U.S. to Offer Expedited Visa Interviews for $750 Under New Pilot Program

U.S. to Offer Expedited Visa Interviews for $750 Under New Pilot Program

The U.S. State Department will launch a pilot program from July 1 allowing visa applicants to pay $750 on top of standard fees for an expedited interview within 10 days at select embassies. The move comes amid widespread delays linked to the Trump administration's tightened immigration measures.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Minister Johnson Calls for Respect and Inclusion of Antigua's Centenarians

Minister Johnson Calls for Respect and Inclusion of Antigua's Centenarians

Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Kiz Johnson is urging Antiguans and Barbudans to honour and include the nation's oldest citizens during Centenarians Week 2026. The minister described centenarians as a vital national resource and reaffirmed her ministry's commitment to building inclusive, supportive communities for seniors.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Minister Johnson Urges Caribbean Unity on Women's Economic Empowerment

Minister Johnson Urges Caribbean Unity on Women's Economic Empowerment

Minister Kiz Johnson called for unified Caribbean action on women's economic empowerment during a ministerial dialogue, urging regional governments to address financial barriers and tackle the underrepresentation of women in well-paying roles within the tourism sector.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
PM Delivers Special Message to Mark Centenarian Week

PM Delivers Special Message to Mark Centenarian Week

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has released a video message marking Centenarian Week, honouring Antigua and Barbuda's oldest citizens and their lasting contributions to the nation.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
PM Browne Honours Centenarians as Architects of Modern Antigua and Barbuda

PM Browne Honours Centenarians as Architects of Modern Antigua and Barbuda

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has honoured Antigua and Barbuda's centenarians during Centenarians Week 2026, crediting their hard work, sacrifice, and service as foundational to the nation's development.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua.news
SLBMC Chief of Surgery Named Finalist for Caribbean Global Award

SLBMC Chief of Surgery Named Finalist for Caribbean Global Award

Dr. Vonetta George, Chief of Surgery at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, has been named a finalist for the Global Doctor, Innovation and Leadership Award 2026 by the Caribbean Global Awards. The winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in London on September 26, 2026.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Opinion: Making Spanish an Official Language Remains a Dangerous Idea

Opinion: Making Spanish an Official Language Remains a Dangerous Idea

A critical opinion piece argues that the Antigua and Barbuda government has failed to justify its decision to declare Spanish a second official language, contending that the cited benefits are achievable without such a declaration and that the true motivation behind the move remains unexplained.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Minister Turner Honours Centenarians as 'Living History' During National Centenarian Week

Minister Turner Honours Centenarians as 'Living History' During National Centenarian Week

Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner has honoured Antigua and Barbuda's centenarians as "living history" in a message marking Centenarian Week, praising their resilience and reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting elderly citizens with dignity.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
NODS Eyes $19M Hurricane-Proof Shelter as CDEMA Signs Five-Year Disaster Plan

NODS Eyes $19M Hurricane-Proof Shelter as CDEMA Signs Five-Year Disaster Plan

The National Office of Disaster Services is seeking funding for a US$19 million purpose-built hurricane shelter capable of housing 500 people, as CDEMA officials visit Antigua and Barbuda to sign a five-year national disaster management programme.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Barbuda Council Returns to Court to Challenge Government Land Adjudication Process

Barbuda Council Returns to Court to Challenge Government Land Adjudication Process

The Barbuda Council returns to court Tuesday to challenge the central government's land adjudication programme, arguing the process threatens the island's communal land system and was launched without proper consultation. The case is widely regarded as one of the most significant legal battles over land rights and governance in Barbuda's history.

June 09, 2026 · Antigua News Room
CRFM Chief Calls for Renewed Ocean Stewardship on World Oceans Day

CRFM Chief Calls for Renewed Ocean Stewardship on World Oceans Day

CRFM Executive Director Dr. Marc Williams has issued a strong call for renewed Caribbean ocean stewardship on World Ocean Day 2026, urging governments, communities, and individuals to protect marine resources, invest in sustainable fisheries, and combat growing marine pollution threats.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Dominica's UWP Leader Reaches Out to Disaffected Members, Unveils Economic Plan

Dominica's UWP Leader Reaches Out to Disaffected Members, Unveils Economic Plan

The leader of Dominica's opposition United Workers Party has publicly reached out to disaffected members, calling for internal unity while presenting a ten-pillar economic plan amid reported divisions within the party. According to Antigua News Room, the appeal follows recent controversy surrounding the UWP that has gained traction on social and traditional media.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua News Room
US Judge Strikes Down Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee as Unlawful Tax

US Judge Strikes Down Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee as Unlawful Tax

A federal judge in Boston has ruled that President Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee is an unlawful tax that Congress never authorised, dealing a blow to the administration's immigration fee policy. The White House says it is confident the ruling will be overturned on appeal.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Barbados Set to Launch 'Pearly App' for Citizens to Report Public Service Issues

Barbados Set to Launch 'Pearly App' for Citizens to Report Public Service Issues

The Barbados government is set to launch the Pearly App on Tuesday, a mobile platform allowing citizens to report potholes, water outages and other public service issues directly to relevant government agencies.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua News Room
50 Homes to Rise in Bolans Under Antigua-China Housing Deal

50 Homes to Rise in Bolans Under Antigua-China Housing Deal

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the People's Republic of China have partnered to construct 50 new homes in Bolans, St. Mary's South. The project aims to expand homeownership opportunities for low- and middle-income families while boosting economic activity in the area.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua.news
Antigua and Barbuda's Eye Health Push Takes Centre Stage at Kenya Global Summit

Antigua and Barbuda's Eye Health Push Takes Centre Stage at Kenya Global Summit

Senior Diplomat Claxton Duberry presented Antigua and Barbuda's eye health achievements at the 2030 In Sight Live Conference in Kenya, showcasing the Prime Minister's Vision Project and its Blindness Free Zone Initiative to global health leaders. The country is also preparing to host a Global Eye Health Summit on the sidelines of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Rastafarian Community Protests Outside St. John's Police Station Over Cannabis Imprisonment

Rastafarian Community Protests Outside St. John's Police Station Over Cannabis Imprisonment

Rastafarian community members gathered outside the St. John's Police Station on Saturday to protest the continued jailing of individuals for minor cannabis offences, calling for legal reform and recognition of marijuana's religious and cultural significance to their faith.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Rastafarians Stage Peaceful Protest Outside St. John's Police Station Over Cannabis Arrests

Rastafarians Stage Peaceful Protest Outside St. John's Police Station Over Cannabis Arrests

Members of Antigua and Barbuda's Rastafarian community staged a peaceful protest outside the St. John's Police Station on Saturday, calling for fairer treatment of individuals incarcerated for marijuana-related offences and urging policymakers to review existing cannabis legislation.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua.news
PM Browne Honours Centenarians as 'Living Treasures' of Antigua and Barbuda

PM Browne Honours Centenarians as 'Living Treasures' of Antigua and Barbuda

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has honoured Antigua and Barbuda's centenarians as "living treasures" in a message marking Centenarian Week 2026, praising their collective resilience and pledging the government's continued support for the elderly population.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua News Room
Governor General Welcomes $10,000 Grant for Centenarians During Annual Week of Recognition

Governor General Welcomes $10,000 Grant for Centenarians During Annual Week of Recognition

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has praised the government's decision to award a $10,000 grant to each centenarian in Antigua and Barbuda, calling it a meaningful expression of national gratitude during Centenarians Week 2026. Speaking in a national address, Sir Rodney celebrated the nation's oldest citizens as living examples of resilience, wisdom and service.

June 08, 2026 · Antigua News Room