Commentary: Have We Crucified Our Own Healthcare System?

Commentary: Have We Crucified Our Own Healthcare System?

In a wide-ranging commentary published by Antigua News Room, Dr. Lester Simon argues that the departure of Cuban healthcare workers has exposed deep failures in Antigua and Barbuda's health planning, calling for a fundamental overhaul of how the country develops and sustains its own medical infrastructure.

April 02, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Back Pay Retroactive Pay Image

Treasury Begins Retroactive Pay for Public Servants Covering 2018–2023

The Treasury Department has begun issuing retroactive payments to public servants for the contract period January 2018 to December 2023, with no statutory deductions to be applied in accordance with a Cabinet decision. Payments are being processed by Ministry and Department in tranches, with former employees also encouraged to come forward.

April 02, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres to Extend Hours from April 13

Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres to Extend Hours from April 13

The Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres will begin extended operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, starting April 13, 2026, following a brief delay from the originally announced start date. The move is aimed at improving community access to primary care and reducing pressure on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

April 02, 2026 · Antigua News Room
UPP Supporter Refuses to Vote Amid Leadership Confusion Between Lovell and Pringle

UPP Supporter Refuses to Vote Amid Leadership Confusion Between Lovell and Pringle

A UPP supporter has publicly declared they will abstain from voting in the party's leadership contest, citing a troubling personal encounter with Harold Lovell and expressing firm support for rival Jamal Pringle. The letter, reported by Antigua News Room, highlights deepening divisions within the opposition party.

April 02, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Lewis Tackles Illegal Dump Sites, Calls for Structured Bulk Waste Collection

Lewis Tackles Illegal Dump Sites, Calls for Structured Bulk Waste Collection

St. John's Rural West candidate Richard S. Lewis led a clean-up of illegal dump sites in his constituency this week, calling on the NSWMA to implement scheduled bulk waste collection to address what he described as a persistent public health concern.

April 02, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Letter to Editor: Concerns Raised Over Academic Standards and Accountability in Local Schools

Letter to Editor: Concerns Raised Over Academic Standards and Accountability in Local Schools

A member of the public has written to the editor raising formal concerns about academic misconduct, literacy gaps, and administrative practices said to be undermining standards and fairness in Antigua and Barbuda's education system. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, calls on the Ministry of Education to strengthen policies and enforcement across all schools.

April 02, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Road Works Ministry Reports Surge in Infrastructure Upgrades Across Antigua

Road Works Ministry Reports Surge in Infrastructure Upgrades Across Antigua

The Ministry of Works says road upgrade efforts intensified across Antigua in March, with the execution phase of the All Saints Road project now officially underway. The Ministry credited Public Works teams, contractors, and partner agencies for sustaining the increased pace of improvements.

April 02, 2026 · Antigua News Room
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Former Gov't Worker Decries Repeated Backpay Delays by Treasury

A former government employee has written to Antigua News Room to voice frustration over months of delays in receiving backpay from the Treasury, with deadlines repeatedly pushed back since December 2024. The writer says Treasury staff have been unable to provide clear answers either in person or by phone.

April 02, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Parliament Dissolved, Election Clock Begins Ticking

Parliament Dissolved, Setting Stage for Antigua and Barbuda General Election

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has signed a proclamation dissolving Parliament, with effect from April 1, 2026, officially triggering the countdown to a general election in Antigua and Barbuda. A polling date has yet to be announced.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua.news
Census Field Operations Suspended Ahead of Antigua and Barbuda General Elections

Census Field Operations Suspended Ahead of Antigua and Barbuda General Elections

The Census Office has temporarily suspended all field operations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census ahead of the upcoming general elections in Antigua and Barbuda. Officials say the pause is intended to safeguard the integrity of both the census process and the electoral process.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Nearly Half of Antigua's Voters Yet to Renew ID Cards, ABEC Data Shows

Nearly Half of Antigua's Voters Yet to Renew ID Cards, ABEC Data Shows

Nearly half of Antigua and Barbuda's eligible voters have yet to renew their voter ID cards, with ABEC data showing just over 23,000 of an estimated 40,000 required transactions completed. The shortfall raises concerns about voter eligibility ahead of a general election expected in the coming months.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Letter: Antiguan Calls for Two-Year Election Cycle to End Pre-Poll Service Spree

Letter: Antiguan Calls for Two-Year Election Cycle to End Pre-Poll Service Spree

A letter published by Antigua News Room calls on the next Parliament to implement constitutional reform establishing two-year election cycles, arguing that basic public services are only delivered in the lead-up to by-elections and general elections.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
ABLP's Dwayne George Defends Bolans Playing Field Amid Unfit-for-Play Claims

ABLP's Dwayne George Defends Bolans Playing Field Amid Unfit-for-Play Claims

ABLP candidate for St. Mary's South Dwayne George has rejected claims that the Bolans playing field is unfit for use, citing a recent football match held under newly installed lighting as proof of the facility's operational condition.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Senator Freeland Builds Momentum in St. George Through Community Engagement

Senator Freeland Builds Momentum in St. George Through Community Engagement

Senator the Hon. Michael Freeland is making his mark in the St. George constituency through a series of community contributions, infrastructure initiatives, and daily canvassing, as the constituency prepares for an electoral contest. According to Antigua News Room, his hands-on approach is generating growing confidence among residents on the ground.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Attorney General: Smoking Laws Under Review After Next General Election

Attorney General: Smoking Laws Under Review After Next General Election

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has announced that laws governing public smoking will be reviewed after the next general election, with authorities considering alternatives to arrest as the primary enforcement tool. Existing restrictions under the Tobacco Control Act 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2024 remain in force in the interim.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Senate Passes Stricter Anti-Money Laundering Rules for Special Economic Zones

Senate Passes Stricter Anti-Money Laundering Rules for Special Economic Zones

The Antiguan Senate has passed amendments to the country's Special Economic Zone legislation, introducing stricter anti-money laundering rules and expanded regulatory powers for both new applicants and existing operators. Existing businesses within the zones have six months to comply with the new requirements.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Solar Street Lights Being Installed Across St. Peter Constituency

Solar Street Lights Being Installed Across St. Peter Constituency

ABLP St. Peter candidate Rawdon Turner says upgraded solar street lights are being installed across the constituency, with new fixtures already lighting sections of the community.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Antigua Carnival 2026 Launch Postponed Amid Scheduling Conflicts

Festivals Commission Postpones Antigua Carnival 2026 Launch from April Date

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has postponed the official Carnival 2026 launch, originally scheduled for April 11 at the Rising Sun Grounds, due to scheduling conflicts. A new date is expected to be announced soon.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua.news
Antigua and Barbuda Enters Election Mode as Parliament Dissolved

Antigua and Barbuda Enters Election Mode as Parliament Dissolved

Parliament has been dissolved in Antigua and Barbuda, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne invoking Section 60 of the Constitution and setting the stage for a general election expected within weeks. The ABLP enters the race leading in the polls, while the Democratic National Alliance has confirmed it will not contest the vote.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room
MP Maria Browne Completes Three-Day Bulk Waste Drive in St John's Rural East

MP Maria Browne Completes Three-Day Bulk Waste Drive in St John's Rural East

MP Maria Vanessa Browne led a three-day bulk waste collection exercise in St John's Rural East over the weekend, resulting in the removal of large volumes of waste and the targeting of derelict vehicles across several communities. The initiative was praised for its strong community participation.

April 01, 2026 · Antigua News Room