Politics
1592 articles
Elections Supervisor Reports ABEC Readiness, Spike in Voter ID Renewals
Supervisor of Elections Ian Hughes has provided an update on ABEC's readiness for the upcoming general elections, citing a significant increase in voter ID renewals and ongoing preparatory work by commission staff.
Chevening Scholar Dr. David Francis Champions Youth Policy at CHOGM 2026
Antiguan Chevening Scholar and physician Dr. David Francis, who carried the national flag at Westminster Abbey last month, is calling for youth-led policy to be prioritised at CHOGM 2026. According to Antigua Observer, Dr. Francis is urging Commonwealth leaders to give young people a genuine role in shaping the decisions that affect their futures.
PM Browne Defends Road Works Surge, Cites $100M Reserve to Fund Projects Beyond Election
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended the ongoing surge in road construction across Antigua and Barbuda, saying a $100 million reserve will keep projects running long after the election season. Browne made the remarks on the Browne and Browne program via Pointe Broadcasting Network on Saturday.
UPP Candidate Accuses PM Browne of 'Institutional Bribery' and Weaponising Hardship
UPP candidate Malaka Parker has accused Prime Minister Gaston Browne of using taxpayer funds to create voter dependency, calling the practice "institutional bribery" and accusing his administration of "weaponising hardship."
Venezuela Never Cut PetroCaribe Aid Despite Sanctions, Commentator Says
Commentator Dr. Radcliffe Robins says Venezuela never scaled back its PetroCaribe oil support to the Caribbean despite facing heavy sanctions, while oil-rich English-speaking Caribbean nations have offered no comparable assistance.
Local Doctor Slams Government Silence as Cuban Medical Team Prepares to Depart
A local doctor has publicly criticised the Antigua and Barbuda government and medical community for staying silent as Cuban medical personnel prepare to leave the country after decades of service. The physician argues that formal recognition of Cuba's healthcare contribution is long overdue.
PM Browne and UPP Candidate Trade Conflicting Accounts Over Alleged Secret Negotiations
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and UPP candidate Adrian Williams are locked in a heated dispute over allegations of secret meetings, job negotiations, and unresolved severance payments for former employees. The two sides have offered conflicting accounts, with neither yet providing independent verification of their claims.
NSWMA Workers Allege Fear, Safety Failures in Anonymous Letter
An anonymous letter submitted to Antigua Observer has levelled serious allegations against the National Solid Waste Management Authority, with workers claiming a workplace culture of fear, unsafe conditions, and years of unresolved grievances.
Governor General Dissolves Parliament, Triggering General Election
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has dissolved Parliament effective April 1, 2026, officially triggering a general election called by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Lovell Slams Government 'Gimmicks' as UPP Kicks Off All Saints West Campaign
UPP candidate Harold Lovell has launched his All Saints West campaign ahead of the snap election, criticizing the government's sudden constituency activity as political gimmickry while pledging trustworthy leadership.
Government to Review Public Smoking Laws, Eyes Shift to Ticketing System
The Antiguan government has announced a review of public smoking laws under the Tobacco Control Act of 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Act of 2024, with a possible shift toward a ticketing-based enforcement system. The move signals a potential change in how smoking violations in public spaces are handled across Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua Carnival 2026 Launch Postponed Due to Scheduling Conflicts
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has postponed the April 11 launch of Antigua Carnival 2026, citing scheduling conflicts with external service providers. ABFC Chairperson Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul confirmed the delay, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Commissioner Jeffers Attends First Regional Security Meeting Since Taking Office
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned from St. Lucia after attending the Regional Security System Chiefs of Security Meeting — his first regional engagement since taking office. The two-day meeting was held from March 25th to 26th.
Alex Browne Takes Oath as Newest Member of Antigua's Senate
Alex Browne was sworn in as the newest member of Antigua and Barbuda's Senate yesterday, taking his oath of allegiance before the President of the Upper House.
Senate Passes Festivals Commission and Special Economic Zone Bills Before Parliament Dissolves
The Antigua and Barbuda Senate has passed the Festivals Commission Bill 2026 and the Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill 2026 in its final sitting before Parliament dissolves for the upcoming general elections.
Antigua and Barbuda Joins Regional Push for Disaster Protection Treaty
Antigua and Barbuda was represented at a regional roundtable in Kingston, Jamaica, aimed at advancing a Treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. Dr. Jose Humphreys of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society and Crown Counsel Annetta Jackson attended the meeting.
Educators Champion the Panyard as a Powerful Tool for Youth Development
Educators and academics are calling for greater recognition of the steelpan yard as a vital, yet underutilized, tool for youth development in Antigua and Barbuda. The discussion, aired on Observer AM, highlighted the panyard's role in fostering discipline, cultural identity, and community among young people.
Nation Bids Farewell to Former Minister Eustace 'Teco' Lake
A thanksgiving service celebrating the life of former Minister of Works and Housing Eustace 'Teco' Lake was held on March 30 at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, before he was laid to rest at Tranquility Park Cemetery. Lake, who died on February 20, was 62 years old.
Red Cross President Highlights PIRAC Ready 360 as Key to Caribbean Resilience
ABRCS President Dr. Jose Humphreys has shed light on PIRAC Ready 360, a French Red Cross-led initiative aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience across the Caribbean. The programme emphasises innovation and regional partnership as cornerstones of its approach.
Retiring Deputy Commissioner Unveils Five-Point Plan to Reform Antigua Police Force
Deputy Commissioner Albert Wade, with 43 years of service and retirement approaching, has presented a five-point reform blueprint for the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, warning that structural change is essential to the force's future effectiveness.