Politics
2562 articles
Caribbean Nations Deserve Stronger Voice in Global Climate Talks, Says Antiguan Minister
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and Environment Michael Joseph has called for greater representation of Small Island Developing States in global climate talks, arguing that Caribbean nations bear a disproportionate burden of climate change despite contributing negligibly to global emissions. Joseph made the appeal following his participation in the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026.
Opinion: Does Extending Antigua's Windfall Tax Truly Serve the Public Interest?
A governance professional has responded to a recent Antigua News Room opinion piece by challenging the framing of a proposal to extend and expand the Windfall Tax, arguing that critical questions about spending, accountability, and measurable outcomes must be answered before any expansion is considered.
OAS Official Calls for Renewed Development Commitment Ahead of Panama Assembly
OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development Ambassador Isabelle Valois is calling for renewed multilateral commitment to the Americas' unfinished development agenda ahead of the 56th OAS General Assembly in Panama City from June 22 to 24. Writing in an opinion piece reported by Antigua.news, Valois highlights critical gaps — including 160 million people without safe drinking water and nearly 10 million children out of school — while pointing to concrete OAS initiatives delivering results across the hemisphere.
Antigua and Barbuda Parliament Passes Tough New Cybercrime Penalties
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has passed cybercrime legislation imposing fines of up to EC$1 million on individuals or companies that refuse to provide electronic data to law enforcement. The Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill also targets local managers of companies that cite overseas headquarters as justification for non-compliance.
Letter: Tackling Mental Health Stigma in Antigua's Workplaces and Communities
A community member has written to Antigua News Room calling for an end to mental health stigma in workplaces and society, urging greater empathy and noting interest in the country's proposed mental health legislation.
Antigua and Barbuda Demands Greater Climate Justice Voice at Berlin Forum
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and Environment, Michael Joseph, is calling for greater representation for climate-vulnerable nations at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, warning that Small Island Developing States bear a disproportionate burden of the climate crisis despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Public Sector Workers Still Waiting on COVID-19 Back Pay Six Months After Deadline
A public sector employee is calling on the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to explain why COVID-19 salary compensation payments, expected to begin in January 2026, have still not been received by numerous eligible claimants six months later.
Government Threatens Prosecution Over Bus Stop Vandalism as Infrastructure Upgrades Planned
The Antiguan government has warned that individuals who vandalize bus stops and other public infrastructure could face prosecution and be ordered to pay for damages. The warning came as Cabinet announced plans to upgrade bus stops and road signage across the country.
Cabinet Approves Free UWI Tuition, Eyes Windfall Tax Expansion to Fund Education
Cabinet has approved free undergraduate tuition at the UWI Five Islands Campus and a 50 percent subsidy for law students, while opening discussions on expanding the Windfall Tax to all businesses earning annual profits of EC$1 million or more to help fund the initiative.
Minister Joseph Meets Climate Fund Director at Berlin Forum to Push for SIDS Access
Minister of Health and Environment Michael Joseph met with the Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, pressing for equitable climate finance access for Small Island Developing States. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and ensuring vulnerable nations can access timely support for climate-related loss and damage.
CARICOM Eminent Persons Group Delays Haiti Visit Amid Ongoing Political Crisis
The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group has postponed its visit to Haiti, saying it will schedule the trip as soon as practicable while continuing to monitor the country's political situation through virtual engagements. The group says it remains committed to holding in-person meetings with Haitian government, political, and civil society stakeholders.
Youth Mental Health Findings Handed to Minister Joseph to Shape New Legislation
Health Minister Michael Joseph has received two reports documenting the findings of a national youth consultation on mental health care, which will inform the development of Antigua and Barbuda's Mental Health Care Bill 2026. The initiative engaged approximately 1,300 children and adolescents through surveys and focus groups.
PM Browne Warns Cabinet: Election Promises Must Be Kept
Prime Minister Browne has reminded Cabinet ministers of their duty to deliver on election promises, outlining key priorities including a major road rehabilitation programme and infrastructure upgrades for national events. The Prime Minister called for diligence, humility, and a renewed commitment to serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
PM Browne Calls on Cabinet to Deliver Results, Sets Ambitious Infrastructure Targets
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged Cabinet members to deliver on the Government's electoral mandate, outlining key priorities including completing 75 per cent of the national road network within four years and enhancing preparations for Carnival and CHOGM.
Government to Cover Up to Half of Law Tuition Costs at UWI Five Islands
Cabinet has approved a measure to cover up to 50 percent of tuition costs for law students at UWI Five Islands, as part of the Government's wider push to expand access to higher education. A new ministerial sub-committee will also work with the campus to align its programmes with national development priorities.
Cabinet Recommends Sir David Harrison to Chair UWI Five Islands Campus Council
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has recommended Sir David Harrison, a prominent UK entrepreneur and philanthropist, to chair both the UWI Five Islands Campus Council and its Endowment Fund. The recommendation recognises his decades of business leadership and his sustained investment in education and social mobility in Antigua and Barbuda.
Dominica's UWP Unveils New Candidates in Push to End 27 Years of Labour Rule
Dominica's United Workers Party has launched "Team Dominica," unveiling two new candidates and reaffirming Danny Lugay for an expected Roseau North by-election as the opposition seeks to end nearly 27 years of Dominica Labour Party rule. According to Antigua News Room, party leader Dr. Thompson Fontaine called on voters to use the anticipated contest to send a strong message to the current government.
Antigua Cancer Centre on Track to Open This Fall, Specialist Staff Already Being Recruited
Antigua and Barbuda's cancer treatment centre is on track to open this fall, with a radiation oncologist, physicist, and therapist already identified and being integrated into the programme. Government officials say the facility is expected to significantly cut the millions spent monthly sending patients abroad for treatment.
Cabinet Approves Water, Telecom Upgrades and Fuel Subsidy Continuation
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a series of water and telecommunications infrastructure upgrades while reaffirming its commitment to fuel subsidies to protect consumers from global market pressures. Key highlights include increased water production capacity, a new telecom sub-station, and an expected rollout of number portability by July 2026.
Cabinet Approves Infrastructure Measures Targeting Water, Internet and Energy Services
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a range of measures to bolster utility infrastructure, covering water production upgrades, telecommunications improvements, and continued fuel subsidies for consumers. The decisions follow extensive discussions on the country's water supply challenges, internet connectivity needs, and the impact of the ongoing global oil crisis.