Politics
2068 articles
Massiah Sworn In as Ambassador-at-Large, Vows Excellence and Integrity
Joanne Massiah was sworn in as Ambassador-at-Large at Government House on Monday, pledging to represent Antigua and Barbuda with excellence and integrity. Her first assignment will see her join the country's delegation at OAS and ACS meetings in Panama.
Ambassadors Marshall and Massiah Sworn In, Immediately Dispatched on First Foreign Assignments
Newly sworn-in Ambassadors-at-Large Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah were immediately assigned to international diplomatic duties following their investiture ceremony at Government House on Monday. Marshall will attend the EU-CARIFORUM summit in the Dominican Republic, while Massiah joins the Antigua and Barbuda delegation at OAS and ACS conferences in Panama.
Marshall, Massiah Sworn In as Ambassadors-at-Large, Immediately Assigned to International Forums
Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah have been sworn in as Antigua and Barbuda's newest ambassadors-at-large and have already been assigned to represent the country at separate international forums later this month. Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene said the appointments reflect the government's commitment to merit-based national service that crosses political lines.
Marshall and Messiah Sworn In as Ambassadors-at-Large, Assigned Diplomatic Duties
Former government ministers Samantha Marshall and Joanne Messiah were sworn in as Ambassadors-at-Large on Monday at Government House, with both immediately assigned to represent Antigua and Barbuda at upcoming international meetings.
Gov't Spends $700K Demolishing Derelict Properties in Point and Villa; Owners to Be Billed
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government has spent around $700,000 demolishing 45 derelict properties in Point and Villa, and owners will be billed through charges attached to their land.
PM Browne Escalates Attack on UPP Senator Parker Over Partner's Drug Arrest
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has intensified his criticism of UPP Senator Malaka Parker, questioning her judgment and personal choices in a Facebook post, hours after the opposition party condemned his earlier remarks as an attempt to taint her character following her partner's drug-related arrest.
PM Browne Demands Urgent MVI Integration to End Financing Inequity for Island States
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for the immediate integration of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index into global financing frameworks, warning that continued delays are leaving Small Island Developing States exposed to economic shocks without adequate support. Speaking at a UN high-level retreat, Browne argued that GDP-based classifications fail to capture the true vulnerabilities of nations like Antigua and Barbuda.
NYPAAB Elects New Executive Committee and Youth MPs for Upcoming Term
The National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda has elected a new Executive Committee and Youth Members of Parliament to serve during the upcoming term. The new leadership will focus on civic engagement, leadership development, and expanding youth participation in national affairs.
Skerrit Deflects Questions on Nassief U.S. Visa Denial, Cites Consular Authority
Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has declined to comment on the reported denial of U.S. visa renewals to prominent businessman and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association President Gregoire Nassief and his wife, saying such decisions are the sole purview of American consular authorities. Skerrit also revealed that ongoing U.S.-Dominica discussions over Dominica's travel-scrutiny status are expected to produce a review this month.
PM Browne Vows Crackdown on Foreign Contractors Over Tax, Labour Concerns
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has alleged that some foreign construction companies operating in Antigua and Barbuda are underpaying imported workers, displacing locals, and evading taxes, and has vowed forensic audits and back-tax action where necessary.
Browne: Back Pay Delays Stem from Missing Ministry Documents, Not Funding Shortfall
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says more than $30 million in back pay has been disbursed to over 90 percent of eligible public servants, with remaining delays caused by ministries failing to submit required documentation to the Treasury — not a lack of funds.
Commentary: Antigua's Ambassador Pilgrim on the Moon Race Reshaping Humanity's Future
Antiguan Ambassador Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim examines the two competing lunar programmes — the US-led Artemis Program and China-Russia's International Lunar Research Station — arguing that broad international participation, including from small island states like Antigua, is essential to ensuring space exploration becomes a truly global endeavour.
NYPAAB Completes Elections, Names Full Executive Committee and Youth MPs
The National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda has completed its elections, naming a full Executive Committee and eight Youth Members of Parliament to represent constituencies across the country. President Ezekiel Francois said the newly elected team reflects the talent and diversity of the nation's youth.
U.S. and Iran Reach Peace Deal to End Four-Month War
The United States and Iran have agreed to end their nearly four-month war, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the breakthrough on Sunday. A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday, 19 June in Switzerland, with the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen the same day.
PM Browne: DPP Must Justify Controversial Prosecutorial Decisions to Maintain Public Trust
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly rebuked Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph over his reported refusal to explain controversial prosecutorial decisions, warning that a lack of transparency could damage public trust and Antigua and Barbuda's international reputation. Browne's comments were prompted by the discontinuation of two recent narcotics-related prosecutions that have drawn significant public scrutiny.
130 Students Enrolled in UWI Five Islands Law Programme, PM Browne Reveals
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that approximately 130 students have already enrolled in the UWI Five Islands Campus' new law degree programme, calling the response a sign of growing demand for local tertiary education. Browne also floated the possibility of requiring highly profitable companies to contribute to education financing as enrolment at the campus approaches 2,000 students.
PM Browne Floats Windfall Tax Expansion to Boost Education Funding
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has proposed extending the country's windfall tax to include other highly profitable businesses, with the additional revenue intended to fund tertiary education and the expansion of the UWI Five Islands Campus. Browne outlined the idea during his weekly radio programme on Saturday, though no specific industries or tax rates were identified and no final decision has been made.
PM Browne Eyes Harrison and Cort to Lead UWI Five Islands Campus Council
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that businessman David Harrison is giving "serious consideration" to becoming chairman of the UWI Five Islands Campus Council, with former finance minister Dr. Errol Cort named as a possible alternative. The search for a successor follows the recent death of inaugural chairman Sir Aziz Hadeed.
PM Browne Unveils 'Peace Beach' Project at Barnacle Point Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans for 'Peace Beach,' a new public beach and artificial reef project at Barnacle Point aimed at recreation, marine conservation and education. The development is targeted for substantial completion ahead of Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of CHOGM in November 2026.
Women Urged to Own Their Brand at Emerging Female Leaders Masterclass
Dozens of women gathered at the Harrison Centre on Saturday for a Public Speaking and Personal Branding Masterclass under the Directorate of Gender Affairs' Emerging Female Leaders Programme. Minister of State Kiz Johnson and two expert facilitators led participants through sessions on personal branding, authenticity, and professional confidence.