Politics
558 articles
Govt Recruits Six New EMTs as Emergency Call Volumes Surge
The Ministry of Health has received Cabinet approval to recruit six new Emergency Medical Technicians as emergency call volumes managed by ABEMS rose from 14,318 in 2022 to 16,311 in 2024. Five of the new positions will support a planned 24-hour outpost at the Glanvilles Polyclinic.
Cabinet Launches National Clean-Up Drive Ahead of CHOGM 2025
The Cabinet has announced a national clean-up campaign to be carried out across Antigua and Barbuda within the next two weeks, targeting litter, overgrown vegetation, and drainage issues as the country prepares for CHOGM 2025. The initiative also follows a February environmental incident at the Cooks Landfill, with a fishing ban in the affected area still in effect.
Restoration of 1.2M-Gallon Water Tank Underway at Crabbs, Minister Confirms
Work has begun on restoring a 1.2 million imperial gallon water storage tank at Crabbs, Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas has confirmed. The project forms part of wider upgrades to Antigua and Barbuda's Water Utilities system.
Dominica's Electoral Reform Coalition Marks One Year Since Crackdown on Peaceful Protesters
Dominica's Electoral Reform Coalition has marked one year since police arrested twenty-five peaceful protesters outside Parliament under the Riot Act of 1897, as the coalition continues to press for genuine electoral reform and the resolution of outstanding court cases against those detained.
MP Lewis Steps In With Temporary Road Fix for Gray's Hill Residents
Opposition MP Richard S. Lewis has arranged temporary road repairs in Gray's Hill after residents voiced growing frustration over deteriorating conditions, vowing to continue pushing for a permanent fix from authorities.
Commentary: The Iran War's Economic and Legal Toll on the Caribbean
A commentary by Sir Ronald Sanders argues that the war in Iran is already inflicting economic pain on Caribbean nations through rising oil prices, freight costs, and supply chain disruptions, while raising urgent questions about international law, sovereignty, and the failure of regional bodies to mount a unified response.
Letter: Critics Slam Harold Lovell's Leadership Amid UPP Internal Turmoil
A published letter, as reported by Antigua News Room, accuses former UPP leader Harold Lovell of evasive and ineffective leadership following a recent media appearance, citing his refusal to challenge for the party leadership and alleged willingness to sidestep the UPP's own constitution.
Antiguan Crown Counsel Zachary Phillips Named 2026 Legal Coordinator for AOSIS
Antiguan Crown Counsel Zachary Phillips has been appointed Legal Coordinator for 2026 for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), where he will provide legal and strategic guidance across key international climate negotiations. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda hailed the appointment as a reflection of the country's standing in global climate diplomacy.
Cabinet Approves National Art Gallery Bearing Christopher Holder's Name for Historic St. John's Building
Cabinet has formally approved the creation of the Christopher Holder National Art Gallery of Antigua and Barbuda, to be established in the historic former Catholic School building near Government House in St. John's. The project will be fully funded through a partnership between the Halo Foundation Inc. and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust.
Historic Catholic School to Be Transformed into National Art Gallery
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of the Christopher Holder National Art Gallery, to be housed in the historic former Catholic School building adjacent to Government House in St. John's. The restoration, funded through a partnership between the Halo Foundation Inc. and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, is expected to be completed by October 2026.
Cabinet Launches Nationwide Clean-Up Campaign Set to Begin Within Two Weeks
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has announced a national clean-up campaign set to roll out within two weeks, taking a coordinated, multi-agency approach to environmental management and community beautification. The initiative builds on ongoing efforts by the National Solid Waste Management Authority and partner agencies.
Cabinet Offers Crown Land Sales to Long-Term Occupants at EC$1 Per Square Foot
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed a policy allowing citizens who have occupied Crown lands for more than ten years to purchase up to a quarter-acre at a concessional rate of EC$1.00 per square foot. The initiative aims to promote homeownership, formalise informal settlements, and expand economic opportunities for long-term occupants.
Government Moves Ahead on All Saints Road Works, Bypassing AmDex Delays
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has tasked the Ministry of Works with beginning rehabilitation of All Saints Road next week, bypassing delays in negotiations with Canadian firm AmDex over a wider EC$100 million road improvement programme.
MP Fernandez Marks Near-Decade of Laptop Gifts to Cedar Grove Primary Graduates
MP Max Fernandez has distributed more than 20 laptops to Cedar Grove Primary School's 2025 graduating class, continuing a programme now in its tenth consecutive year. The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families while equipping students with digital tools for secondary school.
ABLP Plans April 2026 National Convention on Heels of By-Election Win
The ABLP is preparing for a national convention in April 2026, following its decisive by-election win in St. Philip's North. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged party branches to begin organizing, with candidate ratification and leadership elections on the agenda.
TSA Staffing Crisis Triggers Long Airport Wait Times Amid U.S. Government Shutdown
TSA security checkpoints across the United States are overwhelmed as hundreds of officers call out of work without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown. More than 360 TSA employees have resigned since the shutdown began on February 14, with officials warning that airports could face further, more severe disruptions.
U.S. Expands Visa Bond Program to 50 Nations, Including Antigua and Barbuda
The U.S. State Department is expanding its visa bond program to 50 countries as of April 2, requiring nationals — including those from Antigua and Barbuda — to post a $15,000 bond before receiving business or tourism visas. Officials say the measure curbs illegal overstays and reduces costs to American taxpayers.
Grenada Among 12 Nations Added to US Visa Bond Programme
The United States has added Grenada and 11 other countries to its visa bond programme, effective April 2, 2026, requiring eligible B1/B2 visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000. The expansion brings the total number of countries covered by the pilot programme to 50.
St. Philip's North By-Election Win Masks Deeper Engagement Gap, Analyst Warns
The ABLP's Randy Baltimore won the St. Philip's North by-election with 69.42 percent of votes, but a voter turnout of just 67.27 percent has prompted a leadership analyst to warn that political dominance without meaningful citizen engagement risks becoming fragile. Writing for Antigua News Room, Dr. Isaac Newton argues the silence of non-voters carries a strategic message that leaders ignore at their peril.
PM Browne Calls on Africa and Caribbean to Dismantle 'Extractive' Economic Legacy
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged African and Caribbean leaders to dismantle historically "extractive" economic systems rooted in colonialism and slavery, calling for a shift toward locally owned and productive economies. He made the remarks while hosting a Nigerian royal delegation in Antigua, as reported by Antigua News Room.