Politics
558 articles
PM Browne Blasts Courts Over 'Lenient' Gun Crime Sentences Following Villa Teen Killings
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on the judiciary to impose tougher sentences for gun-related offences, saying lenient rulings are undermining the government's efforts to curb violent crime following the fatal shooting of two teenagers in Villa.
Government Sets March 2026 Deadline to Complete Millions in Public Servant Back Pay
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has disbursed over EC$28.7 million in retroactive salary payments to public servants and is targeting March 2026 to complete all outstanding back pay owed for the period 2018 to 2023. Cabinet has approved a structured framework to guide the final disbursements while authorities work to resolve data and banking challenges slowing the process.
Cabinet Pledges Airfare Subsidy to Ease Antigua–Barbuda Travel Costs
Cabinet has pledged to approve a subsidy to lower airfare costs between Antigua and Barbuda, following a presentation by ABLP Barbuda caretaker Kendra Beazer on the financial impact of rising ticket prices. A formal proposal is expected to be reviewed at the next Cabinet sitting.
Letter: Masicka's Cultural Ambassador Appointment Draws Sharp Public Criticism
A member of the public has written to question the government's appointment of Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka as a Cultural Ambassador, citing unresolved controversies and calling on authorities to justify the decision. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, raises concerns about due diligence and the integrity of national appointments.
Letter: Antiguans Deserve a Better, More Reliable Bus System
A frustrated Antiguan commuter has written an open letter calling for sweeping reforms to the island's public bus system, citing unpredictable schedules, uneven route coverage, and the practice of delaying departures until buses are full. The writer urges the government to take control of public transport and restructure how conductors are compensated.
Cabinet Terminates Sutherlands Lease to Make Way for Low-Income Housing Project
Cabinet has approved the termination of a lease on approximately 13.647 acres of land at Sutherlands to make way for a low-income housing development, including the regularization of informal settlements and the relocation of the Clarevue Mental Hospital.
Government Eyes End-of-March Deadline for Retroactive Public Servant Payments
The government is aiming to finalise retroactive payments to public servants by the end of March, having disbursed $28.6 million so far under a settlement programme covering the period 2018 to 2023. Officials acknowledged delays caused by incomplete records and have established a dedicated Treasury help desk to resolve outstanding queries.
U.S. Military Strike in Caribbean Kills Four, Raising Regional Fears
U.S. Joint Task Force Southern Spear has conducted another lethal strike in Caribbean waters, killing four men designated as narco-terrorists and bringing the total death toll from such strikes to at least 163 since September. The operations have sparked international concern over transparency and legality, and are fuelling fear among fishing communities across the region, including in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua Government Moves to Relax Dress Code Rules at Public Offices
The Antigua and Barbuda government is moving to relax dress code enforcement at public offices after reports of citizens being turned away while seeking essential services. Cabinet has signalled a shift toward a "common sense" approach, prioritising access over rigid attire rules.
Antigua and Barbuda Names Jamaican Dancehall Star Masicka as Cultural Ambassador
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the appointment of Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka as cultural ambassador for youth talent development and creative industries collaboration. The initiative includes a Jamaica-based exchange programme for three local artists, alongside mentorship schemes and youth empowerment forums.
Cabinet Approves Antigua's First National Cardiology Centre at SLBMC
Cabinet has approved the establishment of Antigua and Barbuda's first national cardiology centre at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with the aim of providing advanced cardiac care locally and eliminating the need for overseas treatment. The centre will be developed in partnership with internationally recognised cardiologist Professor Jingwei Zhang.
Antigua Cabinet Approves 5% Payment Increase for Pensioners Amid Cost-of-Living Relief Push
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a 5% increase in payments to pensioners, expanding a wave of wage relief measures that already covered public servants and contract workers. The government says the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen social protection amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
UWI Five Islands Campus to Present 2024/2025 Annual Report at Public Council Meeting
The UWI Five Islands Campus will hold its annual council meeting on Thursday at 10 a.m. ECT, where Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson is expected to present the institution's 2024/2025 annual report. The event will be streamed live on UWItv's online platform.
Dominica Halts Citizenship Applications from Iranian Nationals Under Investment Programme
Dominica has suspended the processing of citizenship-by-investment applications from Iranian nationals, effective March 24, 2026, according to an official memorandum. Limited exceptions apply for applicants who meet specific residency, financial, and business criteria.
Maduro Due in New York Court as Defence Seeks to Dismiss Drug Trafficking Charges
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York court as his defence seeks to dismiss drug trafficking charges stemming from his January abduction by US special forces. His wife and co-defendant, Cilia Flores, will also appear at the hearing, where a trial date could be announced.
UN Votes to Label African Enslavement 'Gravest Crime Against Humanity'
The United Nations General Assembly has voted 123 to 3 to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity," with the resolution also urging member states to consider apologising and contributing to a reparations fund. The US, Israel, and Argentina voted against the measure, while the UK and EU member states abstained.
UPP Resolving Internal Tensions Behind Closed Doors Ahead of General Election
UPP MP Richard Lewis says his party is resolving internal tensions privately and remains confident of victory as a general election draws near. Lewis also argued that the governing ABLP's unpopularity gives the UPP a significant opening with voters.
MP Richard Lewis Says He Used Personal Funds to Fix Infrastructure in St. John's Rural West
St. John's Rural West MP Richard Lewis says he has spent tens of thousands of dollars of his own money on road repairs, clinic maintenance and drainage works, arguing that government neglect has repeatedly forced him to intervene in his constituency.
Antigua and Barbuda Pushes Climate Action at Bangkok IPCC Talks
Antigua and Barbuda representatives are attending the IPCC-64 session in Bangkok this week, pressing for urgent action on climate financing and timely reporting as the country faces mounting threats from rising seas and intensifying storms.
MP Richard Lewis Urges Voters to Judge Candidates on Record, Not Party Label
MP Richard Lewis is urging voters in St. John's Rural West to judge candidates on individual performance rather than party affiliation ahead of Antigua and Barbuda's upcoming general election. Lewis says he will seek re-election on the strength of his personal record and direct engagement with constituents.