Politics
2068 articles
Antigua and Barbuda Formalises Diplomatic Ties with Honduras
Antigua and Barbuda and Honduras have formally established diplomatic relations through the signing of a Joint Communiqué in Panama City, with both nations committing to closer cooperation on climate change, economic development, and regional issues.
Conservative Outsider Wins Colombia Presidency in Tight Runoff Vote
Right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella has won Colombia's presidential runoff election, defeating left-wing senator Iván Cepeda by roughly 250,000 votes. The Trump admirer and political newcomer is set to take office on August 7, signalling a shift back to conservative leadership after four years of left-wing rule.
PM Browne Calls for Sweeping OECS Commission Reforms as New Authority Chairman
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in his first address as OECS Authority chairman, has publicly called on Director General Didacus Jules to develop a reform plan that makes the OECS Commission leaner, more cost-effective and better equipped to serve member states. Browne framed the push for reform against a backdrop of global instability, emphasising that regional unity is essential for small island nations to remain resilient.
PM Browne Rejects US Deportee Proposal, Caps Arrivals at 10 Per Year
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected a US proposal to send large numbers of deportees to Antigua and Barbuda, submitting a counterproposal capping annual arrivals at 10. Browne made the announcement during his first address as chairman of the OECS Authority, warning that accepting 120 individuals was "totally unacceptable."
UWI Five Islands Law Programme May Face Enrollment Cap After 137 Applications Received
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says UWI Five Islands Campus may need to cap enrollment in its new law degree programme after receiving 137 applications, surpassing available space. The government has committed to covering approximately half of tuition costs for students entering the programme.
Letter: Tenant Rights Under Fire as Landlord Misconduct Raises Legal and Privacy Concerns
A concerned citizen has written to the Antiguan Herald raising alarm over a landlord's alleged failure to provide proper notice to a tenant and the sharing of the tenant's private bedroom footage in a public online group. The letter, as reported by Antigua.news, calls for greater accountability and a broader national conversation about tenant rights in Antigua and Barbuda.
PM Browne Eyes Broader Education Levy to Fund Schools at All Levels
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has indicated his government is weighing an expansion of the existing education levy to channel greater revenue into schools at every level, from early childhood through tertiary education. The proposal would target profitable businesses while potentially exempting companies earning less than EC$1 million annually.
OECS Leaders Convene in Antigua as PM Browne Takes Chairmanship
OECS heads of government are meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on June 21 and 22 for the body's 78th Authority meeting, during which Prime Minister Gaston Browne will assume the chairmanship of the subregional organisation.
OECS Authority's 78th Meeting to Be Held in Antigua and Barbuda This Weekend
Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday will attend the 78th OECS Authority Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on June 21–22, 2026, where he will hand over the OECS Chairmanship to Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Regional leaders will convene to discuss economic development, climate resilience, security, and integration.
Minister Turner Urges Fathers to 'Be the Rock' as Social Protection Board Marks Fifth Father's Day Drive
The Social Protection Board hosted its fifth annual Father's Day appreciation drive in St. John's on Friday, honouring fathers from all walks of life. Minister of Social Transformation Rawdon Turner urged fathers to remain present and active in their children's lives, calling on them to 'be the rock' their children need.
Caribbean Nations Deserve Stronger Voice in Global Climate Talks, Says Antiguan Minister
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and Environment Michael Joseph has called for greater representation of Small Island Developing States in global climate talks, arguing that Caribbean nations bear a disproportionate burden of climate change despite contributing negligibly to global emissions. Joseph made the appeal following his participation in the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026.
Opinion: Does Extending Antigua's Windfall Tax Truly Serve the Public Interest?
A governance professional has responded to a recent Antigua News Room opinion piece by challenging the framing of a proposal to extend and expand the Windfall Tax, arguing that critical questions about spending, accountability, and measurable outcomes must be answered before any expansion is considered.
OAS Official Calls for Renewed Development Commitment Ahead of Panama Assembly
OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development Ambassador Isabelle Valois is calling for renewed multilateral commitment to the Americas' unfinished development agenda ahead of the 56th OAS General Assembly in Panama City from June 22 to 24. Writing in an opinion piece reported by Antigua.news, Valois highlights critical gaps — including 160 million people without safe drinking water and nearly 10 million children out of school — while pointing to concrete OAS initiatives delivering results across the hemisphere.
Antigua and Barbuda Parliament Passes Tough New Cybercrime Penalties
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has passed cybercrime legislation imposing fines of up to EC$1 million on individuals or companies that refuse to provide electronic data to law enforcement. The Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill also targets local managers of companies that cite overseas headquarters as justification for non-compliance.
Letter: Tackling Mental Health Stigma in Antigua's Workplaces and Communities
A community member has written to Antigua News Room calling for an end to mental health stigma in workplaces and society, urging greater empathy and noting interest in the country's proposed mental health legislation.
Antigua and Barbuda Demands Greater Climate Justice Voice at Berlin Forum
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and Environment, Michael Joseph, is calling for greater representation for climate-vulnerable nations at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, warning that Small Island Developing States bear a disproportionate burden of the climate crisis despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Public Sector Workers Still Waiting on COVID-19 Back Pay Six Months After Deadline
A public sector employee is calling on the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to explain why COVID-19 salary compensation payments, expected to begin in January 2026, have still not been received by numerous eligible claimants six months later.
Government Threatens Prosecution Over Bus Stop Vandalism as Infrastructure Upgrades Planned
The Antiguan government has warned that individuals who vandalize bus stops and other public infrastructure could face prosecution and be ordered to pay for damages. The warning came as Cabinet announced plans to upgrade bus stops and road signage across the country.
Cabinet Approves Free UWI Tuition, Eyes Windfall Tax Expansion to Fund Education
Cabinet has approved free undergraduate tuition at the UWI Five Islands Campus and a 50 percent subsidy for law students, while opening discussions on expanding the Windfall Tax to all businesses earning annual profits of EC$1 million or more to help fund the initiative.
Minister Joseph Meets Climate Fund Director at Berlin Forum to Push for SIDS Access
Minister of Health and Environment Michael Joseph met with the Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, pressing for equitable climate finance access for Small Island Developing States. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and ensuring vulnerable nations can access timely support for climate-related loss and damage.