Politics
1592 articles
PM Browne: Festival Upgrade Push Targets International Standards, Not Local Providers
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government's festival production upgrade — including a newly purchased stage and a potential sound system acquisition — is aimed at meeting international standards as Antigua and Barbuda grows its role as a regional events hub. Cabinet is set to review proposals from local operators before making a final decision on sound equipment.
PM Browne Defends Festival 'Level Up' Drive Amid Sound System Row
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended the government's campaign to raise festival production standards, saying the push to 'level up' is about national competitiveness rather than targeting any individual provider. Cabinet will review proposals from local sound operators this week before deciding whether to proceed with purchasing a national sound system.
Governor General Holds Talks with Royal Drawing School to Expand Arts Programme
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams held talks in London with the Royal Drawing School to expand Antigua and Barbuda's arts teaching residency and explore exhibitions ahead of CHOGM. The programme will for the first time be open to all citizens involved in the visual arts, not just school students.
Commentary: Caribbean Cannabis Policy Must Move From Denial to Practical Regulation
A new commentary published by Antigua News Room argues that Caribbean cannabis policy remains caught between partial decriminalization and unrealistic public consumption bans. The author calls on regional governments to adopt practical regulatory frameworks that align law with social reality.
ABEC Issues Requirements for Special ID Cards Ahead of St. Philip North By-Election
ABEC has announced that Special Identification Cards will be issued to eligible St. Philip North electors on March 16, 2026, at the Glanvilles Community Centre ahead of the constituency's by-election. Applicants must bring required documentation, including a passport-size photograph and, where applicable, valid government-issued ID and proof of address.
Antigua and Barbuda Champions Gender-Responsive Climate Finance at UN Women's Forum
Antigua and Barbuda's delegation made a strong case at the UN's 70th Commission on the Status of Women for gender equality to be central to global climate finance frameworks. Director of Gender Affairs Jamie Saunders highlighted national policies and funding mechanisms already advancing gender-responsive climate action.
Pilgrim Moved to Creative Industries in Late Public Service Reshuffle
Permanent Secretary Clarence Pilgrim has been reassigned from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Creative Industries in a late public service reshuffle, with Sharon Stevens moving in the opposite direction. Ena Dalso will remain as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
Pilgrim Moved to Creative Industries in Last-Minute Public Service Reshuffle
A last-minute adjustment to Antigua and Barbuda's public service reshuffle has seen Permanent Secretary Clarence Pilgrim moved to the Ministry of Creative Industries, while Ena Dalso remains in Education following public pushback over her potential reassignment.
Cabinet Congratulates Winners of Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has congratulated the winners and nominees of the National Music Awards, celebrating their contributions to the country's cultural and creative industries. Top honourees included Tian Winter, named both Soca Artiste and Recording Artiste of the Year, among a wide field of recognised musicians and industry professionals.
Global Citizen Proposes Youth and Innovation Forum Alongside CHOGM 2026 in Antigua
Global Citizen has presented a proposal to the Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet to host a youth and innovation forum alongside CHOGM 2026, including a Digital Futures for Youth initiative targeting up to two million young people and a cultural advocacy event featuring international artists. Cabinet welcomed the proposal, recognising its potential to boost the country's global profile during the Commonwealth summit.
Letter: End the 'Musical Chairs' of Permanent Secretary Reshuffles, Urges Concerned Youth
A letter to the editor, as reported by Antigua News Room, calls on the Prime Minister and Cabinet to end the repeated rotation of the same Permanent Secretaries across Government ministries and instead build a new generation of capable, tech-savvy administrative leaders for Antigua and Barbuda's public service.
CARICOM Nations Emit Far Below Global Average, Yet Bear the Brunt of Climate Risk
New EDGAR data shows 13 of CARICOM's 14 member states emit well below the global carbon average, yet the region continues to face disproportionately high climate risk. Trinidad and Tobago remains the sole outlier, while Guyana's emissions have surged 67% since 2015.
Antigua and Barbuda Moves to Deepen Diplomatic Ties with Peru
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene met with Peru's newly appointed Ambassador Gustavo Lembcke on Thursday, signaling Antigua and Barbuda's intent to revitalise a diplomatic relationship that has seen limited engagement since its establishment in 1985. The two sides discussed potential cooperation in climate change, education, and a long-pending Memorandum of Understanding.
Government: Antiguan and Barbudan Students in Cuba Coping Despite Hardships
The government has rejected reports that Antiguan and Barbudan students in Cuba are in dire straits, with Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant confirming the students are coping and remain committed to completing their studies despite ongoing shortages and infrastructure disruptions.
Cabinet Approves Relocation of National Archives to Former CIBC Building
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved plans to repair and retrofit the former CIBC building on High Street to house the National Archives, following serious structural concerns at the current facility. The relocation aims to better protect historical records and improve safety for archive staff.
Antigua and Barbuda High Commission Celebrates Heritage and Diaspora Ties in London
The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London hosted a Heritage Evening celebrating the nations' history, culture, and diaspora ties, featuring remarks from Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Foreign Affairs Minister Chet Greene, and cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards. The event included cultural performances and presentations on the Windrush legacy and the restoration of Government House.
Cuba's Díaz-Canel Confirms Talks with Washington Amid Fuel Crisis and US Pressure
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has publicly confirmed that Havana has held talks with Washington, marking the first official acknowledgment from Cuba amid a severe fuel crisis and intensifying US pressure. Díaz-Canel said tens of thousands of patients are awaiting surgeries that cannot proceed due to electricity shortages caused by what he called an American "energy blockade."
ABFC Sets April 11 Launch Date for Antigua Carnival 2026 at Rising Sun Grounds
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has announced the official launch of Antigua Carnival 2026 for April 11 at the Rising Sun Grounds, featuring the Carnival Rhythm Village, live performances, and tributes to legendary calypsonians. The free event, themed "Feel the Rhythm," begins at 2:00 p.m. and is open to residents and visitors alike.
Antigua and Barbuda, Peru Eye Closer Diplomatic and Trade Ties
Antigua and Barbuda and Peru have signalled plans to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties following the presentation of credentials by Peru's new ambassador, Gustavo Lamke. Discussions covered potential cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture, education and climate change.
Government Reshuffles Permanent Secretaries Across Key Ministries
The government has reassigned several permanent secretaries across key ministries, including moves affecting the portfolios of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Creative Industries. Officials describe the reshuffle as routine administrative practice.