Politics
2068 articles
Bobo Shanti Group Accuses Authorities of Failing to Consult Rastafarian Community
The Bobo Shanti Worldwide organisation has publicly accused police and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority of failing to consult or educate the Rastafarian community before conducting arrests related to cannabis charges. The group insists a recent gathering of members was an act of religious worship, not a protest, and is calling for dialogue and fairness from authorities.
Parliament Passes Electronic Crimes Bill with $1 Million Penalty for Non-Compliance
Parliament has passed the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2026, imposing penalties of up to $1 million on individuals and companies that fail to comply with law enforcement production orders for electronic data. The bill received bipartisan support, with Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin citing persistent refusals by telecommunications service providers to cooperate with criminal investigations.
Parliament Approves Land Acquisition to Expand National Performing Arts Centre
Parliament has approved the acquisition of a small parcel of land on St. Mary's Street to support the expansion of the National Performing Arts Centre, which is set to host the 2026 CHOGM opening ceremony. The measure passed over objections from Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, who raised concerns about landowner consent and insufficient detail on compensation.
PM Browne: No Industrial Park Planned Near Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has clarified in Parliament that lands near the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium consist of individual private allocations, dismissing suggestions that a formal industrial park is being developed in the area.
PM Browne Flags Work Ethic Crisis Amid Near Full Employment in Antigua
Prime Minister Gaston Browne warned in Parliament Tuesday that Antigua and Barbuda faces a growing work ethic problem, with employers struggling to fill vacancies across multiple sectors despite the country operating at near full employment. Browne cited rising work permit applications, absenteeism and workers refusing available jobs as key concerns.
Opinion: The Weight of the Office — Assessing Gaston Browne's Legacy in Antigua and Barbuda
A new opinion piece published by Antigua.news examines the political career and legacy of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, now serving his fourth term, assessing key achievements in education, tourism, housing, and international diplomacy against the broader demands of Caribbean leadership.
PM Browne Claims Near-Full Employment, Admits Labour Data Is Outdated
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has declared Antigua and Barbuda is at near-full employment, while admitting the government's most recent labour market survey dates back to 2016 or 2017 and that updated data is needed. Browne also raised concerns about a growing reluctance among some locals to fill available jobs in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and security.
Information Commissioner's Office to Be Ready Within Six Months, PM Browne Tells Parliament
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has told Parliament that the Office of the Information Commissioner is expected to be ready for occupancy within six months, even as work on the facility continues at its current High Street location.
PM Browne: Public Works Recruits Quit Voluntarily, Government Won't Abandon Programme
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected suggestions that the government is laying off Public Works Department recruits, telling Parliament that many of the 700 to 800 workers hired under the programme have simply stopped reporting to work. Browne vowed the government would continue providing opportunities for vulnerable young people despite the attendance challenges.
PM Browne: Stadium-Area Land Allocations Do Not Constitute Industrial Park
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has clarified in Parliament that land near the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is not a designated industrial park, but rather a series of individual land allocations made to private investors. The distinction comes as commercial construction activity in the area has drawn public attention.
PM Browne: Full Road Rehabilitation Across Antigua Will Take Years
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says road rehabilitation across Antigua and Barbuda will take years to complete, while highlighting cost-effective progress being made by the Public Works Department on key corridors including All Saints Road and the Sir Sydney Walling Highway.
PM Browne: $100M Road Project Loan Yet to Be Drawn Down
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told Parliament this week that the government has yet to draw any funds from a $100 million loan facility earmarked for the National Road Project, but expects to begin accessing it later this month.
PM Browne: Many Back Pay Complainants Are Simply Not Eligible
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told Parliament on Tuesday that many complaints about unpaid government back pay are coming from individuals who do not qualify for the payments, citing former public servants, new hires, and contract workers among ineligible claimants. He maintained that the vast majority of eligible workers have already been paid in full.
Pringle and Walker Complete Parliamentary Swearing-In Process
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda MP Trevor Walker were sworn into the House of Representatives on Tuesday, completing the parliamentary swearing-in process for all elected members following the April 30 General Election.
Jamale Pringle Sworn In as Opposition Leader
Jamale Pringle has been officially sworn in as Opposition Leader in Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua News Room captured the ceremony on video.
Jamal Pringle and Trevor Walker Sworn In as Opposition Leader and MP
Jamal Pringle has been officially sworn in as Opposition Leader, while Trevor Walker was sworn in as a Member of Parliament, marking a significant moment in Antigua and Barbuda's political landscape.
Antigua and China Eye Deeper Tourism and Cultural Ties After Diplomatic Meeting
Minister of State for Tourism Hon. Michael Freeland met with newly appointed Chinese Ambassador Her Excellency Jiang Wei to discuss expanding tourism, cultural cooperation, and travel connectivity between Antigua and Barbuda and China. Key topics included boosting Antigua and Barbuda's visibility in the Chinese market and leveraging an upcoming UAE direct air route as a gateway for Asian travelers.
Opinion: Personal Responsibility Cannot Solve a Public Health Crisis Built by Policy Failures
A public health opinion piece, as reported by Antigua News Room, argues that the Caribbean's childhood obesity crisis — with 42% of Barbadian children living with overweight or obesity — cannot be solved by placing the burden of responsibility on parents and children alone. The piece calls on governments to regulate unhealthy food marketing in schools rather than deferring to industry-favoured narratives centred on personal responsibility.
Antigua Swears In Two Ambassadors-At-Large to Deepen Latin American Ties
Antigua and Barbuda has sworn in two new Ambassadors-at-Large, Ms. Samantha Nicole Marshall and Ms. Joanne Maureen Massiah, with officials calling on them to advance the Government's push to deepen ties with the Spanish-speaking world. The ceremony underscored the administration's goal of establishing Spanish as the country's second official language.
Marshall Sworn In as Ambassador-at-Large, Pledges Continued Service to Antigua and Barbuda
Samantha Marshall was sworn in as Ambassador-at-Large on Monday, pledging to bring the same commitment she demonstrated in elected office to her new diplomatic role. Marshall and fellow appointee Joanne Massiah were sworn in before Governor General's Deputy Sir Clare Roberts at Government House.