Politics
1019 articles
Medical Association Disputes Internal Discord Claims, Urges Unity After Fire Displaces Physicians
The Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda has denied reports of internal discord, saying no formal grievances have been received, while calling on its members to stand together following a fire that displaced several physicians. The association's executive is urging the medical community to focus on supporting those affected rather than engaging with claims of division.
UWI Researcher Calls for Constituency Debates Ahead of 2026 General Elections
UWI Five Islands Campus researcher Dr. Kwasi K. Tonge is urging political candidates across Antigua and Barbuda to participate in structured constituency debates ahead of the 2026 general elections. The Social Science researcher, a resident of St. Mary's North, says such debates are essential for fostering civic engagement and democratic accountability.
Trespassing Charges Against 16 UPP Members Dismissed After Witnesses Fail to Appear
A trespassing case against 16 United Progressive Party members and supporters has been thrown out after prosecution witnesses failed to appear in court. The charges stemmed from a "Beach-A-Cade" event held on Whit Monday last June.
ABPSA Kicks Off Annual Conference Under 'Stronger Together' Theme
The Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association has opened its annual general conference at the Villa Polyclinic, with President Joan Peters calling on members to embrace purposeful, presence-driven leadership. The event is being held under the theme 'Stronger Together: Building Resilient Workers, Building a Resilient Public Service.'
PM Browne Sets April 30 Election Date, Rallies ABLP Faithful at Party HQ
Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Tuesday night that Antigua and Barbuda's general election will be held on April 30, 2026, with Nomination Day set for April 13. The announcement was made before a large crowd of red-clad ABLP supporters at the party's headquarters, The People's Place.
UPP Leader Pringle Pledges Unity and Accountability, Dismisses Internal Discord Claims
UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle used Tuesday's candidate ratification ceremony to publicly dismiss rumours of internal disunity, pledging accountability and rejecting what he called 'political bullying.' According to Antigua Observer, Pringle declared his word is his bond and reaffirmed the party's unity ahead of the coming political season.
Reparations Commission Fires Back at Reform UK's Visa Restriction Proposal
The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has responded to a Reform UK proposal that would restrict visas for nationals of countries seeking slavery reparations from Britain. The party, led by Nigel Farage, suggested the measure would be implemented if it comes to power.
Elections Supervisor Reports ABEC Readiness, Spike in Voter ID Renewals
Supervisor of Elections Ian Hughes has provided an update on ABEC's readiness for the upcoming general elections, citing a significant increase in voter ID renewals and ongoing preparatory work by commission staff.
Chevening Scholar Dr. David Francis Champions Youth Policy at CHOGM 2026
Antiguan Chevening Scholar and physician Dr. David Francis, who carried the national flag at Westminster Abbey last month, is calling for youth-led policy to be prioritised at CHOGM 2026. According to Antigua Observer, Dr. Francis is urging Commonwealth leaders to give young people a genuine role in shaping the decisions that affect their futures.
PM Browne Defends Road Works Surge, Cites $100M Reserve to Fund Projects Beyond Election
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended the ongoing surge in road construction across Antigua and Barbuda, saying a $100 million reserve will keep projects running long after the election season. Browne made the remarks on the Browne and Browne program via Pointe Broadcasting Network on Saturday.
UPP Candidate Accuses PM Browne of 'Institutional Bribery' and Weaponising Hardship
UPP candidate Malaka Parker has accused Prime Minister Gaston Browne of using taxpayer funds to create voter dependency, calling the practice "institutional bribery" and accusing his administration of "weaponising hardship."
Venezuela Never Cut PetroCaribe Aid Despite Sanctions, Commentator Says
Commentator Dr. Radcliffe Robins says Venezuela never scaled back its PetroCaribe oil support to the Caribbean despite facing heavy sanctions, while oil-rich English-speaking Caribbean nations have offered no comparable assistance.
Local Doctor Slams Government Silence as Cuban Medical Team Prepares to Depart
A local doctor has publicly criticised the Antigua and Barbuda government and medical community for staying silent as Cuban medical personnel prepare to leave the country after decades of service. The physician argues that formal recognition of Cuba's healthcare contribution is long overdue.
PM Browne and UPP Candidate Trade Conflicting Accounts Over Alleged Secret Negotiations
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and UPP candidate Adrian Williams are locked in a heated dispute over allegations of secret meetings, job negotiations, and unresolved severance payments for former employees. The two sides have offered conflicting accounts, with neither yet providing independent verification of their claims.
NSWMA Workers Allege Fear, Safety Failures in Anonymous Letter
An anonymous letter submitted to Antigua Observer has levelled serious allegations against the National Solid Waste Management Authority, with workers claiming a workplace culture of fear, unsafe conditions, and years of unresolved grievances.
Governor General Dissolves Parliament, Triggering General Election
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has dissolved Parliament effective April 1, 2026, officially triggering a general election called by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Lovell Slams Government 'Gimmicks' as UPP Kicks Off All Saints West Campaign
UPP candidate Harold Lovell has launched his All Saints West campaign ahead of the snap election, criticizing the government's sudden constituency activity as political gimmickry while pledging trustworthy leadership.
Government to Review Public Smoking Laws, Eyes Shift to Ticketing System
The Antiguan government has announced a review of public smoking laws under the Tobacco Control Act of 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act of 2024, with a possible shift toward a ticketing-based enforcement system. The move signals a potential change in how smoking violations in public spaces are handled across Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua Carnival 2026 Launch Postponed Due to Scheduling Conflicts
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has postponed the April 11 launch of Antigua Carnival 2026, citing scheduling conflicts with external service providers. ABFC Chairperson Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul confirmed the delay, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Commissioner Jeffers Attends First Regional Security Meeting Since Taking Office
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned from St. Lucia after attending the Regional Security System Chiefs of Security Meeting — his first regional engagement since taking office. The two-day meeting was held from March 25th to 26th.