Politics
1592 articles
Four Young Antiguans Named Official Social Media Correspondents for CHOGM 2026
The CHOGM 2026 Secretariat has appointed four young Antiguans and Barbudans — Janet Simon, Gabrielle Hamlet, Lutrell John and Joshua Edwards — as official Social Media Correspondents for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, set to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
Antigua and Barbuda Joins Regional Drive to Eliminate Mercury from Skin-Lightening Products
Antigua and Barbuda participated in the launch of a new WHO behavioural insights toolkit in Panama City on 25 February 2026, joining a regional effort to eliminate mercury-containing skin-lightening products. The toolkit helps countries identify and address the drivers behind harmful skin-lightening practices, which pose serious health and environmental risks.
Proposed US Visa Changes Could Create Hurdles for Antiguan and Barbudan Students
Antiguan and Barbudan students planning to study in the United States could face new hurdles under a proposed overhaul of the US international student visa system, which would replace open-ended status periods with fixed admission windows of up to four years. The changes, if approved, could take effect before the Fall 2026 academic intake and may also affect post-graduation work opportunities.
Singapore Confirms Teachers May Cane Students as Young as 9 Under New Discipline Framework
Singapore's Education Minister Desmond Lee has confirmed that teachers are authorised to cane students, including boys as young as nine, under a new disciplinary framework set to be implemented across the country's schools from 2027. The announcement has drawn scrutiny amid growing global opposition to corporal punishment in schools.
Antigua and Barbuda Swears In New Cabinet With Oath Dropping Loyalty to British Monarch
Antigua and Barbuda has sworn in a new Cabinet under Prime Minister Gaston Browne, with officials taking an oath of allegiance to the nation rather than the British monarch for the first time in the country's post-independence history. The historic change follows a constitutional amendment approved by Parliament in December 2025.
New Minister Kiz Johnson Sets Sights on Housing, Youth and Women's Empowerment
Newly elected St Philip South MP Kiz Johnson has outlined her priorities as Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, including housing for the homeless, a refuge for runaway teens, and expansion of the HAPI programme. She and Maria Browne are currently the only two women serving in the House of Representatives.
Nine Buildings Destroyed in Roseau Fire; Opposition Leader's Office Among Losses
A major fire tore through Roseau, Dominica, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, destroying nine buildings including the office of United Workers Party Leader Joshua Francis. The cause remains unknown as authorities continue their investigation.
New Tourism Minister of State Freeland Eyes Infrastructure Projects in Ministry Role
Newly appointed Minister of State Michael Freeland says his tenure as Deputy Chairman of the National Festivals Commission has prepared him for his new role in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Investments and Transportation, where he plans to focus on key infrastructure projects.
UWI Scholar: Caribbean Must Choose Justice Over False Peace
UWI Five Islands Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson invokes Peter Tosh, Pope Leo XIV, and the legacy of Caribbean economic vulnerability to argue that the region must demand justice — not merely peace — in response to global conflicts including the U.S.–Israel confrontation with Iran and the ongoing war in Gaza.
New Health Minister Joseph Pledges Data-Driven Approach, Sets 100-Day Priorities
Newly appointed Health Minister Michael Joseph says data and community engagement will guide his policy decisions, with his first 100 days focused on cutting ER wait times, reopening closed clinics, and improving civil service processing.
PM Browne Sworn In for Fourth Term as All 15 ABLP MPs Take Office
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been sworn in for a fourth consecutive term alongside all 15 elected ABLP members, with a Cabinet reshuffle signalled for as early as January 2027. The ceremony followed the party's strong general election performance, securing 15 of 17 parliamentary seats.
PM Browne Hints at Cabinet Reshuffle as Early as January 2027
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has signalled a Cabinet reshuffle could come as early as January 2027, even as all 15 newly elected ABLP parliamentarians were sworn into ministerial roles on Tuesday. Browne cited continuity on major national projects as the reason for retaining existing ministers in their portfolios for now.
Freeland Calls Tourism Ministry Appointment 'An Honour'
Newly appointed Minister of State Michael Freeland has called his swearing-in to the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment an honour, pledging to work alongside Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez on key areas of national development.
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. Pledges Renewed Focus on Food Security in Second Term
Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. has pledged continued progress on food security and food sovereignty as he begins his second term, welcoming Randy Baltimore as the newly appointed Minister of State within the ministry.
PM Browne Issues Strong Warning Over Unpaid Public Sector Workers
Prime Minister Gaston Browne used his Labour Day address to issue a direct warning to senior public servants, demanding the immediate processing of outstanding back pay and other worker entitlements. Browne made clear that non-compliance would not be tolerated under his administration.
UPP Chair Isaac Alleges State Resources and Cash Bribes Swayed General Election
UPP Chair D. Gisele Isaac has alleged in a Daily Observer opinion column that the April 30 general election was tilted by the ruling party's control of state institutions, corporate donor influence, and direct cash inducements to voters. Her remarks come days after the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party won a fourth consecutive term in office.
All Saints East & St. Luke MP Thanks Constituents Following 2026 Election Win
The Member of Parliament for All Saints East and St. Luke has publicly thanked constituents for their support following his victory in the 2026 general elections. The MP pledged strengthened engagement and a continued focus on development for Antigua and Barbuda.
ILO Report Connects Labour Rights to Journalist Safety on World Press Freedom Day
The International Labour Organization has released a report on World Press Freedom Day arguing that labour rights are essential to protecting journalists, citing over 1,850 killings since 1993. The report calls on governments and media organisations to integrate international labour standards into journalist safety strategies.
Pringle Thanks All Saints East and St. Luke Voters After Retaining UPP's Only Seat
UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle has thanked constituents of All Saints East and St. Luke for re-electing him on April 30, pledging stronger parliamentary representation after emerging as the party's only winning candidate in the general elections.
PM Browne Calls on New Cabinet to Govern for All Antiguans, Not Party Faithful
Prime Minister Gaston Browne used Tuesday's Cabinet swearing-in ceremony to call on his ministers to serve all Antiguans, warning against division and demanding high standards as his party begins a new term following a landslide election victory. The ceremony was held at the American University of Antigua.