Politics
2068 articles
Health Minister Completes Island-Wide Clinic Tour for Nurses Week 2026
Health Minister Michael Joseph has completed visits to all 22 public clinics in Antigua during Nurses Week 2026, presenting personally sponsored gift baskets to nursing staff in recognition of their dedication and service. Visits to clinics in Barbuda are expected to follow.
Historic 1893 Broadwood Grand Piano Donated to Government House Museum
A 131-year-old Broadwood grand piano, originally purchased for £110, has been donated to the Government House Museum by Melanie Etherington, enriching the institution's Georgian-era collection. The instrument comes from the world's oldest continually operating piano maker, whose instruments were once gifted to both Chopin and Beethoven.
Ambassador Ali Outlines UAE-Antigua Ties After Labour's Landslide Election Win
Following the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party's landslide election victory and Prime Minister Gaston Browne's return for a fourth term, Ambassador Theon Ali has outlined the ongoing priorities shaping UAE-Antigua relations, including direct air links, digital cooperation, and a landmark renewable energy project on Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Nominates Former UN Assembly President Espinosa for Secretary-General
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally nominated former UN General Assembly President María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés as its candidate for UN Secretary-General, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne citing her experience, credibility and strategic vision. Espinosa has put forward a five-pillar transformation agenda aimed at making the United Nations more effective, accountable and credible.
PAHO Secures Reserved Pandemic Flu Vaccine Supply for Latin America and the Caribbean
The Pan American Health Organization has signed a historic agreement with CSL Seqirus to reserve pandemic influenza vaccine supplies for Latin America and the Caribbean, offering the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, a more equitable footing in future global health emergencies. The deal, reported by Antigua News Room, also includes regional manufacturing in Argentina through Sinergium Biotech.
ABEC Demands Retraction from Former Chairman, Threatens Legal Action Over Election Claims
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has demanded a retraction from former chairman Bruce Goodwin over comments questioning the Commission's independence and the legitimacy of the April 2026 General Elections, threatening legal action if necessary.
Senator Kirwan Vows Service Over Rhetoric as She Returns to the Senate
Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan has called for a politics of service over confrontation as she returns to the Senate, describing today's political climate as "caustic" and pledging to lead by example rather than rhetoric. The senator also paid tribute to her late mother while reaffirming her commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities.
Governor General Honours Senator Kirwan's Resilience as She Takes Oath Amid Bereavement
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams praised the courage of Senator-designate Jamilla Kirwan, who was sworn into the Senate on Monday while mourning the recent death of her mother. The ceremony at Government House marked Kirwan's return to the Upper House following her initial appointment as an independent senator in November 2025.
Senator Kirwan Invokes Late Mother's Legacy in Emotional Post-Swearing-In Address
Newly reappointed Senator Jamila Kirwan paid tribute to her late mother during an emotional address following Monday's Senate swearing-in ceremony, while also calling for stronger female representation in Parliament. Kirwan, reappointed after the April 30 general election, credited her mother's legacy of resilience as a guiding force in her public service.
ABEC Rejects Former Chairman's Allegations, Threatens Legal Action
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has strongly rejected allegations made by former Chairman Bruce Goodwin on a local talk programme, describing his claims as unfounded and malicious, and threatening legal action if he does not retract them.
ABEC Chairman Rejects 'False and Reckless' Election Claims by Former Deputy Chairman
ABEC Chairman Arthur G.B. Thomas has strongly rejected allegations made by former Deputy Chairman Bruce Goodwin, calling his claims about the April 30 general election 'false, reckless and wholly unsubstantiated.' The Commission insists its systems and procedures operate free from political direction.
Jamilla Kirwan Sworn In as Independent Senator Amid Personal Grief
Jamilla Monique Kirwan was reappointed to Antigua and Barbuda's Senate on Monday in a ceremony at Government House, with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams acknowledging both her return to public service and the personal loss she carries following the recent passing of her mother.
Minister Joseph Visits Fatal Accident Scene on All Saints Road, Urges Driver Caution
A beautification worker contracted by the National Solid Waste Management Authority was killed in a road accident along All Saints Road on Tuesday. Minister Michael Joseph visited the scene, offering condolences to the family and urging motorists to exercise greater caution near roadside workers.
ABRSC Essay Competition Draws Youth Voices on Reparatory Justice
The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has closed its national essay competition, receiving approximately 20 submissions from students at the secondary, college, and university levels. Winners will be announced by May 22nd, 2026, ahead of a prize-giving ceremony on May 29th.
New UPP Senator Wehner Vows Bipartisan Approach, Defends Party's Record on Youth
Newly sworn-in UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner has pledged a bipartisan approach in the Upper House while pushing back against claims that his party sidelines young members. Wehner cited his own appointment as proof that the UPP supports youth advancement.
UNDP Report Places Antigua and Barbuda in Top Human Development Tier Amid Regional Democracy Concerns
A new UNDP report has placed Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean's top human development tier with an HDI score of 0.851, while warning that democracies across the region face growing pressure from crime, climate change, economic vulnerability and declining public trust.
Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan to Be Sworn In at Government House
Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan is scheduled to be sworn in today at Government House, with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams presiding over the ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. The event continues the formation of the Senate following the ABLP's return to office in the 2026 general election.
Commentary: Prepared Leaders, Not Privileged Ones, Are What Democracy Demands
Leadership strategist Dr. Isaac Newton, writing for Antigua News Room, argues that democracy is weakened when entitlement, hardship, or popularity replace genuine preparedness as the basis for choosing leaders. He calls on Antigua and Barbuda — and all democracies — to evaluate leaders on discipline, character, and readiness to serve.
Randy Baltimore Takes Office as Agriculture Minister of State
Randy Baltimore has officially begun work as Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, pledging to prioritise collaboration and support for the country's farmers and fishers. His first day included meetings with Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. and ministry technical staff.
Pringle Vows Stronger Opposition as UPP Prepares to 'Come With Force'
Newly appointed Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says the United Progressive Party will "regroup and come with force" following its defeat in the April 30 general election. Pringle received his instruments of appointment at Government House on Monday and pledged a more aggressive and assertive opposition presence in Parliament.