Politics
1778 articles
UWI Five Islands Campus Strengthens Regional Ties with St. Vincent Visit
UWI Five Islands Campus Principal Professor Justin Robinson led a high-level delegation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to explore a joint academic programme with the SVGCC and strengthen regional partnerships. The visit included meetings with government officials and the business community, as well as public engagement sessions for prospective students.
Senate Honours Late Mary-Clare Hurst, Trailblazer for Women in Public Life
The Senate observed a moment of silence on Wednesday in honour of former senator and leader of government business Mary-Clare Hurst, who died on May 5. A trailblazer for women in Antiguan public life, Hurst will be remembered at an official government funeral on June 2.
Govia Celebrates Women and Youth in New Government Senate Lineup
Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia has praised the new government bench in the upper house, spotlighting the appointment of five women and several young, first-time senators as a reflection of the ABLP's focus on building future leadership. Govia also called for the Barbuda Council to fill its vacant Senate seat with a young woman.
Hughes vows research-driven debate as he takes minority leader role in new Senate
Newly appointed Senate minority leader Chester Hughes has pledged a research-based, principled approach to opposition debate in the upper house, declaring that "the politics is over" following today's swearing-in ceremony. Hughes also outlined the opposition's approach to scrutinising legislation, emphasising respect and reasoned engagement.
Senate President Williams-Grant Re-Elected for Fourth Term, Calls for Greater Female Representation
Alincia Williams-Grant was re-elected Senate President for a fourth consecutive term and called on new senators to advocate for all Antiguans and Barbudans, while urging stronger action to improve female representation across both houses of parliament.
New Antigua and Barbuda Senate Sworn In, One Seat Remains Vacant
Sixteen of seventeen senators were sworn into the new Antigua and Barbuda Senate on Wednesday, with only the Barbuda Council seat remaining vacant following the April 30 general elections. The Throne Speech is scheduled for May 26.
St. Peter MP Turner Kicks Off Bulk Waste Cleanup Drive in Lightfoot Community
St. Peter Parliamentary Representative Rawdon Turner will launch a Bulk Waste Cleanup Initiative in Lightfoot this weekend, with plans to expand the community beautification campaign across the constituency in the coming weeks.
Former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh Joins Immigration Dept. After Disciplinary Convictions
Former Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh, found guilty on fifteen disciplinary charges in 2023, has quietly returned to government service as a General Consultant at the Department of Immigration, according to Antigua.news. The appointment has not been publicly announced by the government.
Labour Advocate Malaka Parker Sworn In as Senator at Government House
Malaka Parker, a former President of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union, was officially sworn in as a Senator on Monday in a ceremony held at Government House. Her appointment brings a long record of labour advocacy into the national legislature.
AG Questioned Over Remarks on Opposition MPs' Absences at Parliamentary Opening
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin cast doubt on the opposition's absences at the opening parliamentary sitting, despite a statement issued the day before confirming that UPP Leader Jamale Pringle had accompanied his daughter abroad for medical care and MP Trevor Walker was attending to family matters. Both MPs had formally notified Parliament in advance.
PM Browne Warns New MPs: Parliamentary Attendance Is Not Optional
Prime Minister Gaston Browne used Monday's parliamentary swearing-in ceremony to warn newly elected MPs that attendance in the House of Representatives is not optional, citing illness or official travel as the only acceptable grounds for absence. He also reminded lawmakers that their April 30th electoral victory is a mandate for faithful public service, not complacency.
Autism Retreat Draws 100+ Caregivers, Spotlights Mental Health and Resource Gaps
More than 100 caregivers gathered at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre on Sunday for a free autism retreat that combined clinical education with emotional support and a frank look at the lack of local autism data and resources. The event, reported by Antigua.news, was organised by the ABHC, the Directorate of Gender Affairs, and the Center for the Holistic Advancement of Therapeutic Services, with funding from the Mill Reef Fund.
Novo Banco Ruling Raises Questions Over Speed and Scrutiny in €2bn Bond Case
Portugal's Supreme Administrative Court dismissed a €2 billion bondholder appeal against Banco de Portugal's 2015 decision to retransfer senior Novo Banco bonds in just 23 days, raising questions about the depth of judicial scrutiny applied in one of Europe's most complex post-crisis banking cases. According to Antigua.news, which reviewed the full case record, the ruling's speed and reasoning are drawing concern among investors and legal observers.
PM Browne Eyes Geothermal Power from Nevis Ahead of OECS Chairmanship
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is in advanced talks with St Kitts-Nevis and the EU on a geothermal energy deal that could deliver power to Antigua via an undersea cable from Nevis. The announcement comes ahead of Browne's assumption of the OECS chairmanship next month.
Apostle Andrews Credits Divine Protection for Antigua's Resilience at ABLP Thanksgiving Service
Apostle Dr. Stephen Andrews used an ABLP Thanksgiving Service on Sunday to call on Antiguans and Barbudans to recognise divine protection in the nation's ability to sustain economic growth despite chronic exposure to hurricanes, earthquakes and droughts. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and senior government officials were among the hundreds in attendance.
Pringle and Walker Apologise for Absence from First Post-Election Parliamentary Sitting
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda MP Trevor Walker have apologised for their absence from Monday's first post-election sitting of Parliament, citing overseas family and medical commitments. Both men are expected to take their Oath of Allegiance at the next ordinary sitting of the Lower House.
Junior Tourism Minister to Represent PM Browne at London Development Forum
Junior Tourism Minister Senator Michael Freeland will travel to London to represent Prime Minister Gaston Browne at the Global Partnerships Conference, a high-level international development forum scheduled for May 19–20, 2026. The event will bring together world leaders and stakeholders to tackle global challenges including climate change, economic instability, and humanitarian crises.
PM Browne Defends Spanish as Antigua and Barbuda's Official Second Language
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended Cabinet's decision to make Spanish Antigua and Barbuda's official second language, citing economic, diplomatic and social benefits. The policy, approved May 14, will make Spanish a compulsory subject from pre-school through secondary level.
Browne Leads ABLP Thanksgiving Service, Calls for National Unity After Election Win
Prime Minister Gaston Browne led the ABLP in a post-election Thanksgiving service, crediting divine guidance for the party's victory and calling on all Antiguans and Barbudans to unite behind a shared vision of national development. Browne urged citizens to move beyond partisan divisions and work together toward what he described as a national Renaissance.
Rayne, Strann-Peters Sworn In as Parliament Reaches Historic Female Representation
Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, while Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters took the oath as senator, bringing the number of women in Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament to eight — a historic high.