Politics
558 articles
PM Browne Orders Treasury to Prioritise Small Backpay and Pension Settlements
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has directed the Treasury Department to prioritise clearing outstanding payments under EC$20,000, as the government moves to resolve a years-long backlog of retroactive pay and pension settlements. A dedicated hotline and additional staffing are among the measures being introduced to speed up disbursements.
Poll Shows ABLP With 23-Point Lead Over UPP, Browne Claims
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says new polling data puts the ABLP 23 percentage points ahead of the UPP, claiming the figures reflect a major swing in voter support ahead of the next general election. The UPP has not publicly responded to the claims, as reported by Antigua News Room.
PM Browne Eyes April 22–30 Election Window as Parliament Prepares to Prorogue
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has signalled that general elections will likely fall between April 22 and April 30, with Parliament set to be prorogued next week and the election writ to follow shortly after. Browne has also urged voters to validate their identification cards without delay to avoid being turned away at the polls.
Electoral Commission Releases Full List of Voter Registration Sites Across Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has released the full list of voter registration sites across all constituencies, as reported by Antigua News Room. Sites are now open across Antigua and Barbuda, with operating hours in effect until further notice.
Trevor Walker Anticipates Wider Vote Margin in Next General Election
Trevor Walker has stated he expects to widen his margin of victory in the next general election, as reported by Antigua News Room.
PM Challenges Opposition to 'Get Their Act Together' Ahead of Election
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly challenged the opposition to 'get their act together' as Antigua and Barbuda edges closer to an election date, signalling a heightening of political tensions in the country.
DNA Opts Out of Snap General Election, Calls for Free and Fair Poll
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has announced it will not participate in the upcoming snap general election, with its management committee unanimously agreeing to sit out the poll. The party, led by former MP and senator Joanne Massiah, called for elections to be free, fair, and free from fear.
DNA Party to Sit Out Upcoming Snap General Elections
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has confirmed it will not contest the upcoming snap general elections, following a unanimous decision by its Management Committee. The party, which has struggled since its founding in 2017, called for elections that are free, fair, and free from fear.
MPs Pay Tribute to Retiring Veteran Parliamentarian Sir Molwyn Joseph
Members of Parliament Richard Lewis, Sherfield Bowen, and Trevor Walker paid tribute in the Lower House to retiring St. Mary's North MP Sir Molwyn Joseph, honouring his more than three decades of parliamentary service. The tributes highlighted his ministerial roles, his skill as a debater, and the unwavering support of his constituents.
LETTER: Making the Case for Freeland in St. George
With the next general election on the horizon, letter writer Timmy Macholet makes the case for ABLP candidate Senator Michael Freeland as the most qualified and community-connected candidate to represent the pivotal St. George constituency.
Sir Molwyn Joseph Endorses Dr. Philmore Benjamin as His Successor in St. Mary's North
Veteran MP Sir Molwyn Joseph has publicly endorsed Dr. Philmore Benjamin as his successor in St. Mary's North during his final address to Parliament, pledging to work alongside him to maintain continuity of service to the constituency.
House Passes Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill Targeting Money Laundering Compliance
The House of Representatives has passed the Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stricter anti-money laundering compliance requirements, mandatory identity verification, and enhanced regulatory oversight for businesses operating within Antigua and Barbuda's Special Economic Zones. The bill now proceeds to the Senate, with the government citing an upcoming national evaluation in November as a key driver of the legislation's timeline.
MP Randy Baltimore Outlines Priorities for St. Philip's North in Maiden Parliamentary Address
Newly elected St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore delivered his maiden parliamentary address on Friday, outlining priorities including road infrastructure, community safety and economic opportunities following his March 16 by-election win. Baltimore pledged visible, year-round representation for his constituents.
MP Richard Lewis Vows Return to Parliament on Strength of His Record
United Progressive Party MP Richard Lewis has told Parliament he is confident his constituency record will secure his return to the Lower House at the next general election. The St. John's Rural West representative dismissed political challenges, declaring that the outcome in his constituency is already decided.
All Saints West MP Launches Road Upgrade Programme, Starting with Lightfoot Community
Member of Parliament Anthony Smith has launched a road upgrade programme in All Saints West, beginning with concrete road construction in the Lightfoot community. Smith says similar works are planned for other areas, including Oliver's and Buckleys, to be carried out in phases.
Parliament Passes Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill to Boost Investment and Compliance
Parliament has passed the Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill 2026, updating the regulatory framework governing investment zones to strengthen compliance with international financial standards. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin urged that Antigua and Barbuda must act decisively to compete for global investment opportunities.
Antigua Parliament Passes Festivals Commission Bill to Boost Economic Impact of Carnival
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has passed the Festivals Commission Bill 2026, creating a single 13-member body to manage Carnival and the One Nation Festival. Minister of Creative Industries Daryll Matthew says the move aims to transform the country's major festivals into economic engines while improving financial oversight and professional management.
China's Ambassador Outlines New Five-Year Blueprint and Opportunities for Antigua
Chinese Ambassador H.E. Jiang Wei has outlined the key outcomes of China's 2026 Two Sessions, highlighting strong economic growth, a new Five-Year Plan, and deepened cooperation prospects with Antigua and Barbuda and the broader Latin American and Caribbean region.
Masicka's Cultural Ambassadorship Built on Youth Development Framework, Not Just Star Power
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda's appointment of dancehall artist Masicka as Cultural Ambassador is underpinned by a formal five-pillar youth development framework spanning talent training, mentorship, and crime prevention. An initial Jamaica Artist Exchange Programme will see three young local artists selected for international industry exposure.
Antigua and Barbuda Helps Shape Global High Seas Treaty at UN Talks
Antigua and Barbuda is actively participating in UN preparatory talks for the High Seas Treaty, with delegation lead Asha Challenger serving as a Vice President of the Preparatory Commission. The sessions, running March 23 to April 2, mark the final stage before the treaty's first Conference of the Parties, expected in January next year.