Politics
1778 articles
Health Minister Moves to Establish Autism Support Centre After Families' Emotional Appeals
Health Minister Michael Joseph has announced urgent plans to establish a Cognitive Behaviour Centre for children with autism spectrum disorder, citing emotional encounters with struggling families during the recent Rural West election campaign. The initiative includes recruiting specialists and a potential collaboration with an Atlanta university specialising in autism.
Antigua Bids Farewell to Political Trailblazer Mary-Clare Hurst
Antigua and Barbuda held an official funeral service on June 2, 2026, for Mary-Clare Hurst, the pioneering politician and first woman to serve as General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, who died on May 5. Hurst is remembered as a trailblazer for women in leadership and a dedicated public servant who shaped political and civic life across the nation.
Letter: Calls Grow for Police Review of Senator's 'Hit List' Remark
A member of the public is calling on the Royal Police Force to review a statement by Senator Philip Shoul, who reportedly described opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner as being on his "hit list." The letter, published by Antigua News Room, argues that such language is irresponsible and damaging to public discourse, regardless of whether it was intended literally.
Senator Shoul Puts Wehner on 'Hit List' After Post-Swearing-In Radio Criticism
Government Senator Philip Shoul has publicly declared opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner to be on his "hit list" after Wehner criticised the Labour Party and Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant following last week's parliamentary walkout. Shoul, speaking on Pointe FM, said Wehner's post-swearing-in radio appearance changed his plans to give the first-term senator room to find his footing in Parliament.
Health Minister Launches Autism Support Centre After 'Wow Moment' on Scale of ASD
Health Minister Michael Joseph has announced plans to establish a Cognitive Behaviour Centre for children with autism and their families, saying encounters with affected families during his campaign and emotional parental testimony compelled him to act. The centre will initially operate from the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with international partnerships and specialist recruitment already underway.
Opinion: Is Antigua and Barbuda Losing Its Cultural Identity?
Opinion writer Yves R. Ephraim, as reported by Antigua News Room, draws a stark parallel between the historical displacement of Native Americans and what he argues is an ongoing erosion of Antiguan and Barbudan land, language, and cultural identity — calling on citizens to reject apathy before the nation's way of life is lost permanently.
Know Your Rights: Constructive Dismissal Protects Workers Who Feel Forced to Resign
A human resource consultant is urging Antiguan workers to understand their legal rights under constructive dismissal, warning that employers can effectively terminate employment through hostile or intolerable conduct — even without issuing a formal dismissal letter. The Industrial Court has already established binding legal standards on the matter.
Freeland Champions Regional Aviation Cooperation at ICAO Meeting in Antigua
Minister of State Michael Freeland used Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of the Fourteenth North American, Central American and Caribbean Directors of Civil Aviation Meeting to call for greater regional cooperation, citing aviation as essential to the economic survival of small island states.
Margaret Price Findlay Named New Chief Justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
Her Ladyship the Honourable Madam Margaret Price Findlay has been appointed Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, with her tenure taking effect April 9, 2026, following the issuance of letters patent by King Charles III. The ECSC called the appointment a major milestone for the region's judiciary.
Cancer Centre Set to Open by End of June, Says Health Minister
Health Minister Michael Joseph says Antigua and Barbuda's cancer treatment centre is on track to open by end of June, a move that could curb the government's growing overseas medical expenditure. The minister revealed the government approved roughly US$200,000 in cancer treatment costs abroad in just the past two weeks.
Margaret Price Findlay Named 14th Chief Justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
His Majesty King Charles III has appointed Her Ladyship the Honourable Madam Margaret Price Findlay as the 14th Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, effective April 9th, 2026. The appointment was made by letters patent and follows a distinguished career in law and the judiciary across the Eastern Caribbean sub-region.
UPP Senator Wehner Rejects 'Juvenile Discourse' After PM Browne's On-Air Attack
UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner has responded publicly to on-air remarks by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, refusing to engage in what he called "juvenile discourse" and urging citizens to hold elected officials to a higher standard of conduct.
Fuel Leak at Former APUA Friars Hill Facility Triggers Multi-Agency Emergency Response
A fuel storage tank leak at APUA's former Friars Hill facility has prompted an emergency response involving multiple government agencies. Minister Melford Nicholas says resident safety and environmental protection are the government's foremost concerns as containment operations continue.
PM Browne Bids Farewell to Indian Naval Vessel INS Sudarshini Before Departure
Prime Minister Gaston Browne visited the Indian naval training vessel INS Sudarshini on Sunday morning ahead of its departure from St. John's Harbour. The ship's five-day stop prompted a series of high-level engagements, highlighting the growing ties between Antigua and Barbuda and India.
St. Peter MP Turner Leads Ongoing Bulk Waste Cleanup in Gunthropes
Member of Parliament for St. Peter, Rawdon Turner, is continuing a bulk waste cleanup initiative in the Gunthropes community, targeting discarded appliances, furniture, vegetation, and debris as part of a broader constituency improvement programme.
Recycled Bottle Caps Form CHOGM 2026 Mural at Antigua Recreation Grounds
The CHOGM 2026 Secretariat has launched a bottle cap mural project at the Antigua Recreation Grounds, turning recycled caps donated by Good Humans 268 into a large-scale public artwork ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The initiative, led by Artistic Director Calvin Pilgrim, aims to promote sustainability, community involvement, and national pride.
Minister Nicholas Charts Unified Path Forward for ICT, Utilities and Energy
Minister Melford Nicholas convened a high-level strategic meeting with senior ministry officials to align priorities and strengthen collaboration across Antigua and Barbuda's ICT, utilities and energy sectors ahead of 2026. The Minister called for innovation, accountability and unified action to better serve the public.
Cabinet Approves Official Funeral for Sir Aziz Hadeed, Hailing Him a National Loss
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an Official Funeral for the late Sir Aziz Hadeed, honouring the businessman, philanthropist, and former senator as a profound national loss. The announcement followed Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, at which government officials issued an extensive tribute to his life and legacy.
Cuban Ambassador Calls for Caribbean Solidarity Amid Escalating US Blockade
Cuba's Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda has called on Caribbean nations to stand in solidarity with Cuba, citing escalating US economic measures he describes as tantamount to genocide, including efforts to block oil imports and the doubling of Cuba's infant mortality rate. The appeal, as reported by Antigua.news, follows an open debate at the United Nations Security Council focused on upholding the principles of the UN Charter.
Governor General Boards Indian Naval Vessel in Show of Bilateral Goodwill
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams boarded the Indian Naval Ship Sudarshini on Thursday during an official courtesy call, highlighting the strengthening diplomatic ties between Antigua and Barbuda and India. The visit, facilitated by Honorary Consul Vijay Tewani, reaffirmed mutual commitments to maritime cooperation, cultural exchange, and international partnership.