tourism Forum
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez used a regional ministerial panel during Caribbean Week in New York to call for lower intra-regional airfares and greater collaboration among Caribbean governments to drive tourism growth.
Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Attends Global Ocean Summit in Japan
Antigua and Barbuda's delegation, led by Minister Anthony Smith Jr., is attending a two-day international ocean summit in Japan, advocating for climate resilience support and stronger ocean protections for Small Island Developing States.
CDEMA Director Meets Antigua Ministers to Bolster Regional Disaster Preparedness
CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley met with Ministers Rawdon Turner and Kiz Johnson on Wednesday to advance discussions on regional disaster management cooperation. The visit includes field assessments and the anticipated signing of a five-year Country Work Programme for Antigua and Barbuda.
Minister Calls for Tight Coordination as Carnival 2026 Planning Gets Underway
Minister of Sports and Creative Industries Dwayne George has met with Festivals Committee members to advance preparations for Carnival 2026, emphasising the need for proper coordination across all areas of the event. The minister pledged to put the necessary systems and structures in place to ensure a safe and memorable celebration.
Antiguan Youth Leader Peetron Thomas Named SDGs Coordinator for the Americas
Antiguan youth leader Peetron Thomas has been appointed Sustainable Development Goals Coordinator for the Americas by global youth-led nonprofit Next Generation Global Connect. In the regional role, Thomas will coordinate SDG-aligned initiatives across North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
AT&LU Mourns the Passing of Labour Movement Stalwart Cheryl Mary-Clare Hurst
The Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union has issued a heartfelt tribute to the late Cheryl Mary-Clare Hurst, honouring her decades of service as a labour advocate, ABLP General Secretary, Minister of State, and Senator. AT&LU President Bernard de Nully praised her unwavering dedication to protecting workers' rights across Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Eyes Data Embassies at Regional Digital Resilience Workshop
Antigua and Barbuda is participating in a UN ECLAC-hosted workshop in Belize focused on strengthening digital resilience across the Caribbean, with discussions centred on the implementation of data embassies to safeguard critical government data and services.
Antigua's Analytical Services Director Joins Regional Food Safety Talks in Barbados
Dr. Linroy Christian, Director of Antigua and Barbuda's Department of Analytical Services, attended a two-day regional meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados, focused on strengthening Caribbean laboratory testing and food safety systems under the EU Food Security Programme.
Education Minister Urges Grade 6 Students to Show Confidence in National Assessments
Education Minister Daryll Matthew has offered words of encouragement to Grade 6 students across Antigua and Barbuda as they sit their two-day National Assessments. The minister urged students to approach the exams with confidence, perseverance, and belief in their own abilities.
Letter: Antiguan Mother Urges PM Browne to Reject All US Deportees
A St. John's resident has written an open letter urging Prime Minister Gaston Browne to reject all US deportees, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda's small size and existing social pressures make any such arrangement an unacceptable risk to public safety. The letter raises concerns about the unresolved status of background checks as negotiations continue.
Commentary: Patriotism or Xenophobia? Writer Challenges Use of Term to Silence Immigration Debate
A commentary published by Antigua News Room argues that the term "xenophobia" is being weaponised to shut down legitimate debate over immigration policy, alleging that the government is exploiting Caribbean migrants to maintain political power.
Deportee Talks Between Antigua and U.S. Stall Over Numbers and Security Concerns
Negotiations between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States over the acceptance of deported third-country nationals have stalled after the U.S. reportedly proposed sending up to 120 individuals — far exceeding the 10-person annual limit Antigua agreed to. Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his government will not accept any arrangement that threatens national security, while Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders has been directed to seek clarification from the U.S. State Department.
Urban Renewal Minister Demolishes Sidewalk Obstruction on Popeshead Street
Urban Renewal Minister Rawdon Turner has overseen the demolition of a set of steps that had long obstructed the sidewalk on Popeshead Street, forcing pedestrians into traffic. The removal is intended to improve pedestrian safety along the busy St. John's thoroughfare.