Politics
2562 articles
St. Kitts PM Drew Vows Criminals Will Not Enter Federation Under US Migration Deal
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has assured the public that strict screening measures under a migration cooperation agreement with the United States will prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from entering the Federation. Three CARICOM nationals transferred from the US in May 2026 were flagged for immigration violations, not criminal convictions, and the process cost the Government nothing.
Antigua and Barbuda Signs Seven Healthcare Deals with Chinese University
Antigua and Barbuda has signed seven healthcare cooperation agreements with Hangzhou Normal University during Health Minister Michael Joseph's official visit to China. The deals cover telemedicine, specialist care, medical education and research, with the goal of expanding and modernising the country's healthcare services.
Antiguan Entrepreneur Speaks Out Against Government Policies in Impassioned Op-Ed
Antiguan entrepreneur and long-time civic advocate Yves R. Ephraim has penned a sweeping opinion piece outlining his deepening disillusionment with government policy, citing concerns ranging from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate to property rights, crime, telecommunications, and immigration. As reported by Antigua News Room, Ephraim traces his journey from a committed young patriot at independence to a citizen who says he can no longer stay silent.
Antigua Signs Seven Healthcare Agreements with Chinese University During Minister's China Visit
Antigua and Barbuda has signed seven healthcare cooperation agreements with Hangzhou Normal University during Health Minister Michael Joseph's official visit to China, covering telemedicine, specialist care, medical education and joint research. The deals include a five-year strategic framework and a cross-border telemedicine platform designed to reduce the need for patients to seek medical care overseas.
Opinion: How Anti-Black Racism Was Built — And Why the Caribbean Must Lead the Reckoning
In an opinion piece reported by Antigua News Room, UWI Five Islands Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson traces the historical construction of anti-Black racism from Iberian blood-purity laws to the 1661 Barbados slave code, arguing that the Caribbean — as both laboratory of racial domination and crucible of resistance — has both a unique obligation and unique tools to lead the global reckoning.
Antigua Explores Eye Care Partnership with Chinese Medical Institution
Health Minister Michael Joseph has visited China's HE Vision Group to explore a partnership that could bring ophthalmic scholarships, modern equipment and expanded eye care services to Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative supports the Ministry of Health's long-term ambition to establish a regional eye hospital serving the wider Caribbean.
Caribbean PMs Head to Brussels Over CBI Ultimatum — Here's What They Must Bring
Caribbean prime ministers have agreed to travel to Brussels after the EU demanded the shutdown of regional Citizenship by Investment programmes by 2028. Commentator Fletcher St. Jean argues the delegations must arrive with a concrete trade proposal — not merely a compliance defence — if the region is to convert a fiscal threat into a lasting economic compact.
Wallings Forest Reserve in Freefall as Bureaucratic Neglect Takes Its Toll
A recent summer camp visit to the Wallings Forest Area on July 16 has exposed the site's alarming deterioration, with visitors finding no restrooms, signage, or organised management in place. The letter writer calls on the Ministry of Agriculture to urgently reinstate structured oversight of what was once considered a model conservation reserve.
Benjamin Pledges Continued Investment in Police Technology and Training
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin used the Royal Police Force's 50th Recruit Training Course graduation to reaffirm the government's commitment to modernizing law enforcement through technology, specialized training and regional partnerships. His remarks highlighted recent acquisitions including the IBIS ballistic identification system, an expanded canine unit and an improved drone team.
Ministry of Health Cracks Down on Unauthorised Construction in Public Cemeteries
The Ministry of Health has warned the public that unauthorised construction at St. John's Public Cemetery and other public cemeteries will be halted and removed, with offenders potentially facing prosecution under the Public Health Act. Written approval from the Chief Health Inspector is required before any cemetery construction or alteration can begin.
Antigua and Barbuda Pushes Back on EU Call to Scrap Citizenship by Investment Programme
Antigua and Barbuda's government is defending its Citizenship by Investment Programme against EU pressure to phase out such schemes, calling its screening process one of the most rigorous in the world. Officials say they will engage the EU directly and work with OECS partners on a coordinated regional response.
U.S. Tightens Visa Rules for Students and Exchange Visitors, Impacting Antiguans
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is replacing the longstanding "duration of status" system with fixed admission periods for F, J and I visa holders, a move that could affect Antiguans and Barbudans studying or participating in exchange programmes in the United States. The changes, set to take effect 60 days after official publication, will increase administrative requirements for students, exchange visitors and the institutions that host them.
Antigua Government Eyes CCTV-Based Traffic Enforcement, But Hurdles Remain
The Antigua and Barbuda government is considering using its national CCTV network to automatically issue traffic tickets, but officials say legislative changes and new technology infrastructure must first be put in place. The matter was raised during Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing, as reported by Antigua News Room.
Trump Administration to Replace Open-Ended Student and Exchange Visa System with Fixed Time Limits
The Trump administration is replacing the open-ended "duration of status" visa system with fixed time limits for international students, exchange visitors and foreign journalists, a change that could significantly affect Antiguans and Barbudans studying or working in the United States. Those who exceed their authorised stay without obtaining an extension risk falling out of legal immigration status, with consequences for future U.S. travel.
CXC to Phase Out Traditional School-Based Assessments by 2027 Amid AI Concerns
The Caribbean Examinations Council has announced plans to phase out traditional School-Based Assessments for several CSEC and CAPE subjects from 2027, replacing them with a revised Paper 032 format in response to growing concerns about AI and academic integrity. Practical subjects such as Visual Arts and Agricultural Science will retain SBAs, while Mathematics, English, and other non-practical subjects will transition to the updated assessment model.
Sanders: Antigua Leads Caribbean on TCN Transparency While Small States Navigate U.S. Pressure
Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders argues that Antigua and Barbuda's transparent handling of U.S. Third-Country National proposals — including a published White Paper and parliamentary resolution — sets a regional standard for how small states can defend their sovereignty through principled, open engagement with powerful partners.
Antigua and Barbuda Co-Hosts Global Maritime Security Symposium with United States
Antigua and Barbuda co-hosted a three-day Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John's alongside the United States, drawing representatives from 26 countries to tackle sanctions evasion and the financing of weapons programmes through maritime channels.
Cabinet Makes CXC Exam Fee Support Permanent with Subject Caps
Cabinet has made permanent a programme covering CXC examination fees for eligible students, capping support at 10 CSEC, five CAPE and five CCSLC subjects per candidate. The policy, first introduced in the 2025–2026 academic year, applies to students at public and private secondary schools, approved home-schooling programmes and the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies.
Cabinet Approves CXC Fee Support Programme With Repayment Conditions
Cabinet has formalised the National CXC Examination Fee Support Programme, which covers examination fees for eligible secondary school students but includes repayment conditions for those who fail to complete assessments or sit their exams without a valid reason.
Health Ministry Moves to Enforce Cemetery Construction Rules Nationwide
The Ministry of Health has identified multiple cases of unauthorised construction in public cemeteries and is warning that such work will be halted, dismantled and removed under the Public Health Act. Offenders face prosecution, and all cemetery works must receive prior written approval from the Chief Health Inspector.