Politics
1592 articles
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.
Ministry Urges Applicants to Meet April 2 Deadline for OAS Scholarships
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries is urging eligible candidates to submit their applications for the 2026 OAS Academic Scholarship Programme before the April 2, 2026 deadline. Both undergraduate and graduate study opportunities are available under the regional initiative.
Youth Ambassador Calls for Unity and Action Following Deaths of Two Young Antiguans
National Youth Ambassador Kristine Louisa has issued a public call for unity and action following the deaths of two young people in Antigua and Barbuda. She is urging community leaders, mentors, and advocates to strengthen youth intervention programmes and safe spaces across the nation.
PM Browne Lashes Out at Opposition Leader Pringle Over Parliamentary Conduct
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly condemned Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle as an "incompetent, ignorant, hot mess" following Pringle's ejection from Parliament and his controversial remarks during tributes to retiring MP Sir Molwyn Joseph. The incident has intensified tensions between the government and opposition.
Sir Molwyn Joseph Insists Retirement From Parliament Was His Own Choice
Veteran MP Sir Molwyn Joseph used his final parliamentary address to dismiss rumours that he was pushed out by Prime Minister Gaston Browne or the Labour Party leadership, saying his retirement after 42 years was driven by family priorities and personal reflection.
Letter: Masicka Appointment Slammed as 'Cultural Surrender' and Betrayal of National Identity
A letter published by Antigua News Room has sharply condemned the appointment of Jamaican dancehall artiste Masicka as Cultural Ambassador, accusing Prime Minister Gaston Browne and two senior officials of betraying national identity and outsourcing cultural representation.
Parliament Unites in Tribute to Former MP Eustace 'Teco' Lake
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament suspended its sitting to honour former MP Eustace 'Teco' Lake, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle among those offering heartfelt tributes to his legacy of service and warmth. Members on both sides of the aisle remembered Lake as a unifying figure who gave approximately 14 years to national development.
U.S. Issues Global Security Alert, Urging Caution for Americans in Antigua and Beyond
The U.S. Department of State has issued a global security alert urging American citizens worldwide, including those in Antigua and Barbuda, to exercise increased caution amid concerns over potential threats linked to Iran-aligned groups.
ABLP Condemns UPP Behaviour During Parliamentary Tribute to Sir Molwyn Joseph
The ABLP has formally condemned the behaviour of UPP members during a parliamentary tribute to retiring politician Sir Molwyn Joseph, calling it unbecoming of the occasion. The party praised Sir Molwyn's decades of service across multiple ministerial portfolios and wished him well in his retirement from active politics.
Opposition Leader Ejected from Parliament After Defying Speaker's Authority
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle was ejected from Parliament on Wednesday after telling Speaker Osbert Frederick he did not respect his authority, following a dispute over evidence in debate on the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Bill, 2026.
Opposition Leader Pringle Ejected from Parliament After Clash with Speaker
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle was ejected from the Lower House on Friday after a confrontation with House Speaker Osbert Frederick, who cited Pringle's overall conduct as the reason for his removal. The incident drew the attention of members across party lines and is being described as one of the most contentious moments in recent parliamentary history.
Sir Molwyn Joseph Ends 42-Year Political Career with Calls for Unity and Accountability
Sir Molwyn Joseph has retired from Parliament after 42 years in national politics, delivering a final address that called for unity, civic responsibility and strong governance while reflecting on a career defined by faith, eight electoral victories and decades of public service.
ABLP Calls on Voters to Renew ID Cards Ahead of General Elections
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party is urging voters to renew their Voter ID cards immediately ahead of the upcoming General Elections, warning against last-minute delays. The party also reaffirmed its confidence heading into the electoral cycle, citing its record of governance and development.
PM Browne Advises Governor General to Dissolve Parliament April 1, Election Expected in Late April
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has advised Governor General Sir Rodney Williams to dissolve Parliament on April 1, setting the stage for a general election in late April. The timeline was adjusted to give the opposition additional time to finalize its candidate slate.
MPs and Audience Walk Out as Opposition Leader Delivers Scathing Tribute to Sir Molwyn
Parliament descended into open division as government members and gallery attendees walked out during Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle's sharply critical tribute to former minister Sir Molwyn Joseph. Pringle broke from convention, refusing to offer praise and instead delivering a frank assessment of Joseph's record.