Politics
1026 articles
Cabinet Approves Measures to Safeguard Seaview Farm's Ancient Pottery Tradition
Cabinet has approved a series of measures to preserve Seaview Farm's centuries-old pottery tradition, including artisan training and a Ministry of Tourism collaboration to integrate the craft into Antigua and Barbuda's national tourism product.
Antigua Cabinet Names Two Warri Champions as Cultural Ambassadors
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has appointed Warri players Trevor Simon and Terence Kambui-Charles as cultural ambassadors to preserve and promote the traditional African strategy game. The move is part of a wider government push to integrate cultural heritage into national development and tourism initiatives.
Govt Approves Rent-to-Own Scheme for Booby Alley Housing Development
The government has approved a rent-to-own programme for remaining units at the Booby Alley housing development, with former residents of the area set to receive priority access to units as previously promised. The scheme aims to expand homeownership opportunities for those who may not qualify for traditional mortgages.
Antigua and Barbuda Sends Expert Team to UN High Seas Treaty Preparatory Talks
Antigua and Barbuda has dispatched a three-member expert delegation to the United Nations for Prep Com III, the final preparatory session before the High Seas Treaty enters full force. The team is working alongside CARICOM and small island states to shape the treaty's institutional and financial frameworks.
Cabinet Approves Pension Increase, Airfare Subsidy and Treasury Reforms
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a five percent increase in pension payments, pledged an airfare subsidy for the Antigua–Barbuda route, and greenlit a Treasury restructuring programme at its March 25 sitting. The decisions form part of a broader government push for social protection and improved financial accountability.
Antigua Police Chief Attends RSS Security Chiefs Meeting to Address Regional Threats
Regional security officials, including Antigua's police chief, have convened for the RSS two-day Security Chiefs Meeting to address emerging threats and strengthen coordinated responses across Caribbean member states. Key discussion topics include maritime domain awareness and regional disaster management strategy.
ABLP Barbuda Branch Demands Immediate 5% Pay Rise for Council Workers
The ABLP Barbuda Branch is urging the Chair of Finance of the Barbuda Council to immediately implement a 5% salary increase for council workers, noting that government employees across the rest of Antigua and Barbuda have already received the adjustment. The party calls the ongoing disparity an unacceptable inequity that must be resolved without further delay.
Court Denies UPP Injunction Against St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore
The High Court has denied a UPP injunction challenging the election of St. Philip's North representative Randy Baltimore, allowing him to continue serving in Parliament while the substantive petition awaits a future hearing date.
Letter: Critic Challenges Minister's Record on Culture, Sports, and Carnival Funding
A letter writer, as reported by Antigua News Room, is calling out the Minister of Creative Industries and Sports for prioritising public appearances over substantive policy outcomes, citing reduced Carnival subsidies, disproportionate spending on foreign performers, and a lack of cohesive support for local athletes and artists.
PM Browne Blasts Courts Over 'Lenient' Gun Crime Sentences Following Villa Teen Killings
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on the judiciary to impose tougher sentences for gun-related offences, saying lenient rulings are undermining the government's efforts to curb violent crime following the fatal shooting of two teenagers in Villa.
Government Sets March 2026 Deadline to Complete Millions in Public Servant Back Pay
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has disbursed over EC$28.7 million in retroactive salary payments to public servants and is targeting March 2026 to complete all outstanding back pay owed for the period 2018 to 2023. Cabinet has approved a structured framework to guide the final disbursements while authorities work to resolve data and banking challenges slowing the process.
Cabinet Pledges Airfare Subsidy to Ease Antigua–Barbuda Travel Costs
Cabinet has pledged to approve a subsidy to lower airfare costs between Antigua and Barbuda, following a presentation by ABLP Barbuda caretaker Kendra Beazer on the financial impact of rising ticket prices. A formal proposal is expected to be reviewed at the next Cabinet sitting.
Letter: Masicka's Cultural Ambassador Appointment Draws Sharp Public Criticism
A member of the public has written to question the government's appointment of Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka as a Cultural Ambassador, citing unresolved controversies and calling on authorities to justify the decision. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, raises concerns about due diligence and the integrity of national appointments.
Letter: Antiguans Deserve a Better, More Reliable Bus System
A frustrated Antiguan commuter has written an open letter calling for sweeping reforms to the island's public bus system, citing unpredictable schedules, uneven route coverage, and the practice of delaying departures until buses are full. The writer urges the government to take control of public transport and restructure how conductors are compensated.
Cabinet Terminates Sutherlands Lease to Make Way for Low-Income Housing Project
Cabinet has approved the termination of a lease on approximately 13.647 acres of land at Sutherlands to make way for a low-income housing development, including the regularization of informal settlements and the relocation of the Clarevue Mental Hospital.
Government Eyes End-of-March Deadline for Retroactive Public Servant Payments
The government is aiming to finalise retroactive payments to public servants by the end of March, having disbursed $28.6 million so far under a settlement programme covering the period 2018 to 2023. Officials acknowledged delays caused by incomplete records and have established a dedicated Treasury help desk to resolve outstanding queries.
U.S. Military Strike in Caribbean Kills Four, Raising Regional Fears
U.S. Joint Task Force Southern Spear has conducted another lethal strike in Caribbean waters, killing four men designated as narco-terrorists and bringing the total death toll from such strikes to at least 163 since September. The operations have sparked international concern over transparency and legality, and are fuelling fear among fishing communities across the region, including in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua Government Moves to Relax Dress Code Rules at Public Offices
The Antigua and Barbuda government is moving to relax dress code enforcement at public offices after reports of citizens being turned away while seeking essential services. Cabinet has signalled a shift toward a "common sense" approach, prioritising access over rigid attire rules.
Antigua and Barbuda Names Jamaican Dancehall Star Masicka as Cultural Ambassador
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the appointment of Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka as cultural ambassador for youth talent development and creative industries collaboration. The initiative includes a Jamaica-based exchange programme for three local artists, alongside mentorship schemes and youth empowerment forums.
Cabinet Approves Antigua's First National Cardiology Centre at SLBMC
Cabinet has approved the establishment of Antigua and Barbuda's first national cardiology centre at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with the aim of providing advanced cardiac care locally and eliminating the need for overseas treatment. The centre will be developed in partnership with internationally recognised cardiologist Professor Jingwei Zhang.