Politics
1778 articles
UPP Vows to Pursue Throne Speech Dispute as Pringle Remains Unsworn
Senate Minority Leader Chester Hughes has signalled that the UPP's dispute with Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant over the exclusion of Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle from the May 26 Throne Speech will continue, following a walkout by all four sworn Opposition Senators. Pringle has yet to take the parliamentary oath after missing the first House sitting on May 18 due to a family medical matter.
Throne Speech Backs Turner's Urban Renewal Drive as St. John's Transformation Takes Shape
Antigua's Throne Speech delivered a strong endorsement of Minister Rawdon Turner's social and urban transformation agenda, highlighting the Zero Hunger Program and plans to revitalise St. John's through targeted redevelopment and building restoration. The government signalled that Turner's ministry will be central to reshaping the capital over the next five years.
PM Browne Blasts Opposition Walkout as 'Dunce Leadership' After Parliament Oath Row
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has condemned the opposition's walkout from Tuesday's joint sitting of Parliament, calling their conduct "dunce leadership" after Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle was removed for failing to take the oath of allegiance. Browne defended the ruling by Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant, insisting the Constitution leaves no room for exceptions.
Opposition Senators Walk Out After Pringle Barred from Throne Speech Sitting
All four Opposition Senators walked out of Monday's Throne Speech sitting after Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant barred Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle from being seated, citing his outstanding Oath of Office. The UPP has condemned the move as politically partisan and a deliberate attempt to humiliate the Opposition.
Throne Speech Spotlights Minister Freeland as Rising Force in Tourism Portfolio
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams used Tuesday's Throne Speech to commend newly elected Minister of State Michael Freeland for his early leadership within the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment. The public endorsement marks Freeland as a rising figure in the current administration.
Barbados Language Institute Backs Antigua and Barbuda's Spanish Education Push
The World Skills Language Institute in Barbados has praised Antigua and Barbuda's push to expand Spanish language education, calling it a vital step toward regional integration and economic competitiveness. The institute, as reported by Antigua.news, emphasized that multilingual communication is increasingly essential for professional advancement across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Governor General Hails April 30 Election as Proof of Antigua and Barbuda's Democratic Strength
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams used Tuesday's Throne Speech to commend Antiguans and Barbudans for conducting a peaceful and dignified general election campaign, declaring the April 30 vote a testament to the nation's democratic maturity. Sir Rodney noted that the four-week campaign passed without a single incident of vandalism or violence.
Governor General Hails Greene's Foreign Affairs Leadership in Throne Speech
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams delivered a strong endorsement of Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene during Tuesday's Throne Speech, citing Greene's skilled leadership as Antigua and Barbuda navigates the economic fallout of escalating global conflicts. The remarks came as Parliament opened a new legislative term following the government's April 30 election victory.
Opposition Leader Pringle Ejected from Joint Sitting Over Oath Requirement
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle was ordered to leave Tuesday's joint sitting of Parliament after Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant ruled he had not taken the constitutionally required oath of allegiance, having been abroad when oaths were administered.
Health Minister Urges Antiguans to Break Mental Health Stigma
Health Minister Michael Joseph is urging Antiguans and Barbudans to confront the stigma surrounding mental illness and seek help without fear, as the country observes Mental Health Awareness Month. The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Health's commitment to expanding access to mental wellness services and support.
PM Browne Honours ABLP Stalwart Mary-Clare Hurst at Emotional Candlelight Vigil
Prime Minister Gaston Browne led an emotional candlelight vigil Friday night honouring former Minister of State and longtime ABLP stalwart Mary-Clare Hurst, praising her decades of unwavering loyalty and dedication to public service. Supporters, family members, and political colleagues gathered to pay tribute to the woman affectionately known as "Tanty."
UPP Mourns Sir Aziz Hadeed, Hails Legacy of Service and Nation-Building
The United Progressive Party has paid tribute to the late Sir Aziz Hadeed, a prominent businessman and former Cabinet minister, describing his passing as a significant loss for Antigua and Barbuda. Party leaders, including former Prime Minister Dr. Baldwin Spencer and Political Leader Jamale Pringle, honoured his lasting contributions to the nation's social and economic development.
Architects Volunteer to Convert St. John's Parking Lot into Urban Green Space
Members of the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Architects have volunteered to redesign the former Social Security parking lot in St. John's into a public green space, meeting with Minister Rawdon Turner on Sunday to discuss plans for a communal area serving diverse residents. The initiative is part of a broader push to reverse what the minister has called urban decay across the capital.
Arctic Power Struggle Intensifies as Climate, Resources and Military Ambitions Collide
The Arctic has moved from the periphery of global affairs to the centre of a multi-front contest over energy, critical minerals, shipping routes and military deterrence, as record-low sea ice levels accelerate the region's transformation into a major geopolitical arena. According to Antigua.news, seven of the eight Arctic territorial states are now NATO allies following Sweden and Finland's recent accessions, reshaping the balance of power in the High North.
WISH Founder Calls for Caribbean-Centred Mental Health Approach at Annual Health Expo
WISH founder Chaniel Imhoff used her platform at the annual Scrub Life Cares Women and Girls Health Expo to call for mental health advocacy tailored to Caribbean experiences, highlighting her organisation's work in schools and communities. The group is expanding its outreach through activity books, school posters, and creative art therapy initiatives planned for 2026.
PM Browne: Antigua Airways Migrant Crisis Shapes Government's Air Peace Approach
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has cited the Antigua Airways migrant crisis of 2022-2023 as a key reason for the government's cautious approach to the new Air Peace service from Nigeria, as reported by Antigua.news. The earlier programme saw hundreds of African nationals arrive in Antigua under disputed circumstances, culminating in a deadly boat capsizing near St. Kitts in March 2023.
MP Turner Leads Constituency-Wide Cleanup Drive Across St. Peter
Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner led the Lightfoot Bulk Waste Community Cleanup across St. Peter over the weekend, with residents and volunteers clearing bulky waste and overgrown areas. According to Antigua.news, several more communities within the constituency have already been earmarked for similar exercises as part of an ongoing transformation programme.
25 Nigerian Passengers Bound for Antigua Via Barbados After Air Peace Flight Diversion
Around 25 Nigerian passengers are still expected to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda after the government diverted the inaugural Air Peace flight from Lagos to Barbados over Ebola concerns. The passengers will travel onward to Antigua via LIAT following health screening.
Minister George Meets Festival Teams to Drive Carnival 2026 Planning Forward
Minister of Sports and Creative Industries Dwayne George met Friday with the Festival Team and Festivals Commission to accelerate planning for Antigua Carnival 2026. Officials say preparations are well underway, with the goal of delivering a standout celebration of the nation's culture and creativity.
Antigua and Barbuda Blocks First Air Peace Flight Over Ebola Concerns
Antigua and Barbuda has blocked the first scheduled Air Peace flight from Lagos, Nigeria, due to concerns over active Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the decision on Saturday, saying public health protection remains the government's top priority.