Politics
1019 articles
PM Browne Pushes for Separate $3,000 Minimum Wage for Hotel Workers
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has proposed a separate, higher minimum wage for hotel workers, suggesting a benchmark of $3,000 per month — well above the $2,200 baseline planned for other sectors. Browne cited the industry's reliance on tips and service charges as leaving workers financially vulnerable.
All Saints West Clinic Nears Completion as Election Debate Heats Up
ABLP candidate Anthony Smith Jr. says the All Saints West health clinic will be completed within days, promising expanded services including dental care and a 24-hour pharmacy. The project's timing, just before the April 30 general election, has sparked debate over whether it reflects political priorities or overdue community investment.
St. George Independent Candidate Calls for Executive Accountability Over Constituency Development
Independent St. George candidate Gail Pero-Weston is calling for a structural shift that places responsibility for infrastructure and national development with the executive branch rather than individual MPs. The attorney-at-law made the case ahead of the April 30 general election, framing her campaign around governance reform and long-term accountability.
Parham Courts Reopen After 25 Years as Turner Pledges Continued Service to St. Peter
ABLP candidate Rawdon Turner has celebrated the reopening of Parham's basketball and netball courts after 25 years, calling it a sign of progress while vowing to continue serving the St. Peter constituency ahead of the general election.
PM Browne Urges Voters to Reject 'Untested' Opposition Ahead of April 30 Election
Prime Minister Gaston Browne used the ABLP's manifesto launch to warn voters against supporting the opposition, arguing that global uncertainty demands experienced leadership ahead of the April 30 general election. Browne pointed to his administration's economic record, including repealing personal income tax and raising the minimum wage, as justification for a continued mandate.
Voter ID Replacement Applications Surge to 482 in a Single Week
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission recorded 482 replacement voter ID card applications in a single week, with 393 processed in one day alone. The surge reflects growing electoral activity as voters prepare for the upcoming general election.
Letter: Alan Weston a True Son of St. Paul's, NSA Funding Claims Addressed
A letter published by Antigua News Room defends St. Paul's political candidate Alan Weston against allegations of outside influence, while raising alarm over the reduced reach of the National Sailing Academy following the collapse of a proposed US $700,000-backed sustainability plan.
PM Browne Questions Pringle's Fitness for Office in Pointed Campaign Address
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly questioned opposition leader Jamale Pringle's ability to represent Antigua and Barbuda internationally, arguing during a campaign address that only experienced, globally credible leadership can steer the country through uncertain times.
Government Launches Rent-to-Own Housing Programme for Families Without Mortgages
Works and Housing Minister Maria Browne has announced a government rent-to-own housing programme aimed at helping families who cannot qualify for traditional mortgages build equity and achieve homeownership. The initiative was unveiled at the ABLP manifesto launch ahead of the April 30 general election.
Fernandez Claims Record 800,000+ Cruise Passengers as Tourism Rebounds
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez announced that Antigua and Barbuda has surpassed 800,000 cruise passenger arrivals this season, calling it evidence of a strong post-pandemic recovery. The figures were revealed at the ABLP manifesto launch ahead of the April 30 general election.
Browne Calls Early Election to Secure Strong Mandate Amid Global Uncertainty
Prime Minister Gaston Browne used the ABLP's manifesto launch to defend the timing of the April 30 general election, arguing that a strong public mandate is essential for Antigua and Barbuda to navigate pressing global challenges. Browne framed the early election as a matter of national clarity rather than political convenience.
PM Browne Champions Women in Politics at ABLP Manifesto Launch Ahead of April 30 Vote
Prime Minister Gaston Browne championed women's political participation at the ABLP manifesto launch, spotlighting female candidates Kiz Johnson and Maria Browne ahead of the April 30 general election. His remarks framed inclusive governance as central to the party's platform as campaigning enters its final stretch.
Antigua Absorbs Fuel Costs as St. Vincent Hikes Electricity Surcharge
The Antigua and Barbuda government is subsidising fuel at roughly $1.67 per gallon and reducing consumption taxes to shield consumers from rising global energy costs, while neighbouring St. Vincent and the Grenadines has raised its electricity fuel surcharge to $0.6650 per kWh for April 2026. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned the subsidy approach may not be sustainable if international prices continue to climb.
PM Browne Pledges 'Zero Tolerance' on Crime at ABLP Manifesto Launch
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pledged a "zero tolerance" stance on crime at the ABLP's manifesto launch, citing his administration's safety record and urging voters to back continuity ahead of the April 30 general election.
AG Benjamin Pledges First Law School for Antigua and Barbuda
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has pledged to bring Antigua and Barbuda's first law school to the twin-island nation, allowing students to complete full legal training at home. The initiative, outlined under the ABLP's 2026–2031 manifesto, would also serve students across the OECS.
Government Plans New Housing Projects for St Johnson's Village, Cedar Valley and Paynters
Works and Housing Minister Maria Browne has announced new housing developments planned for St Johnson's Village, Cedar Valley and Paynters, with projects from both the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the National Housing Authority expected to launch before year's end. The initiatives form part of the ABLP's 'Renaissance' manifesto ahead of the April 30 general election.
PM Browne Pledges Zero Tolerance on Gun Violence in 2026 Labour Manifesto
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pledged zero tolerance for gun violence and gang activity, announcing stronger legislation as a cornerstone of the Labour Party's 2026 manifesto amid a troubling surge in shooting incidents across Antigua and Barbuda.
PM Browne Calls for Election of Kiz Johnson and Maria Browne to Parliament
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly called for the election of Kiz Johnson and Maria Browne to Parliament, naming them as priority candidates during the ABLP manifesto launch ahead of the April 30 general election. Browne framed their candidacies as central to his administration's commitment to gender equity and women's leadership in Antigua and Barbuda.
Open Letter Challenges PM on Youth Development and ABS Leadership
A concerned citizen has published an open letter challenging the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to reconcile its youth development rhetoric with leadership and modernisation failures at the state-owned Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service. The letter, as reported by Antigua News Room, criticises the extension of post-retirement contracts at ABS and the station's failure to engage younger audiences on digital platforms.
PM Browne Urges Voters to Choose Stability Over Risk at ABLP Manifesto Launch
Prime Minister Gaston Browne launched the ABLP's 2026 election manifesto on Wednesday, urging voters to choose continuity over risk as the April 30 general election approaches. Browne cited tax reforms, wage increases and infrastructure development as evidence of his administration's readiness to navigate global uncertainty.