Politics
1592 articles
Senate Majority Leader Outlines Powers and Structure of New Festivals Commission Bill
Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia has outlined the structure and powers of the proposed Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, a new statutory body that would oversee the management and financing of national festivals including Carnival. The bill establishes a 13-member Cabinet-appointed board, a dedicated Festivals Commission Fund, and wide-ranging operational and licensing powers.
Letter: Seasonal Gifts or Genuine Governance? A Call for Accountability from Every Candidate
A public letter published by Antigua News Room is calling on citizens to distinguish between genuine community service and election-driven gift-giving, while urging candidates ahead of the 2026 general election to sign a formal accountability pledge. The writer, identifying as "The Mirror Holder," criticises both sides of the political divide for failing to uphold electoral law and demands a citizen-led social contract to hold representatives accountable.
Government Launches Island-Wide Road Rehabilitation Drive
The government has launched a nationwide road rehabilitation programme targeting communities including Seaton's Hill, Fry's Hill, Bendals, and Glanvilles, with round-the-clock crews deployed to address long-standing infrastructure concerns. Works on the heavily criticised All Saints Road are also expected to begin shortly.
Government Launches Round-the-Clock Road Repair Campaign Across Antigua and Barbuda
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a major round-the-clock road repair campaign, responding to years of public concern over crumbling infrastructure.
Parham Residents Demand Action Over Alleged Illegal Dumping in Crabbs Mangroves
Parham residents are demanding urgent government intervention after trucks allegedly linked to Jumby Bay contractors were seen dumping seaweed and construction waste onto the sensitive mangrove areas at Crabbs. As reported by Antigua.news, community members warn the dumping poses a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem and nearby fishing grounds.
Festival Commission Bill Passes Senate Amid Accountability Dispute
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill 2026 passed the Senate on Tuesday, with Deputy Commission Chairman Senator Michael Freeland defending the board's record amid unresolved allegations of financial misconduct and calls from the opposition for greater stakeholder consultation.
Appeals Court Ruling a Vindication for PM Browne, Says Senior Counsel Astaphan
Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan says a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling upholding the rejection of a bid to access Prime Minister Gaston Browne's financial records is a major legal and reputational victory for both the Prime Minister and Antigua and Barbuda. The court also quashed related subpoenas and ordered the destruction of all previously obtained documents.
Senator Shoul Defends Stage Purchase, Says Antigua Must 'Go Big or Go Home'
Senator Phillip Shoul defended the government's purchase of a new stage during Tuesday's Senate debate on the Festivals Commission Bill 2026, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda must invest boldly in its entertainment infrastructure to remain competitive. Shoul also criticised the opposition for opposing the bill without proposing alternatives.
U.S. Appeals Court Affirms Ruling in Alfa Nero Case, Deals Blow to Russian Claimant
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has affirmed a lower court ruling dismissing an appeal by Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov in a case tied to the Alfa Nero superyacht dispute, dealing a significant legal blow to the claimant and bolstering the position of Prime Minister Gaston Browne and associated respondents.
US Appeals Court Upholds Rejection of Guryeva Discovery Bid Against PM Browne
A US Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court ruling blocking Russian claimant Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov from accessing financial records linked to Prime Minister Gaston Browne, finding her discovery request too speculative under US law.
St. Philip's North MP Donates Medical Supplies to Glanvilles Polyclinic
St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore has donated medical supplies — including wheelchairs, walkers, gauze pads, and bedding — to the Glanvilles Polyclinic to support patient care and frontline staff. Baltimore described the contribution as part of his ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services in the constituency.
US Appeals Court Upholds Block on PM Browne's Financial Records in Alfa Nero Case
A U.S. federal appellate court has upheld a ruling blocking access to Prime Minister Gaston Browne's financial records, ordering the destruction of previously obtained documents. Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan called the decision a complete vindication of the Prime Minister and a victory for Antigua and Barbuda's national reputation.
UPP's Parker Releases Canvassing Schedule, Vows to Campaign Hard Despite Snap Election
UPP candidate Malaka Parker has published her full canvassing schedule for St. John's Rural North, declaring she will campaign day and night despite the snap election call. Parker is urging voters to focus on cost of living and infrastructure issues rather than political distractions.
NODS Staff Boost Disaster Communications Skills with Canadian Armed Forces Training
NODS staff have completed a Canadian Armed Forces-led public affairs training course focused on media relations, strategic messaging, and disaster communication. The programme, held at Camp Blizzard, was conducted in partnership with the ABDF and other government agencies.
Alex Browne Sworn In as UPP Senator Following St. Philip North By-Election Defeat
Alex Browne has been sworn in as a UPP Senator in Antigua and Barbuda following his defeat to ABLP's Randy Baltimore in the March 16 St. Philip North by-election. As reported by Antigua News Room, Browne is already set to contest the seat again in the upcoming general election, expected later this month.
ABLP to Launch 'Big Red Machine' Campaign with April 7 Concert
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will host its 'Big Red Machine' launch event on April 7 at People's Place, featuring performances from TeeJay, Burning Flames, Claudette Peters and others. The event marks the party's ramp-up in political activity ahead of an anticipated general election.
Commissioner Jeffers Attends Regional Security Summit in St. Lucia
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned from St. Lucia, where he represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Regional Security System Chiefs of Security Meeting — his first regional engagement in the role. Talks covered maritime security, disaster response, artificial intelligence in policing, and energy security.
Commissioner Jeffers Completes First Regional Security Meeting Since Taking Office
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned to Antigua and Barbuda after attending the RSS Chiefs of Security Meeting in St. Lucia from March 25 to 26, his first regional engagement since taking office. Discussions at the two-day meeting addressed maritime security, disaster management, artificial intelligence in law enforcement, and regional energy security.
Letter: Constituent Accuses MP Kelvin Simon of Opening Office Only Ahead of Elections
A constituent has written an open letter accusing MP Kelvin "Shugy" Simon of leaving his branch office closed for over two years and only reopening it ahead of elections, calling the move a political gimmick. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, urges voters not to be swayed by what the writer describes as last-minute theatrics.
Antigua and Barbuda Takes Active Role in High Seas Treaty Negotiations
Antigua and Barbuda is actively participating in United Nations negotiations on the High Seas Treaty, with several officials taking on key roles to advocate for fair outcomes for Small Island Developing States. The country's engagement spans marine services, diplomatic leadership, and legal coordination through the AOSIS framework.