Politics
1592 articles
ABLP Plans April 2026 National Convention on Heels of By-Election Win
The ABLP is preparing for a national convention in April 2026, following its decisive by-election win in St. Philip's North. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged party branches to begin organizing, with candidate ratification and leadership elections on the agenda.
TSA Staffing Crisis Triggers Long Airport Wait Times Amid U.S. Government Shutdown
TSA security checkpoints across the United States are overwhelmed as hundreds of officers call out of work without pay during the ongoing partial government shutdown. More than 360 TSA employees have resigned since the shutdown began on February 14, with officials warning that airports could face further, more severe disruptions.
U.S. Expands Visa Bond Program to 50 Nations, Including Antigua and Barbuda
The U.S. State Department is expanding its visa bond program to 50 countries as of April 2, requiring nationals — including those from Antigua and Barbuda — to post a $15,000 bond before receiving business or tourism visas. Officials say the measure curbs illegal overstays and reduces costs to American taxpayers.
Grenada Among 12 Nations Added to US Visa Bond Programme
The United States has added Grenada and 11 other countries to its visa bond programme, effective April 2, 2026, requiring eligible B1/B2 visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000. The expansion brings the total number of countries covered by the pilot programme to 50.
St. Philip's North By-Election Win Masks Deeper Engagement Gap, Analyst Warns
The ABLP's Randy Baltimore won the St. Philip's North by-election with 69.42 percent of votes, but a voter turnout of just 67.27 percent has prompted a leadership analyst to warn that political dominance without meaningful citizen engagement risks becoming fragile. Writing for Antigua News Room, Dr. Isaac Newton argues the silence of non-voters carries a strategic message that leaders ignore at their peril.
PM Browne Calls on Africa and Caribbean to Dismantle 'Extractive' Economic Legacy
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged African and Caribbean leaders to dismantle historically "extractive" economic systems rooted in colonialism and slavery, calling for a shift toward locally owned and productive economies. He made the remarks while hosting a Nigerian royal delegation in Antigua, as reported by Antigua News Room.
PM Browne Calls for Economic Overhaul to Benefit African and Caribbean Citizens
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on African and Caribbean leaders to overhaul their economic systems, urging a move away from extractive structures toward locally driven prosperity. Browne made the remarks during a meeting with a Nigerian royal delegation, as reported by Antigua.news.
Reader Calls for Review of Hairstyle Policy at Antigua Girls' High School
A member of the public has written to call for a review of hairstyle policies at Antigua Girls' High School, after a student was reportedly sent home twice over natural hair styling choices. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, argues that the enforcement is unfair and inconsistent with practices at other local schools.
Opinion: St. Philip's North By-Election Assessed — Randy Baltimore's Path to Victory
A political assessment published by Antigua News Room evaluates the upcoming St. Philip's North by-election, highlighting strong community support for Labour candidate Randy Baltimore and criticising the opposition's campaign over what the analysis describes as a series of disinformation claims.
Ambulance Service Coming to Glanvilles Polyclinic, Eastern Communities to Benefit
Ambulance services are set to launch at the Glanvilles Polyclinic within days of a dedicated vehicle arriving in Antigua and Barbuda, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph announced. The service will benefit residents across the eastern corridor, including communities in Glanvilles, Freetown, Pares, Seatons, and Willikies.
Baltimore Wins St. Philip North By-Election in Clean Sweep Across All Seven Divisions
Randy Baltimore has won the St. Philip North by-election in a clean sweep across all seven polling divisions, with ABLP colleagues hailing the result as an emphatic mandate. As reported by Antigua News Room, the contest was triggered by the retirement of longtime representative Sir Robin Yearwood.
CXC Launches Inaugural Regional Education Conference with 350 Delegates, 13 Ministers
The Caribbean Examinations Council has opened its inaugural Regional Education Conference in Jamaica, bringing together more than 350 delegates and 13 ministers of education from 27 countries to address digital transformation and the role of artificial intelligence in Caribbean schools.
Fuller Calls for Government-Subsidised Life Rafts After Three Fishermen Disappear at Sea
Businessman and boater Eli Fuller is calling on the Antiguan government to subsidise life rafts and emergency communication devices for local fishermen, following the disappearance of three men at sea. Fuller warned that without stronger safety regulations and better-equipped vessels, similar tragedies will continue.
CCJ President Calls for Corporate-Funded International Climate Compensation Fund
CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson has proposed the creation of an International Climate Injuries Compensation Fund, requiring mandatory contributions from high-emission multinational corporations to assist vulnerable nations recovering from climate-related disasters. The proposal was made at an Inter-American human rights seminar in Brasilia on 16 March 2026.
UPP's Alex Browne Vows to Press On After By-Election Loss
UPP's Alex Browne has responded to a by-election defeat with a call for unity and resolve, vowing that the party's fight for fairness and change in Antigua and Barbuda will continue. In a public statement, Browne framed the loss as an opportunity for reflection and growth rather than an endpoint.
ABEC Declares Randy Baltimore Winner of St. Philip North By-Election
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has officially declared Randy Baltimore the winner of the St. Philip North by-election, as reported by Antigua.news.
Government Printery Closure Extended a Week as Repairs, Sanitation Work Continue
The Government Printery will remain closed for an additional week as Ministry of Works teams tackle a pigeon infestation, deep cleaning, and structural repairs. Cabinet says the extended closure underscores the government's commitment to providing safe working conditions for public servants.
PM Browne Congratulates Baltimore After Decisive St. Philip's North By-Election Win
Randy Baltimore has won the St. Philip's North by-election for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, defeating UPP candidate Alex Browne in what observers called a decisive result. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has welcomed Baltimore to Parliament and reaffirmed the government's development commitment to the constituency.
Greene Calls on Caribbean and African Leaders to Turn Dialogue Into Action
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has called on Caribbean and African leaders to move past talk and act on what he says is a rare opportunity for closer regional cooperation. Greene made the remarks during a visit from a Nigerian traditional ruler and his delegation, citing shifting global dynamics as a catalyst for stronger trade and people-to-people ties.
PM Browne Congratulates Randy Baltimore on St. Philip's North By-Election Win
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has congratulated Randy Baltimore of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party on his emphatic victory in the St. Philip's North by-election held on March 16, 2026. Baltimore defeated United Progressive Party candidate Alex Browne, securing the seat left vacant by the resignation of Sir Robin Yearwood.