Politics
1592 articles
ABEC Bans Alcohol Sales on April 30 Election Day, Warns of Fines and Jail Time
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has banned alcohol sales on Election Day, April 30, warning that violators face fines of up to EC$3,000 and up to 12 months in prison. The prohibition, grounded in the Representation of the People Act, applies across all constituencies for the full duration of voting hours.
PM Browne Vows Crackdown on Gun Violence After Concert Shooting
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a statement condemning a shooting near an ABLP-organised concert, emphasising the incident was criminal and not politically motivated. He vowed to intensify the government's crackdown on illegal firearms and gang violence.
Trump Installs Columbus Statue on White House Grounds Amid Cultural Restoration Push
A 13-foot replica of a Christopher Columbus statue toppled during the 2020 racial justice protests has been installed on the White House grounds, as the Trump administration continues its push to restore monuments removed in the wake of the George Floyd demonstrations.
ABLP Megacade 2026 Kicks Off Live
The ABLP Megacade 2026 is currently underway, with live video of the event being streamed for public viewing, as reported by Antigua News Room.
Fuel Queues Stretch Across Antigua as ABLP Motorcade Draws Thousands
Petrol stations across Antigua experienced lengthy queues and temporary fuel shortages on Sunday as motorists prepared to participate in a large ABLP political motorcade ahead of the April 30 general election. Some drivers reported waits of over an hour as demand surged island-wide.
Long Queues at Gas Stations as Antiguans Prepare for ABLP 'Megacade'
Long lines formed at gas stations across Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday as motorists filled up ahead of the ABLP's island-wide 'megacade,' with the party reportedly covering costs for the pre-election event. Some drivers faced wait times of over an hour, with congestion reported near several commercial areas.
Thousands Rally at ABLP 'Red and Reddy' Concert Days Before General Election
Thousands of red-clad supporters filled the Rising Sun Grounds on Saturday night for the ABLP's 'Red and Reddy' concert, one of the governing party's final major campaign events before the 30 April general election. The night featured performances by Masicka, Sizzla, Burning Flames and others, doubling as a rally to energise voters.
Thousands Rally at ABLP's Red and Reddy Concert Ahead of April 30 Election
Thousands of ABLP supporters filled the Rising Sun Grounds on Saturday night for the party's Red and Reddy Concert, featuring top regional and local acts in a major show of support ahead of Antigua and Barbuda's April 30 general election.
Letter: UPP Accused of Using AI to Write Manifesto and Press Releases
A letter to the editor accuses the United Progressive Party of using artificial intelligence tools to generate both its election manifesto and a subsequent press release, citing the frequent use of em dashes as a telltale sign of AI-generated content.
PM Browne Offers Laptop, Board Appointment to Labour Queen Pageant Contestants
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a laptop prize for the top talent performer and a potential statutory board appointment for one contestant in this year's Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Queen Pageant, set for May 2 at the American University of Antigua. The announcement, made during the Browne and Browne programme, frames the pageant as a platform for youth leadership development ahead of the upcoming general election.
PM Browne Denies ABLP Manifesto Was AI-Generated
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has denied that the ABLP's election manifesto was generated using artificial intelligence, saying it reflects work compiled by himself and fellow party members. He made the remarks on the Browne and Browne programme amid opposition criticism of party platforms ahead of the general election.
PM Browne: $200M UWI Five Islands Expansion to Break Ground by Q3
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that more than $200 million will be invested in expanding the UWI Five Islands Campus, with spending expected to begin no later than the third quarter of this year.
PM Browne Pledges More Board Seats for Young Antiguans in Leadership Push
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to appoint more young people to statutory boards and the Senate, calling it a structured effort to build the next generation of national leadership. Browne said the initiative prioritises practical governance experience as a foundation for future leadership roles.
Trump Evacuated Unhurt After Gunfire Erupts at White House Correspondents' Dinner
President Donald Trump was evacuated unharmed from the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC, on Saturday after a gunman armed with multiple weapons charged a security checkpoint outside the event. One Secret Service officer was shot but saved by his bulletproof vest, and a suspect identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California was taken into custody.
UPP Fires Back at ABLP Criticism of Opposition Manifesto
The United Progressive Party has accused the Antigua Labour Party of dodging the substance of its newly released manifesto, alleging the ruling party is fixated on format and avoiding scrutiny of its 12-year record. According to Antigua News Room, the UPP says voters are demanding accountability and real solutions, not political distractions.
Voter ID Replacement Programme Tops 31,900 Applications Nationwide
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has surpassed 31,900 voter ID replacement applications processed, with completion rates ranging from 60% to 92% across constituencies. Officials are stepping up outreach in lower-performing areas as the programme pushes toward full nationwide coverage.
Electoral Commission Bans Alcohol Sales on Election Day, Warns of Stiff Penalties
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has issued a public notice banning the sale and distribution of alcohol during polling hours on Election Day, citing Section 27 of the Representation of the People Act. Violators face fines of up to EC$3,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months.
UPP Unveils Campaign Website with Diaspora Portfolio, Business Grants and Youth Land Pledges
The United Progressive Party has launched its 2026 campaign website ahead of the April 30 General Election, outlining pledges that include a Diaspora Affairs portfolio, $20,000 business grants, and a programme to distribute 2,000 land plots to young Antiguans and Barbudans. Political Leader Jamale Pringle presented the platform as a blueprint for a government that works for the people.
Letter: Critic Warns UPP Manifesto Risks Higher Taxes, Job Losses and Mounting Debt
A letter published by Antigua News Room warns that the UPP's manifesto could force the next government into raising taxes, cutting public services, or accumulating unsustainable debt. The author accuses the opposition party of releasing an irresponsible and uncosted set of promises ahead of the upcoming election.
ABLP Chairman Dismisses UPP's Online Policy Posting as 'No Plan'
ABLP Chairman E. P. Chet Greene has publicly dismissed the United Progressive Party's online policy platform as an incoherent collection of website fragments lacking any fiscal framework or credible plan. Greene, as reported by Antigua News Room, accused the UPP of disrespecting voters and warned of parallels with the party's 2004–2014 record in government.