Politics
2562 articles
Calypso 2030 Founder: Genre's Decline, Not Youth, Is Killing the Art Form
Music producer Andrew Dorsett, founder of the Calypso 2030 initiative, says the genre's declining quality — not youth disinterest — is responsible for Calypso's fading relevance, and is calling on government, philanthropists, and artists to help revitalise the art form.
UPP Senator: TCN Deportee Deal Threatens Antigua's Tourism Brand
UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner has warned that Antigua and Barbuda's deal to accept US-deported third-country nationals could damage the country's tourism brand and deter visitors from America and Europe. He also raised concerns about the unresolved legal status of deportees under existing local laws.
Police Still Awaiting Full Medical Insurance Promised Over a Year Ago
Former Police Welfare Association Chairperson Corporal Marilyn Harris says officers are still waiting for a full medical insurance package promised over a year ago, with the issue brought back into focus by the case of Senior Sergeant Jeffery Benjamin. Harris says repeated proposals to the government since 2019 have yielded no results.
Antigua Eyes Healthcare Partnership with China's Zhejiang People's Hospital
Health Minister Michael Joseph has signalled strong interest in a formal healthcare partnership with China's Zhejiang People's Hospital, following talks during an official visit that could bring specialised medical training and expert missions to Antigua and Barbuda.
CRC Delegation Heads to UK to Advance Global Reparations Agenda
The CARICOM Reparations Commission will travel to the United Kingdom from July 13 to 16, 2026, to strengthen partnerships and advance global advocacy for reparatory justice. The visit follows a series of landmark international developments, including a UN General Assembly resolution and a high-level reparations conference in Ghana.
PM Browne to Open Global Maritime Security Symposium in Antigua
Prime Minister Gaston Browne will open the Second Annual Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium on July 13 at the St. James's Club, where roughly 100 international maritime officials and experts will gather for three days of discussions on combating illicit shipping activities. The event is jointly hosted by ADOMS and the United States Department of State, with support from Sandia National Laboratories.
Antigua Health Minister Pursues Partnership with China's Zhejiang People's Hospital
Health Minister Hon. Michael Joseph has held discussions with officials at Zhejiang People's Hospital in China, with both parties agreeing in principle to a formal partnership covering medical missions, specialised training, and knowledge exchange.
Are Schools Becoming Billboards for Unhealthy Brands?
A public health advocate is calling on Caribbean schools to reconsider corporate sponsorships that market unhealthy foods to children, amid rising rates of childhood obesity across the region. The Healthy Caribbean Coalition's "Make It Make Sense" campaign asks whether schools can secure much-needed support without compromising students' long-term health.
CARICOM Leaders Agree to Pursue Regional Rules on Children's Social Media Use
CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to pursue common legislation and a regional policy framework governing children's access to social media, with Guyana and Grenada assigned leading roles in the effort. The decision was reached at the bloc's 51st Regular Meeting in Saint Lucia.
Antigua Advances Chest Pain Centre Plans with High-Level Visit to Chinese Cardiac Hospital
Health Minister Michael Joseph has visited a leading Chinese cardiac hospital to advance plans for a Chest Pain Centre in Antigua and Barbuda, with the initiative set to bring advanced cardiac procedures — including angioplasty and stent placement — to patients locally.
UPP Leader Pringle Vows Nationwide Town Halls on Key National Issues
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has pledged to hold a series of UPP-led town hall meetings across Antigua and Barbuda, calling for greater public participation in debates on critical national issues. The initiative was announced during a forum addressing the government's proposed third-country deportee arrangement with the United States.
Ex-Police Chief Claims Antigua's Crime Statistics Are Suppressed and Inaccurate
Former Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnette has publicly alleged that official crime statistics in Antigua and Barbuda are inaccurate and, in some cases, deliberately suppressed to minimise the appearance of criminal activity. He made the claims at a UPP town hall meeting examining the government's proposed third-country deportee arrangement with the United States.
Antigua and Barbuda Wins Bid to Host CARIFESTA 2029
Antigua and Barbuda has been awarded the hosting rights for CARIFESTA 2029 following a decision by CARICOM Heads of Government at their 51st Regular Meeting. The announcement comes as the twin-island nation also prepares to host CHOGM in November 2026.
CARICOM to Push Reparatory Justice to Forefront of CHOGM in Antigua
CARICOM leaders have agreed to make reparatory justice a central focus of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which Antigua and Barbuda will host in November. The decision, announced following the bloc's 51st Regular Meeting in Saint Lucia, includes endorsement of a ten-point reparations plan and support for several regional initiatives.
Senator Hughes Slams CARICOM Over Lack of Unified Response to US Deportee Proposal
UPP Senator Chester Hughes has criticized CARICOM leaders for failing to adopt a unified regional stance on the US deportee proposal, warning that the absence of coordination poses serious implications for immigration and security across the Eastern Caribbean.
Regional CBI Regulatory Authority on Track for September 2026 Launch
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's Monetary Council has confirmed that the new regional citizenship by investment regulatory authority, ECCIRA, remains on track to launch in September 2026. The update follows the Council's 113th meeting in Dominica, where regional finance ministers reviewed progress on the initiative.
PM Browne Champions Plan to Double Eastern Caribbean Economy in Seven Years
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has endorsed a regional plan to double the Eastern Caribbean economy to EC$50 billion within seven years, backing ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine's "Big Push" vision at this week's Monetary Council meeting in Dominica. The initiative includes a newly approved ECCB Strategic Plan for 2026–2031 and a proposed regional airline, OECS Air.
Police Welfare Association Renews Push for Risk Allowance After Years of Silence
The Police Welfare Association is renewing calls for the government to introduce a risk allowance for officers, citing violent incidents — including three officers shot within the past year — as evidence that the dangers of policing can no longer go uncompensated.
Disabled Worker's Court Victory Exposes Hidden Barriers to Justice for Antigua's Most Vulnerable
Joshuanette Francis won her Industrial Court case after more than five years of legal proceedings, but says the victory exposed deeper flaws in how Antigua and Barbuda's justice system enforces its own rulings. Her story raises urgent questions about disability rights, workplace fairness and whether ordinary workers can truly afford to pursue justice.
Greene Declares Antigua and Barbuda Ready to Host CHOGM 2026 After National Simulation
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene says a nationwide simulation exercise has confirmed Antigua and Barbuda's readiness to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The drill tested security, emergency response, logistics and public communication protocols ahead of the landmark event.