Local News
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Health Minister Tours Medicinal Cannabis Authority, Calls for Greater Public Education
Health Minister Hon. Michael Joseph toured the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority and licensed dispensaries, praising the sector's regulatory rigour while calling for stronger public education on the distinction between medicinal and recreational cannabis use.
Education Minister Hails Cyclist Tahjé Browne's ABCAS Graduation After Near-Fatal Accident
Education Minister Daryll S. Matthew has congratulated national cyclist Tahjé Browne on graduating from ABCAS, praising his perseverance following a serious accident that nearly claimed his life. The achievement marks another milestone in Browne's recovery.
ABCAS Makes History with Inaugural Commencement, Honouring Over 200 Graduates
The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) held its inaugural Commencement Ceremony on July 2, honouring more than 200 graduates as the institution's historic first graduating class. The milestone marks the culmination of a major transition in public tertiary education following the unification of three former colleges.
Cabinet Orders Police Crackdown on Ski Masks Worn in Public
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has ordered police to launch an aggressive crackdown on the illegal wearing of ski masks in public, with officers authorised to confiscate the prohibited face coverings on the spot. The move comes amid rising street crime and a growing trend of individuals — particularly young men — wearing the masks in public.
Agriculture Ministry Interns Gain Hands-On Training at Greencastle Station
Young participants in the Ministry of Agriculture's Summer Internship Programme spent a day at Greencastle Agricultural Station on Friday, rotating through hands-on training in crop production, nursery management, field operations and administrative record-keeping. The visit forms part of a broader programme designed to give youth practical agricultural experience and inspire careers in the sector.
Five Islands School and UWI Campus Expansion Projects Stay on Track
Construction of the new Five Islands Primary School is on schedule, while around 18 firms have expressed interest in the UWI Five Islands Campus expansion ahead of the August 14 bid deadline. Cabinet received updates on both projects at its latest meeting.
Cabinet Backs Mixed-Use Perry Bay Development and Darkwood Beach Park
Cabinet has endorsed plans to develop the Perry Bay and Keeling Point area into a mixed-use residential, marina, and commercial hub, alongside a public recreational park at Darkwood Beach. Environmental Impact Assessments will be required before either project proceeds.
Cabinet Approves Rent-to-Own Housing Scheme Backed by US$20M Chinese Funding
Cabinet has approved rent-to-own housing arrangements for new developments in Bolans and Barbuda, backed by approximately US$20 million in funding from the People's Republic of China. The initiative aims to help families transition into home ownership through the Government's Social Housing Programme.
Cabinet Commends Minister Turner for Regional Disaster Management Role
Cabinet has commended Minister for Social and Urban Transformation Hon. Rawdon Turner for his representation of Antigua and Barbuda at the 16th CDEMA Council of Ministers meeting, praising the country's growing leadership in regional disaster management.
Cabinet Approves EC$16.5M Healthcare Overhaul for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
Cabinet has approved an EC$16.5 million investment package to modernise the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, covering new medical equipment, a CT scanner, specialist services and expanded pharmacy operations. The initiative is described as one of the most comprehensive healthcare upgrades undertaken in Antigua and Barbuda in recent years.
PM Browne Congratulates Trump, American People on U.S. 250th Independence Anniversary
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to U.S. President Donald Trump to congratulate him and the American people on the upcoming 250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence. In his letter, Browne drew parallels between America's founding ideals and Antigua and Barbuda's own journey to nationhood, while reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
World Bank Classifies Antigua and Barbuda as High-Income Economy
The World Bank has officially classified Antigua and Barbuda as a high-income economy in its July 1 Country Income Classification update, citing a GNI per capita of approximately US$21,380 for 2024. The designation places the twin-island nation among 87 high-income economies worldwide, alongside several Caribbean neighbours.
Antigua and Barbuda Achieves High-Income Status in World Bank Classification
The World Bank has officially classified Antigua and Barbuda as a high-income economy in its latest annual update, with the country's GNI per capita estimated at approximately US$21,380 — well above the qualifying threshold of US$14,375.
Government Plans to Convert Darkwood Beach into Public Park
The Antiguan government has announced plans to redevelop Darkwood Beach into a public park, with Cabinet directing that an Environmental Impact Assessment be completed before construction begins. No timeline or details on proposed facilities have been released.
Government to Table White Paper on U.S. Deportee Proposals in Special Parliament Session
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has published a White Paper on U.S. proposals to transfer third-country nationals to the country, with a Special Session of Parliament scheduled for the week of July 13 to debate the matter.
Government Plans Marina, Housing and Commercial Hub at Perry Bay-Keeling Point
The Antiguan government has announced plans to develop the Perry Bay-Keeling Point area into a mixed-use hub featuring a marina, residential housing, and commercial lots. Cabinet has endorsed the vision but requires environmental impact assessments and detailed concept designs before work can proceed.
Police to Launch Crackdown on Illegal Ski Masks Worn in Public
Antigua and Barbuda police will launch an intensified crackdown on the public wearing of ski masks, with officers instructed to confiscate the banned items amid what the government describes as a rising trend among young people. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant made the announcement at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing, warning that resistance during enforcement could result in further police action.
Antigua and Barbuda Has Lowest Urban Population Share in CARICOM, Report Shows
Antigua and Barbuda holds the lowest urban population share among CARICOM member states at just 24.3%, according to new data from the UN World Urbanization Prospects. The figures reveal wide variation across the region, with The Bahamas recording the highest share at 81.3%.
Irene B. Williams Secondary School Honours Founder With Posthumous Award
The Irene B. Williams Secondary School has presented a posthumous honorary award to its namesake, Irene B. Lady Williams, recognising more than four decades of service to education, community development and nation-building in Antigua and Barbuda. The ceremony, held on 22 June 2026, was attended by the Governor-General's Deputy in place of His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, who was overseas on official duties.
Cabinet Opens Talks on Social Media Restrictions for Children Under 16
The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has begun early-stage discussions on whether children under 16 should face restrictions on social media access, with no formal policy decision yet made. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed the development following Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.