Politics
1019 articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UPP Candidate Warns of Possible UK, EU Visa Restrictions on Antiguans and Barbudans
UPP candidate Ashworth Azille has warned that Antigua and Barbuda could face visa restrictions from the United Kingdom and European Union, linking the potential measures to concerns over the country's Citizenship by Investment Programme. Azille also raised alarm over high US visa refusal rates and shortened approved stay durations for Antiguan travellers.
Minority Leader Withholds Support for Festivals Commission Bill, Demands Broader Consultation
Senate Minority Leader David Massiah has refused to support the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026, citing inadequate consultation and insufficient time for senators to review the legislation. While backing the concept of a formal festivals authority, Massiah is calling on the government to pursue a more inclusive process before moving the bill forward.
US Appeals Court Rejects Bid to Obtain Financial Records Tied to Alfa Nero Case
A US appeals court has upheld the quashing of subpoenas sought by Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov for financial records linked to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, ruling her application too speculative to meet the legal threshold required under US law. The decision marks a significant procedural win for Browne and other parties named in the Alfa Nero-related case.
Senate Majority Leader Outlines Powers and Structure of New Festivals Commission Bill
Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia has outlined the structure and powers of the proposed Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, a new statutory body that would oversee the management and financing of national festivals including Carnival. The bill establishes a 13-member Cabinet-appointed board, a dedicated Festivals Commission Fund, and wide-ranging operational and licensing powers.
Letter: Seasonal Gifts or Genuine Governance? A Call for Accountability from Every Candidate
A public letter published by Antigua News Room is calling on citizens to distinguish between genuine community service and election-driven gift-giving, while urging candidates ahead of the 2026 general election to sign a formal accountability pledge. The writer, identifying as "The Mirror Holder," criticises both sides of the political divide for failing to uphold electoral law and demands a citizen-led social contract to hold representatives accountable.
Government Launches Island-Wide Road Rehabilitation Drive
The government has launched a nationwide road rehabilitation programme targeting communities including Seaton's Hill, Fry's Hill, Bendals, and Glanvilles, with round-the-clock crews deployed to address long-standing infrastructure concerns. Works on the heavily criticised All Saints Road are also expected to begin shortly.
Government Launches Round-the-Clock Road Repair Campaign Across Antigua and Barbuda
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a major round-the-clock road repair campaign, responding to years of public concern over crumbling infrastructure.