Politics
1778 articles
PM Browne Denies $6M Superyacht Kickback Claims, Threatens Defamation Suit
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has flatly denied allegations published by OffshoreAlert that he negotiated a US$6 million kickback tied to the sale of the seized superyacht Alfa Nero, calling the claims false and politically motivated. Browne is now threatening defamation legal action against publisher David Marchant.
Spanish-Speaking Community Hails Spanish as Antigua and Barbuda's Second Official Language
Antigua and Barbuda's Spanish-speaking community is welcoming the Government's decision to make Spanish the country's second official language, with the Ministry of Education directed to introduce Spanish as a core subject at all school levels. Community representative Alex Martinez praised Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Cabinet ministers for the landmark policy initiative.
Cabinet Reminds Essential Workers of Holiday Duty Obligations, Clears ONDCP Building
Cabinet has reminded essential service workers of their obligation to report for duty on public holidays under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code, while also clearing the ONDCP building as structurally safe for continued occupancy.
Cabinet Mourns Okeen Lightfoot, Sounds Alarm on Reckless Driving Threatening Roadside Workers
Cabinet has mourned the on-duty death of NSWMA worker Okeen Lightfoot and raised urgent concerns about reckless driving following a second roadside incident involving a colleague. Ministers are calling on motorists to exercise greater caution near roadside workers and have pledged to pursue stronger road safety measures.
Cabinet Approves New Equipment and Experts to Boost National Road Rehabilitation
Cabinet has approved two new pieces of specialised road construction equipment and additional technical experts to strengthen the national road rehabilitation programme, with a growing focus on rural communities and hard-to-reach areas.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches US$12.3 Million Early Warning System Initiative
Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched a US$12.3 million, five-year disaster preparedness initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented with UNDP support. The "Early Warnings for All" project aims to modernise early warning systems and ensure all residents — including those in remote communities — receive timely information before disasters strike.
Tiffany Strann-Peters Sworn In as Senator, Raising Female Parliamentary Representation to Eight
Tiffany Anthea Lauren Strann-Peters was sworn in as a Government Senator on Wednesday, bringing the total number of female senators to six and overall female parliamentary representation to eight within Antigua and Barbuda's 34-member Parliament.
Joel Rayne Sworn In as Parliamentary Secretary Days After Senate Appointment
Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships on Wednesday, just days after his appointment to the Senate. The ceremony at Government House was presided over by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.
Cabinet Approves Spanish as Antigua and Barbuda's Official Second Language
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a national policy to make Spanish the country's official second language, mandating its inclusion as a core subject across all school levels. The initiative also includes the launch of the Dominican Republic Integration Programme and the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Government Tables Sweeping Legislative Agenda Covering Harassment, Child Protection and Health
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has presented a sweeping legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary sitting, covering workplace sexual harassment, child protection, electronic crime, health reform, and border security. The package spans multiple ministries and reflects what the Government describes as a whole-of-government approach to modernising national laws and institutions.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches US$12.3M Project to Strengthen Disaster Early Warning Systems
Antigua and Barbuda has launched a US$12.3 million, five-year project in partnership with UNDP to modernise the nation's disaster early warning systems and weather forecasting capabilities. Funded by the Green Climate Fund, the initiative aims to ensure life-saving hazard information reaches every resident, including those in the most remote communities.
Cabinet Approves New Equipment and Experts to Boost National Road Repair Drive
Cabinet has approved two new specialised road-repair machines and additional technical experts to expand Antigua and Barbuda's national road rehabilitation programme, with a sharpened focus on rural communities.
Cabinet Approves Safe Haven Facility, Road Equipment and Mourns Loss of Key Figures
Cabinet approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven facility for vulnerable women and children, backed by EC$850,000 in combined public and private funding, while also greenlighting new road equipment and experts to accelerate infrastructure works. The meeting also addressed mounting road safety concerns following the death of a sanitation worker and paid tribute to two recently deceased national figures.
Cabinet Reaffirms Essential Workers Must Report on Public Holidays
Cabinet has reaffirmed that essential service workers scheduled to work on public holidays are legally required to report for duty under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code. In a separate decision, the ONDCP building was declared safe for occupancy following a Ministry of Works technical assessment.
Antigua and Barbuda Tables Sweeping Legislation on Child Abuse, Workplace Violence and E-Crimes
The Antigua and Barbuda government is preparing a sweeping package of new legislation covering child abuse, workplace violence, electronic crimes and public safety reforms ahead of next week's opening of the new parliamentary session. The push follows alarming statistics showing the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation handles more than 50 weekly interventions involving abused or neglected children.
Cabinet Mourns NSWMA Worker's Death, Warns Motorists After Two Road Incidents
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has called on motorists to drive with greater care following the on-duty death of NSWMA sanitation worker O'Keen Lightfoot and a second incident in which another NSWMA employee was struck by a vehicle while working roadside.
Cabinet Makes Spanish Antigua and Barbuda's Official Second Language
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved Spanish as the country's official second language, mandating its inclusion as a core subject from preschool to secondary school. The move is part of a broader regional integration strategy that also includes a new Dominican Republic Integration Programme and the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Cabinet Approves National Safe Haven for Women and Children, Secures $850K in Funding
Cabinet has approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven for Women and Children, securing EC$850,000 in combined government and private funding. The trauma-informed facility will provide emergency shelter and support services under the joint leadership of the Family and Social Services Division and the Directorate of Gender Affairs.
Egypt and Afreximbank Gear Up for 33rd Annual Meetings in Alamein This June
Egypt's Central Bank Governor and Afreximbank President held a joint press briefing on May 13, 2026, outlining preparations for the 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings to be held in Alamein from June 21 to 24. The event, held under the patronage of President El-Sisi, is expected to draw global leaders and address key issues shaping Africa's economic future.
PM Browne Heads to New York for Climate, Energy and Reparatory Justice Talks
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is in New York this week for a series of high-level talks on climate resilience, renewable energy and reparatory justice, with discussions also aimed at advancing Antigua and Barbuda's profile ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026.