Local News
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Randy Baltimore Sworn In as MP for St. Philip's North After Landslide By-Election Win
Randy Baltimore has been sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for St. Philip's North after capturing nearly 70 per cent of the vote in the March 16 by-election. He succeeds Sir Robin Yearwood, who served in parliament for 50 years before retiring at age 80.
Ministry Opens Applications for 2026 OAS Academic Scholarships
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries is inviting applications for the 2026 OAS Academic Scholarship Program, with a deadline of Friday, 2nd April, 2026. The scholarships target students enrolled in the last two years of a Bachelor's Degree programme.
Antigua and Barbuda to Get First National Cardiology Center by Year's End
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of the country's first National Cardiology Center, set to be operational by year's end through a partnership with Hangzhou Normal University. The facility aims to eliminate the need for patients to travel abroad for critical cardiac procedures.
Man Charged Over $232,000 Cannabis Haul Granted Bail With Strict Conditions
Shawn Richards, charged with cultivating 377 cannabis plants valued at $232,000, has been granted $250,000 bail with strict reporting and residency conditions. The case has been adjourned to 27 May for committal.
Old Road Man Granted Bail on Cannabis Cultivation Charges Worth $232,000
Old Road resident Shawn Richards has been granted bail of $250,000 after being charged with cultivating, possessing, and supplying 377 cannabis plants with a combined street value of $232,000. His release comes with strict conditions, including daily police reporting and a travel ban.
Opinion: UPP Faces Questions Over Leadership, Unity, and Electoral Relevance
A pointed political commentary, as reported by Antigua News Room, argues that the United Progressive Party remains mired in leadership disputes, electoral underperformance, and strategic inconsistency, raising serious questions about its readiness to govern.
St. Philip's North MP Holds Contractor Meeting Ahead of Constituency Road Works
St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore has met with local contractors to discuss upcoming road improvement works and infrastructure projects, with a stated focus on creating economic opportunities for young people and small businesses in the constituency.
Antigua and Barbuda Inflation Falls 0.8% as Food Prices Ease
Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda fell by 0.8 percent in February, with declining fruit, vegetable, and meat prices driving relief for household budgets, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Fish and seafood prices, however, bucked the trend, rising 12.3 percent over the year.
Rental Costs Drop Nearly 4% as Housing Prices Continue to Fall
Rental costs in Antigua and Barbuda fell 3.9 percent year-on-year and 1.6 percent month-on-month in February 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data. The decline offers some relief to tenants, though broader affordability concerns persist.
Cabinet Moves to Fix Public Smoking Law After Arrest-Only Policy Sparks Backlash
Cabinet has agreed to amend the country's public smoking law and restore a ticketing system for violations, after an arrest-only enforcement policy drew widespread criticism. Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant said Parliament must clarify the legislation to prevent courts from being overwhelmed by minor smoking offences.
UPP Presses On With Election Petition as Court Sets April Hearing for Baltimore Case
The High Court has denied a UPP injunction seeking to block the swearing-in of St. Philip's North MP Randy Baltimore, while scheduling a full hearing on the party's election petition for April 13. The UPP maintains that Baltimore was still a public officer at the time of his nomination and has vowed to press the legal challenge to its conclusion.
Opinion: Why All Saints West Voters Should Reject Harold Lovell at the Polls
An opinion piece published by Antigua News Room argues that All Saints West voters should reject Harold Lovell, citing his electoral record, age, opposition status, and ministerial performance as reasons he would not effectively serve the constituency.
Ambassador Sanders: OAS Risks Irrelevance Through Silence on Hemisphere's Pressing Issues
Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the OAS, warns that the organization risks irrelevance by avoiding difficult political issues and facing deepening financial constraints. He calls on member states to engage substantively, fund the institution adequately, and embrace multilateral diplomacy rather than managed silence.
Letter: Are Antigua's Cultural Ambassadors Delivering Real Impact?
A letter published by Antigua News Room questions whether the country's Cultural Ambassadors are delivering measurable results, calling for a shift from ceremonial recognition to structured, youth-focused cultural development strategies.
PM Browne Visits Scene After Two Teenagers Fatally Shot in Villa
Prime Minister Gaston Browne visited the Villa Area following the fatal shooting of two teenagers, expressing shock and urging residents to reject violence as police work to determine the circumstances of the deaths.
Baltimore Eligibility Case Remains Active Despite Injunction Denial, Attorney Says
Attorney Sherfield Bowen says the High Court's refusal to block Randy Baltimore's swearing-in as St. Philip's North MP does not settle his eligibility, with the substantive case set to be heard on an expedited basis ahead of April 27. The dispute centres on conflicting dates for Baltimore's departure from the public service and whether he remained a public officer on Nomination Day.
Cabinet Approves Measures to Safeguard Seaview Farm's Ancient Pottery Tradition
Cabinet has approved a series of measures to preserve Seaview Farm's centuries-old pottery tradition, including artisan training and a Ministry of Tourism collaboration to integrate the craft into Antigua and Barbuda's national tourism product.
North Sound Racetrack to Undergo Major Safety Upgrade Under New Contract
Cabinet has approved a new contract with a Chinese construction firm to repave and upgrade safety features at the North Sound drag racing facility. Work is expected to begin within two to three weeks, pending coordination with the local racing community.
Antigua Cabinet Names Two Warri Champions as Cultural Ambassadors
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has appointed Warri players Trevor Simon and Terence Kambui-Charles as cultural ambassadors to preserve and promote the traditional African strategy game. The move is part of a wider government push to integrate cultural heritage into national development and tourism initiatives.
Govt Approves Rent-to-Own Scheme for Booby Alley Housing Development
The government has approved a rent-to-own programme for remaining units at the Booby Alley housing development, with former residents of the area set to receive priority access to units as previously promised. The scheme aims to expand homeownership opportunities for those who may not qualify for traditional mortgages.