Politics
2562 articles
Sir Ronald Sanders Hosts Cornell University Students for Diplomacy Discussion in Washington
Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, hosted Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy students at the Washington embassy for a discussion on diplomacy, democratic governance and U.S.-Antigua relations.
Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Joins Regional Disaster Resilience Conference in Barbados
Antigua and Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services is representing the twin-island nation at the 2nd Annual Community Resilience Regional Conference in Barbados, a three-day event focused on strengthening climate and disaster resilience across CARICOM member states.
Citizen Calls on Government to Toughen Penalties for Selling Drugs to Minors
A concerned citizen has written an open letter urging the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen penalties for individuals who sell marijuana to school-aged children and teenagers. The letter calls for a balanced approach combining tougher legal consequences with expanded prevention, counselling, and community outreach programmes.
Antigua and Barbuda, U.S. Conclude Maritime Security Symposium with 26 Nations
Antigua and Barbuda and the United States have wrapped up a three-day Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John's, uniting representatives from 26 countries to combat sanctions evasion and illicit maritime activity. The event was co-hosted by the U.S. Department of State and ADOMS.
Cabinet Clears Live Coverage for Antigua Carnival 2026, Rejects Broadcast Delay
Antigua's Cabinet has rejected a proposal that would have imposed a mandatory 24-hour delay on Carnival broadcasts, directing that all official Antigua Carnival 2026 events be available for live coverage by accredited media. The decision aims to maximise the festival's global reach and keep diaspora audiences connected in real time.
CXC Overhauls SBA Framework to Counter AI Threat to Exam Integrity
The Caribbean Examinations Council has announced a major overhaul of its School-Based Assessment programme, phasing out traditional SBAs in theory-based subjects and replacing them with a new examination-condition assessment in response to the growing use of generative AI. Changes will begin rolling out in the 2027 academic year across both CSEC and CAPE programmes.
AG Benjamin Pledges Better Insurance and Welfare Benefits for Police Officers
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has pledged improved insurance coverage and welfare benefits for police officers and their families, making the announcement at the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda's 50th recruit graduation ceremony. Benjamin said the government is reviewing measures to better protect officers injured or killed in the line of duty.
Government to Redistribute 682 Acres to Farmers in Food Security Push
The Ministry of Agriculture has identified 682 acres of abandoned and underutilised land for redistribution to farmers, with the first phase allocating plots to 50 vetted individuals under probationary agreements. The initiative is part of the government's strategy to boost local food production and reduce food imports.
Minister Benjamin Pledges Budget Consideration for New Police Academy
Minister of Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin has indicated that construction of a new police academy will be considered in this year's budget discussions, responding to a direct appeal from the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy commandant for a modern training facility. No timeline or funding figure has yet been announced.
Police Academy Chief Urges Government to Build Modern Training Facility
Police Academy Commandant Superintendent Rodney Ellis has called on the government to build a modern training facility, warning that the current academy is ill-equipped to prepare officers for increasingly sophisticated crime. The appeal came during the graduation of the academy's historic 50th recruit training course, which saw 43 recruits complete the programme with a 95.6 percent pass rate.
Police Commissioner Jeffers Apologises for Force's Shortcomings, Vows Accountability
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has publicly apologised to members of the public let down by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, pledging greater accountability and professionalism. His remarks came during the graduation ceremony for the 50th Recruit Training Course at the Sir Wright F. George Police Academy.
Cabinet Stands Firm on CIP Programme Amid EU Pressure, Approves Major Investments
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its defence of the Citizenship by Investment Programme against EU pressure to phase it out, while approving major investments across key national sectors. According to Antigua.news, Cabinet and Prime Minister Gaston Browne have signalled they will prioritise the programme over visa-free Schengen access if forced to choose.
Health Minister Moves to Strengthen Data Systems for Better Healthcare Planning
Health Minister Michael Joseph has met with the Ministry's Health Information Division to advance efforts to modernise health data systems and improve evidence-based decision-making in Antigua and Barbuda's healthcare sector.
Antigua and Barbuda Makes CXC Exam Fee Support a Permanent National Policy
The Antigua and Barbuda government has made its CXC examination fee support programme permanent policy, ensuring eligible students can sit CCSLC, CSEC and CAPE examinations at no personal cost. Cabinet approved the measure following a successful rollout in the last academic year.
Cabinet Rejects 24-Hour Delay Proposal, Keeps Carnival 2026 Events Live
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has unanimously rejected a proposal to impose a 24-hour delay on Carnival broadcasts, affirming that all official Carnival 2026 events will continue to be streamed and broadcast live. Festivals Minister Dwayne George was among those who strongly opposed the restriction, citing concerns over public access and international promotion.
Government Reclaims 682 Acres of Idle Farmland for Redistribution to Local Farmers
The Antiguan government has reclaimed approximately 682 acres of idle agricultural land and will redistribute it to 50 vetted farmers in the first phase of a programme aimed at boosting domestic food production. Cabinet has approved a six-month probationary period to ensure the land is actively cultivated before long-term occupancy is granted.
Antigua and Barbuda Weighs Response to EU Push to End Citizenship-by-Investment Programmes
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet is evaluating its response to an EU proposal requiring Caribbean nations to phase out citizenship-by-investment programmes within two years or lose Schengen visa-free access. The government says any decision will be guided by national interest and its sovereign right to chart its own economic course.
Antigua Launches Online Accreditation Portal for CHOGM 2026
Antigua and Barbuda has launched its online accreditation portal for CHOGM 2026, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Foreign Affairs Minister Chet Greene among the first to receive certificates. The portal opens registration to all Commonwealth member nations ahead of the November summit.
Carnival 2026 on Track as Minister Urges Public Support for 69th Festival
Minister Dwayne George is urging the public to come out and support Carnival 2026, with preparations at the Antigua Recreation Grounds 70 percent complete ahead of the festival's 69th staging, set to run from July 25th to August 4th.
Antigua Rejected US Migrant Proposal Over Lack of Binding Financial Guarantees
Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene told Parliament that the United States' initial proposal to transfer third-country nationals to Antigua and Barbuda lacked a binding financial commitment, prompting the government to submit counterproposals demanding all costs be guaranteed in writing before any individual leaves US soil.