Politics
1592 articles
Browne Accuses UPP Candidates of Seeking Office for Income, Warns of Tax Hikes
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused UPP opposition candidates of seeking office out of financial desperation, warning that a UPP government could reintroduce personal income tax and retrench public sector workers if elected.
ABLP Chairman Dismisses Pringle's Claims on U.S. Visa Restrictions as False
The ABLP has rejected claims by Jamale Pringle that the government is responsible for U.S. visa restrictions, citing direct statements from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and noting that Prime Minister Browne recently raised the matter with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
PM Browne Turns Doctored Image Into Inclusivity Message During Election Campaign
Prime Minister Gaston Browne responded to a doctored image falsely showing him kissing an ABLP candidate by reposting it himself and using the moment to champion his message of non-discrimination. As reported by Antigua News Room, Browne said the stunt backfired, drawing support from communities across the Caribbean.
ABLP Candidate Baltimore Denies Agreeing to Debate Advertised on Social Media
ABLP candidate Randy Baltimore has denied agreeing to a candidates' debate being advertised on social media, calling the circulating flyer false and misleading. Staff at the listed venue, the Glanvilles Polyclinic, are also reported to be unaware of any such event.
ABLP's Baltimore Denies Agreeing to Debate Advertised in Circulating Flyer
ABLP candidate for St. Philip's North Randy Baltimore has rejected as false a social media flyer advertising a candidates' debate at the Glanvilles Polyclinic, stating he agreed to no such event and that the facility itself has no knowledge of it.
PM Browne Pledges to Expand Entrepreneurial Development Fund After Elections
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has admitted the Entrepreneurial Development Fund faces a high loan delinquency rate but vowed to expand the programme after the upcoming general election. The fund, currently valued at an estimated $4 million to $5 million, offers low-interest loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Voter ID Replacement Applications Top 30,000 as Election Preparations Accelerate
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has recorded more than 30,000 voter ID replacement applications so far this year, with a dramatic surge in March and April pointing to heightened public engagement ahead of the general election.
PM Browne Announces Free University Education Starting September
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that university education in Antigua and Barbuda will be offered free of charge beginning this September, with further details expected at a Monday manifesto launch at AUA.
PM Browne Disputes UPP's Ownership of Four-Day Work Week Proposal
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has disputed the UPP's claim to the four-day work week proposal, insisting his administration was already exploring the idea while cautioning that implementation requires careful, structured planning ahead of the April 30 general election.
PM Browne Warns UPP Promises Could Bring Back Personal Income Tax
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned voters that UPP campaign promises could lead to higher taxes, including a return of personal income tax, citing the party's record following the 2004 election. Browne made the remarks on Pointe FM as campaigning heats up ahead of the April 30 general election.
PM Browne Slams UPP Plan to Use Social Security Funds for Loan Programme
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticised a UPP proposal to use Social Security funds for a public loan programme, calling it financially risky and contradictory to the opposition's own stated positions. His remarks come as both parties trade competing economic policy proposals ahead of the April 30 general election.
PM Browne Claims UPP Chairman Privately Expects Election Loss and Plans to Resign
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has alleged that UPP Chairman D. Gisele Isaac privately expects her party to lose the April 30 general election and plans to resign afterward. Browne made the claims on Pointe FM, citing information passed to him by a third party.
Browne Slams UPP Campaign Promises as Recycled 'Giveaway Tactics'
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused the UPP of misleading voters with recycled campaign promises, dismissing the opposition's proposals as fiscally irresponsible "giveaway tactics" ahead of the April 30 general election.
Letter: Vandalism of Political Billboard Draws Call for Democratic Respect
A letter writer is calling for an end to political vandalism in Antigua and Barbuda after a campaign billboard in Freeman's Village was destroyed, urging all citizens to uphold democratic values and respectful conduct during the election season.
Letter: Antiguan Calls for Civility After Election Billboard Vandalism
Antiguan resident Glenford Peters has issued a public letter condemning the vandalism of political billboards and campaign materials across the country, calling on citizens to embrace respectful democratic engagement during the election season.
ABLP Condemns Destruction of Political Billboards, Urges Public to Report Incidents
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has strongly condemned the destruction of political billboards and posters, including an incident in Freeman's Village, and is working with authorities to identify those responsible. The party is urging the public to report any relevant information.
ABLP Branch Condemns Removal of Maria Browne Campaign Signs in St. John's Rural East
The St. John's Rural East Branch of the ABLP has condemned the removal of Hon. Maria Browne's campaign signs by a group of young men seen driving through the constituency in red party shirts. The matter has been reported to police and an investigation is underway.
PM Browne: Free University Education to Launch in September, Ahead of Schedule
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that free university education at the UWI Five Islands Campus will begin in September 2026, earlier than originally planned. The initiative will cover several degree programmes, including law, at no cost to Antiguans and Barbudans.
Teachers Union Issues Formula to Calculate Final Retroactive Pay for 2018–2023
The Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers has issued calculation formulas to help public sector teachers determine their final retroactive payment for the 2018–2023 contract period, with example figures ranging from $3,008 to $4,660 depending on start date.
Police Warn Public: Destroying Campaign Posters Is a Criminal Offence
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has warned the public that removing or destroying political campaign materials is a criminal offence, as reported by Antigua.news. Police say surveillance has been increased in affected areas ahead of the April 30 general election.