Politics
1018 articles
Letter: UPP Candidate Accused of Suggesting Foreign Powers Should Influence Antigua's Vote
A concerned citizen has published an open letter sharply criticising UPP candidate Sheffield Bowen after he allegedly suggested at a party meeting that foreign powers are seeking a change in Antigua and Barbuda's government. The author argues the remarks represent a direct threat to national sovereignty ahead of the April 2026 general election.
UPP's Pringle Pledges Six-Month Stay for Caribbean Nationals and Affordable Land for Youth
UPP political leader Jamale Pringle has promised to extend legal stay periods for Caribbean nationals from three to six months and to sell Crown land plots to young citizens at no more than $5 per square foot if his party forms the next government. The pledges were made at a rally ahead of the April 30 general election.
UPP's Bowen Claims U.S. and Europe Seeking 'New Government' in Antigua
UPP Deputy Political Leader Sherfield Bowen has claimed at a party rally that the United States and Europe are looking for a change in Antigua and Barbuda's government, linking existing U.S. visa sanctions and a threatened EU ban to the policies of the Gaston Browne administration ahead of the April 30 general election.
UPP Promises Crown Land for Young Antiguans at $5 per Sq Ft, Easier Stays for CARICOM Nationals
UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle has promised Crown land plots for young Antiguans at up to $5 per square foot and extended legal stays for CARICOM nationals, among a suite of pre-election pledges announced at a St Mary's North rally. The proposals come ahead of the April 30 general election, though some overlap with existing government programmes.
UPP's Peters Pledges Full Parliamentary Salary to Uplift St. John's Rural South
UPP candidate Emanuel Peters has pledged to donate his entire parliamentary salary to the residents of St. John's Rural South, unveiling a sweeping development platform ahead of the April 30 general election. His proposals include rebuilding the North Grove Community Centre into a facility with a clinic, pharmacy, and police station, alongside new sports infrastructure, transportation services, and business support initiatives.
Antiguan Diplomat Calls for Structured Path to Resolve CARICOM Leadership Crisis
Antiguan diplomat and Ambassador Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim has outlined a five-step framework for resolving the current crisis within CARICOM, centred on de-escalation, transparency, and institutional reform. Writing in an opinion column, Pilgrim urges Member States to prioritise dialogue and structured engagement over public confrontation to preserve the integrity of the regional integration movement.
Nicholas Touts Job Placements and Youth Programmes Ahead of April 30 Vote
ABLP incumbent Melford Nicholas has highlighted job placements, a proposed commerce park, and youth programmes as key achievements ahead of the April 30 general election. The St. John's City East candidate outlined his economic empowerment agenda during an appearance on ABS Television's Know Your Candidates programme.
Beazer: Chinese-Backed Barbuda Housing Project On Track, Update Due July
ABLP Barbuda candidate Kendra Beazer says a Chinese government-backed housing project for the island is nearing the end of its planning phase, with a construction start date expected to be announced by July.
Beazer Pledges Dialysis Unit, Medevac Service and Road Works in First 100 Days
ABLP candidate for Barbuda Kendra Beazer has pledged to deliver a portable dialysis unit, a medevac flight service and road repairs within his first 100 days in office. The commitments were made ahead of the April 30 general election, in which Beazer will challenge incumbent Trevor Walker.
Fernandez Defends Constituency Record Ahead of Closely Contested April 30 Vote
St. John's Rural North candidate Charles Fernandez has defended his constituency engagement record ahead of the April 30 general election, pointing to community programmes and an open-door office policy in response to criticism over his visibility. Fernandez, who won the seat in 2023 by just over 200 votes, faces a closely watched race as both major parties target the constituency.
Smith Defends Crossing the Floor: 'You Can't Deliver from Opposition'
All Saints West candidate Anthony Smith Jr. is defending his switch from the UPP to the ABLP, arguing that joining the governing party was the only way to secure meaningful development for his constituency ahead of the April 30 general election.
Independent Candidate Says 'Rushed' Election Sidelined Her Newly Formed Party
Independent St. George candidate Gail Pero-Weston says a "rushed" election timeline forced her to run outside her newly formed Antigua Barbuda National Congress, which chose not to field candidates for the April 30 general election. She maintains her independent bid will help build support for future political change and lay groundwork for the ABNC's eventual participation.
ABLP's 2026 Manifesto Projects Confidence as April 30 Election Approaches
The ABLP's 2026 general election manifesto projects the confidence of an assured incumbent, a sharp contrast to the combative tone of its 2023 document, according to Antigua.news. Released on April 20 ahead of the April 30 vote, the 104-page document focuses on continuity and coalition-building rather than sustained attacks on the United Progressive Party.
PM Browne Defends Duty-Free Vehicle Waivers, Open to Codifying Policy in Law
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended his record on duty-free vehicle concessions, saying he has never refused an eligible applicant, and signalled his government's willingness to codify the policy in law. The remarks come amid ongoing debate over the transparency of the discretionary waiver system.
PM Browne Directs Negotiators to Offer Public Workers Maximum Affordable Wage Increase
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has directed the government's negotiating team to offer public sector workers the maximum wage increase the country can afford, as talks with unions continue amid pressure from rising living costs. The government has already implemented a 5% pay increase and is also advancing a livable wage policy targeting a minimum monthly salary of $2,200.
ABLP to Stage Island-Wide 'Red & Reddy' Megacade Ahead of April 30 Election
The ABLP will stage its island-wide 'Red & Reddy' megacade this Sunday, April 26, rolling through communities in a show of political strength just four days before the general election.
Government Pledges No Income Tax and Higher Wages Under 'Renaissance' Agenda
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining no personal income tax and raising the minimum wage to $13 per hour as part of its 'Renaissance' economic agenda. The pledges, made at the ABLP manifesto launch, aim to deliver direct financial relief to households amid rising global inflation.
Sizzla, Destra Set to Headline Free ABLP 'Red & Reddy' Concert Saturday
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will host a free concert this Saturday, April 25, headlined by reggae icon Sizzla and soca star Destra, as part of its campaign drive ahead of the April 30 general election.
UWI Five Islands Campus Opens Applications for New Law Degree Programme
UWI Five Islands Campus is now accepting applications for a new Bachelor of Laws programme set to begin in August 2026, with a June 30 deadline. The degree will be offered in partnership with the UWI Mona Campus, enabling students in Antigua and Barbuda to pursue legal education locally.
PM Browne Pushes for Separate $3,000 Minimum Wage for Hotel Workers
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has proposed a separate, higher minimum wage for hotel workers, suggesting a benchmark of $3,000 per month — well above the $2,200 baseline planned for other sectors. Browne cited the industry's reliance on tips and service charges as leaving workers financially vulnerable.