Politics
1592 articles
ABLP's Benjamin Pledges Adult Daycare, Recreation Programmes for Antigua's Elderly
ABLP candidate for St. Mary's North Dr. Philmore Benjamin has outlined plans for adult daycare facilities, recreational programmes and improved transportation to support the country's elderly population. He made the pledge ahead of the April 30 general elections.
ABLP Promises 270+ New Homes and Rent-to-Own Programme in 2026 Manifesto
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has launched its 2026 "Renaissance" manifesto, promising over 270 new homes and a rent-to-own programme aimed at helping working-class families achieve homeownership. Housing Minister Maria Bird Browne outlined plans for new communities across Antigua and Barbuda, including expanded land access and fully serviced residential developments.
Fernandez Targets Roads, Water and Healthcare in St. John's Rural North Campaign
Incumbent Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has identified roads, water supply and healthcare access as his top priorities for St. John's Rural North ahead of the April 30 general election. Fernandez says work is ongoing across all three areas, though he acknowledges that aging infrastructure continues to pose challenges.
ABLP Candidate Dwayne George Fires Back at Opponent's Claims, Demands Truthful Political Discourse
ABLP candidate Dwayne George has publicly rejected allegations made by political opponent Kelvin "Shuggy" Simon, calling the claims falsehoods and pledging to uphold a standard of truth and accountability in political discourse.
Walker Vows Barbuda Will Never Accept Land Sales, Eyes April 30 Election
Barbuda People's Movement leader Trevor Walker has reaffirmed his party's absolute opposition to the sale of Barbudan lands, warning that freehold ownership would rob future generations of their most vital resource. Walker made the remarks at a BPM rally this week, framing the April 30 general election as a defining moment for the island's communal land tenure system.
Three Marginal Seats Will Decide Antigua's General Election, Analyst Says
Political analyst Arvel Grant says Antigua's upcoming general election will be decided in three constituencies — City East, St. George, and St. Mary's North — all won by margins of less than three percent at the last vote. Grant has outlined what both the ruling ABLP and opposition UPP must achieve to form the next government.
Antigua and Barbuda Voter ID Replacement Reaches 61% Completion
The Electoral Commission reports that 31,391 voters have completed the ID replacement process, putting Antigua and Barbuda at roughly 61% completion nationwide as of April 2026. Progress varies widely across constituencies, with St Peter leading at 91% and several urban areas still lagging behind.
Electoral Commission Reminds Employers: Workers Must Get Paid Time Off to Vote
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has reminded employers that they are legally required to grant workers four consecutive paid hours to vote on polling day during the 2026 general elections. Deducting pay or penalising employees for taking this time is prohibited under the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2001.
Solid Waste Workers Strike Over Unpaid Back Pay and Poor Conditions
Workers at the National Solid Waste Management Authority downed tools and staged a protest today, demanding back pay, improved landfill conditions, and leadership changes. Management says progress is underway and attributes the unrest to misunderstandings.
ABLP to Host Free Star-Studded 'Red & Reddy' Concert Saturday at Rising Sun Grounds
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will host its free 'Red & Reddy' concert this Saturday, April 25, at the Rising Sun Grounds, featuring an array of international, regional and local artists including Masicka, Sizzla, Burning Flames and Destra. According to Antigua News Room, the event begins at 7:00 PM and is open to the public.
Foreign Affairs Ministry Denies Claims That PM's U.S. Visa Was Revoked
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied circulating claims that Prime Minister Gaston Browne's U.S. visa has been revoked, calling the allegations false and politically motivated. The U.S. Embassy in Barbados has confirmed there is no basis for the suggestion.
Fernandez Touts $1.5B Tourism Pipeline, Calls Sector 'Lifeblood' of Economy
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has unveiled an approximately US$1.5 billion investment pipeline and declared tourism the "lifeblood" of Antigua and Barbuda's economy at the ABLP's 2026 manifesto launch. The minister cited record cruise arrivals and major upcoming developments as evidence of sustained growth and international confidence in the destination.
PM Browne Dismisses UPP's Six-Month Stay Proposal, Says Policy Already Exists
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has dismissed a UPP opposition proposal to extend CARICOM nationals' legal stay to six months, saying the policy is already in place. According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks in response to opposition leader Jamale Pringle's campaign pledge.
Browne Fires Back at Pringle Land Proposal, Cites Existing $3-Per-Square-Foot Programme
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected a UPP land proposal by opposition leader Jamale Pringle, contending that Crown land is already being sold for as little as $3 per square foot under an existing government programme. Pringle had pledged during a campaign rally to offer 8,000-square-foot plots to Antiguans and Barbudans under 35 at no more than $5 per square foot.
NSWMA Workers Stage Protest Over Back Pay and Poor Working Conditions
Around 60 NSWMA workers staged a protest Wednesday outside the Multipurpose Cultural Centre, demanding outstanding back pay, improved working conditions, and better communication from management. Several workers also called openly for the removal of General Manager Indira James-Henry.
China Donates Solar Kits to Antigua and Barbuda to Aid Vulnerable Households
The Department of Environment received a donation of solar energy kits from the People's Republic of China in a formal handover ceremony, with the kits set to benefit low-income and vulnerable households across Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative includes a technical training component to build local capacity in solar energy installation and maintenance.
PM Brown Defends Infrastructure Spending, Urges Public Patience
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended the government's multi-hundred-million-dollar infrastructure programme, urging patience from residents while outlining ongoing road and water improvement projects nationwide. The remarks came during the ABLP's 2026 manifesto launch at the American University of Antigua, as reported by Antigua.news.
ABLP's Johnson Pledges Roads, Lighting and Water in First 100 Days
ABLP candidate for St. Philip's South Kiz Johnson has outlined road improvements, street lighting upgrades and water access as her top priorities for the first 100 days should she win the April 30 election. Johnson pointed to infrastructure work already underway in the constituency, including road paving in Lyons Estate and Christian Hill, as a sign of her commitment to delivery.
Candidate Peters Pledges Crime Alert App and Rural Bus Service for South Antigua
Candidate Peters has promised to launch a crime alert app and introduce a dedicated bus service for elderly residents in rural south Antigua. The pledges form part of the candidate's campaign platform for the southern constituency.
Trade Union Releases Formula to Help Public Servants Calculate Retroactive Pay
The Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress has issued a step-by-step formula to help public servants verify their retroactive pay entitlements for the 2018–2023 contract period. The guidance covers two groups of workers and includes example calculations illustrating final payment amounts.