Politics
2562 articles
PM Browne: Government Rejected Tax Waiver, Not Cassada Gardens Project
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his Government supported the Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment with major concessions but refused to exempt a foreign investor from the mandatory 8 percent gaming fee, rejecting claims that the administration blocked the EC$30 million project.
Freeland Champions Antigua and Barbuda's Innovation Drive at Global WIPO Assembly
Minister of State Michael Freeland represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 68th WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva, showcasing the country's intellectual property milestones, digital modernisation efforts and entrepreneurship programmes. His address highlighted achievements including the registration of the nation's first three collective trademarks and IP training for women entrepreneurs.
Security Exercise STRONGHOLD to Cause Road Closures Across Antigua July 8–10
A three-day national security exercise, STRONGHOLD, begins July 8 as part of preparations for CHOGM 2026, with road closures and traffic diversions expected across Antigua, including restricted access in parts of St. John's.
Police to Close Roads, Divert Traffic During Three-Day CHOGM Security Exercise
Security forces in Antigua will conduct a three-day exercise codenamed STRONGHOLD from July 8 to 10, 2026, prompting temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access in parts of St. John's as the country prepares to host CHOGM in November.
Opposition Senators Block Compulsory Land Acquisition Resolution Over Transparency Concerns
Opposition Senators have voted against a Government resolution to compulsorily acquire a small parcel of land near the former Deluxe Cinema site, citing a failure to provide Parliament with critical information on costs, negotiations, and planning rationale. Senator Malaka Parker argued that approving such a constitutionally significant power without adequate transparency and disclosure would be a failure of parliamentary duty.
PM Browne: Global Pressures Make Governing One of the Most Difficult Periods in Recent History
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described the current global geopolitical climate as "hostile" and among the most difficult environments in which to govern a small island state. Speaking on Saturday, Browne addressed both international pressures and domestic crime concerns, while highlighting a youth intervention programme that has seen former gang members graduate from ABCAS.
Parliament to Debate White Paper on US Deportee Agreement This Month
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Parliament will debate the government's White Paper on a proposed agreement to receive third-country nationals deported from the United States before the end of this month. The document has already been published for public review ahead of the legislative debate.
Barbuda Road Programme Gets Green Light as Government Pushes Broader Development Push
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that Barbuda's road improvement programme has received approval, with a new cargo port, airport upgrades, and housing construction also underway as part of a broader development push for the sister island.
Barbuda Cargo Port Construction to Launch Within 60 Days, PM Browne Announces
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that construction of a new cargo port in Barbuda will begin within 60 days, with the project forming part of a wider government infrastructure push on the sister island.
PM Browne Calls for Shift to Local Foods to Fight Chronic Disease
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on residents to eat more locally produced food, arguing that processed imports are contributing to chronic disease and rising healthcare costs. He also highlighted ongoing government investments in agriculture aimed at boosting domestic food production.
Antigua and Barbuda Ranks Among Caribbean's Wealthiest Nations, PM Browne Says
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says World Bank 2024 figures place Antigua and Barbuda's per capita income above US$21,300, positioning the twin-island nation as one of the Caribbean's highest-income countries. Browne credited his administration with raising per capita income by more than US$8,000 since taking office in 2014, while acknowledging the status limits access to concessional international financing.
Antigua and Barbuda's Debt-to-GDP Ratio Drops to 62%, PM Browne Reports
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda's debt-to-GDP ratio has declined to approximately 62 percent, citing economic growth and fiscal discipline, and projects a national surplus of around a quarter of a billion dollars.
Antigua's New Renal Unit Set to Open Within Two Months, PM Browne Says
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda's new renal unit is practically finished and will open within one to two months. The announcement comes alongside updates on a planned cardiac unit and a cancer treatment centre expected to open this fall.
Cancer Treatment Centre on Track to Open This Fall, PM Browne Says
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that Antigua and Barbuda's long-delayed cancer treatment centre is expected to open this fall, with all major medical equipment already procured. Browne also confirmed that a new renal unit is nearing completion and should be operational within one to two months.
Antigua Defies EU Demand to Scrap Citizenship by Investment Programme
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has rejected an EU demand to phase out its Citizenship by Investment Programme by 2028, insisting the critical revenue source will continue unless concrete replacement funding is provided. All five OECS states with active CBI programmes have received similar letters from the European Commission.
Antigua Rejects EU Demand to Scrap CBI Programme by 2028, Vows to Negotiate
The European Commission has formally requested that Antigua and Barbuda phase out its Citizenship by Investment Programme by June 2028, citing a revised EU Visa Suspension Mechanism. The Government has rejected a unilateral phase-out, vowing to negotiate replacement revenues while continuing the programme.
Antigua Explores US$100M Loan for Housing and Renewable Energy Push
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the Government is exploring a US$100 million concessional loan to fund affordable housing and renewable energy projects, as officials from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation prepare to visit the island this month. The announcement follows a notable reduction in the country's public debt to around 61 percent of GDP.
Booby Alley Redevelopment Nears Opening as Government Expands Housing Push
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the Booby Alley Redevelopment Project is nearing its official opening, calling it a key part of the government's wider housing agenda that also includes the HAPI programme and plans for a new concrete block plant.
US Development Finance Corporation to Visit Antigua to Discuss Major Project Funding
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that officials from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation are scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda on July 15 to explore funding options for housing, renewable energy, and port expansion. Browne indicated the government could borrow up to US$150 million if the U.S. can match the concessional terms currently offered by China.
Two Ministers Unite in Push for Stronger Child Protection Laws
Ministers Michael Freeland and Rawdon Turner are calling for stronger child protection laws and tougher penalties for sexual abusers, following a recent case involving the abuse of a five-year-old child. Freeland urged Parliament to review existing legislation and called on all sectors of society to unite behind legislative reform.