Politics
2562 articles
Perry Bay Squatters May Be Included in Government Housing Programme
The government may incorporate Perry Bay-Keeling Point squatters into its housing programme as it moves forward with plans to redevelop the waterfront area into a mixed-use community featuring housing, a marina and commercial lots. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant made the announcement Thursday at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing.
Government Calls High-Income Status 'Bittersweet' as Antigua Loses Access to Development Funds
The government has welcomed Antigua and Barbuda's classification as a high-income economy by the World Bank, but warns the designation cuts off the small island nation from critical concessional financing and development grants. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant described the milestone as "bittersweet" at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing.
Cabinet to Mandate Quarterly Performance Reports Across All Ministries
The Cabinet has approved a new policy requiring all government ministries and departments to deliver quarterly performance reports, with the Ministry of Tourism set to be the first to present within two weeks. The initiative, announced Thursday, is designed to boost transparency and accountability across the public sector.
Health Minister Heads to China to Secure AI Vision Screening for 80% of Population
Health Minister Michael Joseph is set to travel to China to negotiate an AI-powered vision screening partnership that the government says could reach more than 80 percent of Antigua and Barbuda's population by the end of 2026. The initiative, announced at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing, aims to modernize the country's eye care services through advanced diagnostic technology.
Cabinet Orders Quarterly Performance Reviews Across All Government Ministries
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a new quarterly performance review system requiring heads of departments and permanent secretaries to regularly present progress reports to ministers. The Ministry of Tourism will be the first to participate, with its presentation expected within two weeks.
Overseas Scholarships to Continue Alongside Free UWI Tuition, Government Says
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has confirmed that overseas scholarships will remain available for students, even as free undergraduate tuition at UWI Five Islands Campus is now in place. International scholarship assistance is generally limited to programmes not offered locally.
Antigua and Barbuda's Debt-to-GDP Ratio Approaches 60% After Major Chinese Loan Reduction
Antigua and Barbuda's debt-to-GDP ratio has dropped to approximately 60 percent after the government reduced its Chinese loan obligations from over US$300 million to roughly US$120 million, according to Antigua News Room. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant says the achievement improves the country's ability to secure international financing for future development projects.
Antigua Demands U.S. Cover All Costs Before Accepting Third-Country Deportees
Antigua and Barbuda's Government has released a White Paper demanding that the United States fully fund all costs associated with any third-country deportees before transfers can be approved. The document also calls for reciprocal benefits, including relief from U.S. visa restrictions on Antiguan and Barbudan citizens.
Antigua Demands U.S. Visa Restrictions Be Lifted Before Accepting Deported Third-Country Nationals
Antigua and Barbuda has released a White Paper outlining its conditions for accepting third-country nationals deported from the United States, demanding the lifting of blanket U.S. visa restrictions as a prerequisite for any cooperation. The Government insists any agreement must be fully funded, strictly limited, and deliver clear, written reciprocal benefits to the country.
Cabinet Freezes Fuel Prices, Reports Sharp Drop in Chinese Debt and Revenue Surge
Cabinet has frozen retail fuel prices, held gasoline at EC$14.50 and diesel at EC$14.25 per gallon, while reporting a sharp reduction in Chinese-funded debt from over US$300 million to roughly US$120 million and a record customs revenue haul of EC$276.85 million for the first half of 2026.
Health Minister Tours Medicinal Cannabis Authority, Calls for Greater Public Education
Health Minister Hon. Michael Joseph toured the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority and licensed dispensaries, praising the sector's regulatory rigour while calling for stronger public education on the distinction between medicinal and recreational cannabis use.
ABCAS Makes History with Inaugural Commencement, Honouring Over 200 Graduates
The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) held its inaugural Commencement Ceremony on July 2, honouring more than 200 graduates as the institution's historic first graduating class. The milestone marks the culmination of a major transition in public tertiary education following the unification of three former colleges.
Five Islands School and UWI Campus Expansion Projects Stay on Track
Construction of the new Five Islands Primary School is on schedule, while around 18 firms have expressed interest in the UWI Five Islands Campus expansion ahead of the August 14 bid deadline. Cabinet received updates on both projects at its latest meeting.
Cabinet Approves Rent-to-Own Housing Scheme Backed by US$20M Chinese Funding
Cabinet has approved rent-to-own housing arrangements for new developments in Bolans and Barbuda, backed by approximately US$20 million in funding from the People's Republic of China. The initiative aims to help families transition into home ownership through the Government's Social Housing Programme.
Cabinet Commends Minister Turner for Regional Disaster Management Role
Cabinet has commended Minister for Social and Urban Transformation Hon. Rawdon Turner for his representation of Antigua and Barbuda at the 16th CDEMA Council of Ministers meeting, praising the country's growing leadership in regional disaster management.
Customs Revenue Hits EC$276.9M as Antigua Keeps Fuel Prices Among ECCU's Lowest
Antigua and Barbuda's Customs and Excise Division collected EC$276.85 million in the first half of 2026, surpassing the same period last year, as the Government also reported a sharp reduction in Chinese-financed debt and confirmed fuel prices remain among the lowest in the ECCU.
Cabinet Approves EC$16.5M Healthcare Overhaul for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
Cabinet has approved an EC$16.5 million investment package to modernise the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, covering new medical equipment, a CT scanner, specialist services and expanded pharmacy operations. The initiative is described as one of the most comprehensive healthcare upgrades undertaken in Antigua and Barbuda in recent years.
PM Browne Congratulates Trump, American People on U.S. 250th Independence Anniversary
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to U.S. President Donald Trump to congratulate him and the American people on the upcoming 250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence. In his letter, Browne drew parallels between America's founding ideals and Antigua and Barbuda's own journey to nationhood, while reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
Government Plans to Convert Darkwood Beach into Public Park
The Antiguan government has announced plans to redevelop Darkwood Beach into a public park, with Cabinet directing that an Environmental Impact Assessment be completed before construction begins. No timeline or details on proposed facilities have been released.
Government to Table White Paper on U.S. Deportee Proposals in Special Parliament Session
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has published a White Paper on U.S. proposals to transfer third-country nationals to the country, with a Special Session of Parliament scheduled for the week of July 13 to debate the matter.