Politics
559 articles
PM Browne Announces Parliament to Be Prorogued
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that parliament will be prorogued, with a formal statement expected shortly. The announcement came during a sitting that featured tributes to a late MP and remarks marking a change in parliamentary membership.
Randy Baltimore Sworn In as MP for St. Philip's North After Landslide By-Election Win
Randy Baltimore has been sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for St. Philip's North after capturing nearly 70 per cent of the vote in the March 16 by-election. He succeeds Sir Robin Yearwood, who served in parliament for 50 years before retiring at age 80.
Ministry Opens Applications for 2026 OAS Academic Scholarships
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries is inviting applications for the 2026 OAS Academic Scholarship Program, with a deadline of Friday, 2nd April, 2026. The scholarships target students enrolled in the last two years of a Bachelor's Degree programme.
Antigua and Barbuda to Get First National Cardiology Center by Year's End
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of the country's first National Cardiology Center, set to be operational by year's end through a partnership with Hangzhou Normal University. The facility aims to eliminate the need for patients to travel abroad for critical cardiac procedures.
Opinion: UPP Faces Questions Over Leadership, Unity, and Electoral Relevance
A pointed political commentary, as reported by Antigua News Room, argues that the United Progressive Party remains mired in leadership disputes, electoral underperformance, and strategic inconsistency, raising serious questions about its readiness to govern.
St. Philip's North MP Holds Contractor Meeting Ahead of Constituency Road Works
St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore has met with local contractors to discuss upcoming road improvement works and infrastructure projects, with a stated focus on creating economic opportunities for young people and small businesses in the constituency.
Cabinet Moves to Fix Public Smoking Law After Arrest-Only Policy Sparks Backlash
Cabinet has agreed to amend the country's public smoking law and restore a ticketing system for violations, after an arrest-only enforcement policy drew widespread criticism. Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant said Parliament must clarify the legislation to prevent courts from being overwhelmed by minor smoking offences.
UPP Presses On With Election Petition as Court Sets April Hearing for Baltimore Case
The High Court has denied a UPP injunction seeking to block the swearing-in of St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore, while scheduling a full hearing on the party's election petition for April 13. The UPP maintains that Baltimore was still a public officer at the time of his nomination and has vowed to press the legal challenge to its conclusion.
Opinion: Why All Saints West Voters Should Reject Harold Lovell at the Polls
An opinion piece published by Antigua News Room argues that All Saints West voters should reject Harold Lovell, citing his electoral record, age, opposition status, and ministerial performance as reasons he would not effectively serve the constituency.
Ambassador Sanders: OAS Risks Irrelevance Through Silence on Hemisphere's Pressing Issues
Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the OAS, warns that the organization risks irrelevance by avoiding difficult political issues and facing deepening financial constraints. He calls on member states to engage substantively, fund the institution adequately, and embrace multilateral diplomacy rather than managed silence.
Letter: Are Antigua's Cultural Ambassadors Delivering Real Impact?
A letter published by Antigua News Room questions whether the country's Cultural Ambassadors are delivering measurable results, calling for a shift from ceremonial recognition to structured, youth-focused cultural development strategies.
Baltimore Eligibility Case Remains Active Despite Injunction Denial, Attorney Says
Attorney Sherfield Bowen says the High Court's refusal to block Randy Baltimore's swearing-in as St. Philip's North MP does not settle his eligibility, with the substantive case set to be heard on an expedited basis ahead of April 27. The dispute centres on conflicting dates for Baltimore's departure from the public service and whether he remained a public officer on Nomination Day.
Cabinet Approves Measures to Safeguard Seaview Farm's Ancient Pottery Tradition
Cabinet has approved a series of measures to preserve Seaview Farm's centuries-old pottery tradition, including artisan training and a Ministry of Tourism collaboration to integrate the craft into Antigua and Barbuda's national tourism product.
Antigua Cabinet Names Two Warri Champions as Cultural Ambassadors
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has appointed Warri players Trevor Simon and Terence Kambui-Charles as cultural ambassadors to preserve and promote the traditional African strategy game. The move is part of a wider government push to integrate cultural heritage into national development and tourism initiatives.
Govt Approves Rent-to-Own Scheme for Booby Alley Housing Development
The government has approved a rent-to-own programme for remaining units at the Booby Alley housing development, with former residents of the area set to receive priority access to units as previously promised. The scheme aims to expand homeownership opportunities for those who may not qualify for traditional mortgages.
Antigua and Barbuda Sends Expert Team to UN High Seas Treaty Preparatory Talks
Antigua and Barbuda has dispatched a three-member expert delegation to the United Nations for Prep Com III, the final preparatory session before the High Seas Treaty enters full force. The team is working alongside CARICOM and small island states to shape the treaty's institutional and financial frameworks.
Cabinet Approves Pension Increase, Airfare Subsidy and Treasury Reforms
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a five percent increase in pension payments, pledged an airfare subsidy for the Antigua–Barbuda route, and greenlit a Treasury restructuring programme at its March 25 sitting. The decisions form part of a broader government push for social protection and improved financial accountability.
Antigua Police Chief Attends RSS Security Chiefs Meeting to Address Regional Threats
Regional security officials, including Antigua's police chief, have convened for the RSS two-day Security Chiefs Meeting to address emerging threats and strengthen coordinated responses across Caribbean member states. Key discussion topics include maritime domain awareness and regional disaster management strategy.
ABLP Barbuda Branch Demands Immediate 5% Pay Rise for Council Workers
The ABLP Barbuda Branch is urging the Chair of Finance of the Barbuda Council to immediately implement a 5% salary increase for council workers, noting that government employees across the rest of Antigua and Barbuda have already received the adjustment. The party calls the ongoing disparity an unacceptable inequity that must be resolved without further delay.
Court Denies UPP Injunction Against St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore
The High Court has denied a UPP injunction challenging the election of St. Philip's North representative Randy Baltimore, allowing him to continue serving in Parliament while the substantive petition awaits a future hearing date.