Politics
1592 articles
US Visa Restrictions on Antiguans and Barbudans Unlikely to Ease, Expert Warns
A Washington-based foreign policy expert warns that Antiguans and Barbudans may face a lengthy wait for relief from US visa restrictions, with the current administration showing no signs of reversing course. According to Antigua Observer, the US has been using visa access as a deliberate political tool.
Cabinet Approves Discounted Land Sales for Long-Term Occupants of State Property
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a new policy allowing long-term occupants of state-owned land to purchase their residential plots at heavily discounted rates. The initiative targets citizens who have lived on government land for over a decade.
Cabinet Approves Minimum Wage Increase and Public Sector Pay Rise
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an increase to the national minimum wage and an interim pay rise for public servants, both set to take effect on April 1st, 2026. The measures are aimed at addressing the rising cost of living across the twin-island nation.
Government Announces Two-Day ABST Holiday to Ease Back-to-School Costs
The Antiguan government has announced a two-day ABST holiday on April 10 and 11, suspending sales tax on essential items to help families manage back-to-school expenses. The Cabinet confirmed the measure as reported by Antigua Observer.
MP Simon Urges Government Action on Rural Youth Neglect in St Mary's South
St Mary's South MP Kelvin Simon is urging the government to urgently address what he calls the systematic neglect of rural youth, warning that without investment in agriculture, fishing, and vocational training, entire communities will continue to be left behind.
ABEC Chairman Reaffirms Push for Electronic Voting in Antigua and Barbuda
ABEC Chairman Ambassador Arthur Thomas has confirmed the commission remains committed to exploring and implementing electronic voting in Antigua and Barbuda, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Pollster Wickham Urges PM Browne to Call Snap Election, Citing ABLP Momentum
Prominent regional pollster Peter Wickham is advising Prime Minister Gaston Browne to call a snap general election, citing strong momentum for the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party following the election of Randy Baltimore as a new MP.
US Policy Risks Fracturing CARICOM Unity, Foreign Policy Expert Warns
A leading US foreign policy expert has warned that Washington's strategy toward the Caribbean is deliberately aimed at fracturing CARICOM unity, cautioning that island states which break from the bloc risk long-term sovereignty for short-term gains that may never materialise.
PS Accuses Festivals Commission Chair of Financial Misconduct in Letter to PM Browne
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries has written to Prime Minister Gaston Browne alleging financial misconduct, unauthorised expenditure, and contracts signed in her name without her knowledge at the Festivals Commission.
Ex-Chief Health Inspector Urges Urgent Action on St. John's Sanitation Crisis
Former Chief Health Inspector Lionel Michael is urging immediate action from residents, businesses, and government to address what he describes as a deepening sanitation crisis in St. John's, as reported by Antigua Observer.
St John's Public Cemetery to Stop New Burials from March 2026
The St John's Public Cemetery will stop accepting new burials from March 31, 2026, the Cabinet confirmed this week, marking a significant change in how the nation manages its burial grounds.
CXC Places Equity at Heart of Regional Education Mandate
The Caribbean Examinations Council is repositioning itself as a more activist body, placing equity at the core of its mandate and pledging deeper engagement with Caribbean learners. The organisation is sending a clear message that excellence takes many forms and that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Global Citizen Proposes Major Partnership with Antigua for CHOGM 2026
Representatives from international advocacy organisation Global Citizen met with Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet on Wednesday to propose a major partnership ahead of CHOGM 2026, combining diplomacy with youth engagement and cultural programming.
Government Printery Shuts Down After Severe Pigeon Infestation Declared Health Hazard
The Government Printery has been temporarily shut down following the discovery of a severe pigeon infestation, with officials confirming the closure poses serious health risks to staff. The emergency closure was announced at the weekly Cabinet press briefing.
UPP Candidate Calls Highway Renaming Proposal a 'Slap in the Face' to Community
UPP candidate Alex Browne has condemned a proposal to rename the Sir Rupert Philo Highway as a "slap in the face" to the community and the family of the late calypso icon, making the remarks ahead of Monday's St. Philip's North by-election.
Four Health Centres to Extend Operating Hours Starting April 1
Four community health centres in Antigua will begin offering extended operating hours from April 1, 2026, Health Minister Molwyn Joseph has announced. The Browne's Avenue, Grays Farm, and Clare Hall health centres, along with the Villa Polyclinic, are among the facilities affected.
CXC Declares Inaugural Electronic Examinations Session a Landmark Success
The Caribbean Examinations Council has declared its first fully electronic and hybrid examinations session a success, with its chief executive affirming that the region is ready for the digital future of assessment. The milestone marks a significant shift in how CXC administers exams across the Caribbean.
Government Settles Decades-Long Elloy De Freitas Legal Dispute
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reached an amicable settlement with former public servant Elloy De Freitas, resolving a legal dispute that has remained active for nearly 30 years. The agreement brings one of the nation's longest-running legal cases to a formal close.
Government Signs Contract to Move ABS TV/Radio to Caribbean Cinemas Building
The government has signed a contract to relocate ABS Television and Radio to the Caribbean Cinemas building on Friars Hill Road, following industrial action by workers over mold, flooding, and poor conditions at the current Cross Street facility.
Cabinet Moves to Reassure Public on Welfare of Antiguan Students in Cuba
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has moved to reassure the public about the welfare of national students studying medicine in Cuba, with the Cabinet confirming ongoing direct communication with those enrolled.