Local News
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Chinese Ambassador Outlines Beijing's Vision for Fairer Global Governance
Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda H.E. Jiang Wei has outlined the principles and proposals contained in China's June 2026 white paper on global governance, calling on Antigua and Barbuda to partner with China in advancing the Global Governance Initiative. The initiative, introduced by President Xi Jinping in September 2025, has drawn support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations.
Police Probe Rape of 67-Year-Old Woman Following Early Morning Home Invasion
Police are investigating the reported rape of a 67-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted after a suspect forced his way into her home around 3:30 a.m. last Wednesday. The victim has appealed to the public for help in identifying the perpetrator.
Liberty Caribbean Zero-Rates Calls to Venezuela Following Deadly Earthquakes
Liberty Caribbean has zero-rated all mobile voice calls to Venezuela for prepaid and postpaid customers through July 6, following recent earthquakes in the country. The initiative covers customers across the company's operating markets, including Flow and BTC.
Senate Passes Electronic Crimes Bill Despite Opposition Push for Stricter Search Limits
The Antiguan Senate has passed the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2026, expanding courts' powers to issue production orders for digital evidence, after opposition Senator Malaka Parker urged stricter safeguards comparable to those governing traditional search warrants. The bill passed without amendment following debate between government and opposition senators over the appropriate scope of the new digital investigative powers.
Senate Approves Compulsory Land Acquisition for National Performing Arts Centre Access Route
The Senate has approved the compulsory acquisition of a 0.05-acre portion of land on St. Mary's Street to provide a secure access and exit route for the National Performing Arts Centre. The motion passed the Upper House without debate, satisfying a statutory requirement under the Land Acquisition Act.
HAPPI Builds Eight-Bedroom Home for Family of 30 in Its Most Ambitious Project Yet
The Helping Antigua and Barbuda Progress Initiative (HAPPI) is constructing an eight-bedroom, four-bathroom home for a family of nearly 30 people, replacing a deteriorating wooden structure in what the organisation calls its most ambitious project to date. Minister for Social Transformation Rawdon Turner says the project is already transforming lives even as construction remains ongoing.
Antigua and Barbuda Name 21-Man Squad for CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in Mexico
Antigua and Barbuda have named a 21-man squad for the 2026 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in Mexico, with the team departing July 2 for the tournament running July 24 to August 9. The roster blends overseas-based players from professional academies in England, Germany and the United States with locally developed talent from the Antigua Premier Division.
Health Minister Meets Nurses Association in Push for Stronger Healthcare Partnership
Health Minister Michael Joseph met with the executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Nurses Association to strengthen ties between the Ministry and the nursing profession. The talks reaffirmed a shared commitment to open communication and collaborative healthcare delivery.
Senate Approves Immigration Amnesty Bill, Opening Path for Undocumented Residents
The Antiguan Senate has approved the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2026, paving the way for a two-month amnesty programme beginning July 1 that allows qualifying long-term undocumented residents to regularize their status. Senate Leader of Government Business Shenella Govia defended the bill as a measured approach balancing compassion with national security safeguards.
Senator Strann-Peters Returns from China Leadership Seminar with Global Insights
Senator Tiffany Strann-Peters has returned from a two-week leadership seminar in China, where she joined 29 young leaders from around the world to discuss global economic trends and emerging technologies. She also used the opportunity to promote Antigua and Barbuda's tourism and culture on the international stage.
GARD Center Concludes Gender and Biodiversity Consultations with National Validation Workshop
The GARD Center has concluded its UNDP-supported stakeholder consultations on gender integration in Antigua and Barbuda's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, wrapping up with a national validation workshop in St. John's on June 23. Findings from the process will inform the development of a Gender and Biodiversity Action Plan.
Entertainer Faces High Court Trial in October Over Sexual Assault Allegations
An entertainer whose identity is shielded by legal restrictions is scheduled to stand trial before Justice Ann Marie Smith on October 5, facing charges of serious indecency and indecent assault arising from an alleged incident on December 23, 2024. The accused has pleaded not guilty to both counts.
EIA Approves UWI Five Islands Expansion Despite Traffic, Flooding and Environmental Concerns
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment has recommended approval of the first phase of a US$80 million expansion of the UWI Five Islands Campus, concluding that concerns over traffic, flooding, drainage and nearby environmental hazards can be managed through engineering controls and ongoing monitoring. The three-stage project aims to grow the campus to accommodate 5,000 students and 500 staff, funded by a concessional loan from the Saudi Fund for Development.
Foreign Minister Greene Meets Commonwealth Secretary-General Ahead of CHOGM 2026 Prep Talks
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in London ahead of preparatory committee meetings for CHOGM 2026, which Antigua and Barbuda will host in November. Discussions focused on the Zero Draft Communiqué and logistical preparations for the landmark Summit.
Senate Passes Expanded Search Warrant Bill Despite Opposition Constitutional Concerns
The Antiguan Senate has passed the Magistrates' Code of Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2026, expanding police search warrant powers, after Opposition Senator Malaka Parker warned the legislation could threaten constitutional rights and called for stronger judicial oversight. Government senators defended the bill as a necessary modernisation of the law to address evolving criminal activity.
Eight Antiguans Rescued After Vessel Begins Sinking 19 Miles Off Coast
Eight Antiguan nationals were rescued Monday morning after their vessel began sinking approximately 19 miles off the coast of Antigua while returning from St. Kitts. All passengers escaped without injury.
Senate Passes Fatal Accidents Bill, Quadrupling Bereavement Award to $20,000
Antigua and Barbuda's Senate has passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, quadrupling the maximum bereavement award from $5,000 to $20,000 and expanding protections for families affected by wrongful death. The bill, which passed without amendment after four hours of debate, also broadens eligibility to include cohabiting partners and children of the deceased.
Senator Pushes to Extend Bereavement Rights to Informally Fostered Children
Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner urged the government to amend the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 to ensure children raised in informal family arrangements can receive bereavement damages when a caregiver dies. The government passed the bill without changes, using its parliamentary majority to defeat the proposed amendments.
Senator Wehner Calls for Bereavement Law to Protect Informally Fostered Children
Senator Jonathan Wehner, in his maiden Senate speech, called on the government to close a drafting gap in the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 that would deny bereavement damages to children informally fostered in Antiguan and Barbudan households. He urged that the bill's bereavement clause be aligned with its broader definition of dependents before passage.
Senator Jones Returns to Senate, Flags Inconsistency in Fatal Accidents Bill
Senator Fabian Jones returned to the Antiguan Senate on Monday after being reappointed on the advice of the Barbuda Council, and promptly raised concerns about a potential inconsistency in the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026. The bill was subsequently passed by majority vote.