Local News
1349 articles
Double Homicide in Villa Raises Antigua's Murder Toll to Seven
A man and a woman have been shot and killed in Villa, bringing the country's murder toll to seven so far this year. Police are on the scene and investigations are underway.
Letter: Masicka's Cultural Ambassador Appointment Draws Sharp Public Criticism
A member of the public has written to question the government's appointment of Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka as a Cultural Ambassador, citing unresolved controversies and calling on authorities to justify the decision. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, raises concerns about due diligence and the integrity of national appointments.
Letter: Antiguans Deserve a Better, More Reliable Bus System
A frustrated Antiguan commuter has written an open letter calling for sweeping reforms to the island's public bus system, citing unpredictable schedules, uneven route coverage, and the practice of delaying departures until buses are full. The writer urges the government to take control of public transport and restructure how conductors are compensated.
Cabinet Terminates Sutherlands Lease to Make Way for Low-Income Housing Project
Cabinet has approved the termination of a lease on approximately 13.647 acres of land at Sutherlands to make way for a low-income housing development, including the regularization of informal settlements and the relocation of the Clarevue Mental Hospital.
Government Eyes End-of-March Deadline for Retroactive Public Servant Payments
The government is aiming to finalise retroactive payments to public servants by the end of March, having disbursed $28.6 million so far under a settlement programme covering the period 2018 to 2023. Officials acknowledged delays caused by incomplete records and have established a dedicated Treasury help desk to resolve outstanding queries.
Three Men in Custody Following Fatal Stabbing of All Saints Man
Three men from the All Saints community are in police custody following the fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Jahmarley Pierre near the All Saints traffic lights on Wednesday evening. Authorities are appealing to the public for information as the investigation continues.
Three Suspects Questioned in All Saints Stabbing Death
Three men from All Saints, aged 23, 24, and 29, are in police custody following the fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Jahmarley Pierre near the All Saints traffic lights on Wednesday afternoon. Pierre was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead.
U.S. Military Strike in Caribbean Kills Four, Raising Regional Fears
U.S. Joint Task Force Southern Spear has conducted another lethal strike in Caribbean waters, killing four men designated as narco-terrorists and bringing the total death toll from such strikes to at least 163 since September. The operations have sparked international concern over transparency and legality, and are fuelling fear among fishing communities across the region, including in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua Government Moves to Relax Dress Code Rules at Public Offices
The Antigua and Barbuda government is moving to relax dress code enforcement at public offices after reports of citizens being turned away while seeking essential services. Cabinet has signalled a shift toward a "common sense" approach, prioritising access over rigid attire rules.
Antigua and Barbuda Names Jamaican Dancehall Star Masicka as Cultural Ambassador
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the appointment of Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka as cultural ambassador for youth talent development and creative industries collaboration. The initiative includes a Jamaica-based exchange programme for three local artists, alongside mentorship schemes and youth empowerment forums.
Cabinet Approves Antigua's First National Cardiology Centre at SLBMC
Cabinet has approved the establishment of Antigua and Barbuda's first national cardiology centre at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with the aim of providing advanced cardiac care locally and eliminating the need for overseas treatment. The centre will be developed in partnership with internationally recognised cardiologist Professor Jingwei Zhang.
Antigua Cabinet Approves 5% Payment Increase for Pensioners Amid Cost-of-Living Relief Push
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a 5% increase in payments to pensioners, expanding a wave of wage relief measures that already covered public servants and contract workers. The government says the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen social protection amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
UWI Five Islands Campus to Present 2024/2025 Annual Report at Public Council Meeting
The UWI Five Islands Campus will hold its annual council meeting on Thursday at 10 a.m. ECT, where Campus Principal Professor C. Justin Robinson is expected to present the institution's 2024/2025 annual report. The event will be streamed live on UWItv's online platform.
Dominica Halts Citizenship Applications from Iranian Nationals Under Investment Programme
Dominica has suspended the processing of citizenship-by-investment applications from Iranian nationals, effective March 24, 2026, according to an official memorandum. Limited exceptions apply for applicants who meet specific residency, financial, and business criteria.
Antiguan DJ Quest Nominated for Caribbean Music Awards' Top DJ Honour
Antiguan DJ, producer and event promoter DJ Quest has been nominated for Male – International DJ of the Year at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards, competing against some of the region's most recognised DJ talent. Antiguans and Barbudans are encouraged to cast their votes in the ongoing preliminary round.
Six Cruise Ships Bring Over 10,000 Visitors to Antigua in Single Day
Six cruise ships docked at ports across Antigua and Barbuda in a single day, bringing more than 10,000 passengers and crew ashore and generating increased activity for local businesses and tourism operators.
Magnitude 3.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Antigua and St Kitts in Early Hours
A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was recorded near Antigua and St Kitts at 3:19 a.m. on Thursday, according to the UWI Seismic Research Centre, with the preliminary epicentre located 78 kilometres northwest of St John's at a depth of 42 kilometres.
UN Votes to Label African Enslavement 'Gravest Crime Against Humanity'
The United Nations General Assembly has voted 123 to 3 to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity," with the resolution also urging member states to consider apologising and contributing to a reparations fund. The US, Israel, and Argentina voted against the measure, while the UK and EU member states abstained.
ESFN Unites Generations Through Creative Expression Workshop in Antigua
The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network hosted a Creative Expression Workshop at Wadadli Spaces on March 21st, 2026, uniting participants aged 5 to 35 in art, writing, and community-building inspired by a single creative prompt. The event also celebrated youth winners from ESFN's Creative Young Voices for Wetlands Competition and featured a collective tribute to World Water Day.
First Phase of VC Bird International Airport Runway Rehabilitation Complete
The first phase of the runway rehabilitation project at VC Bird International Airport has been completed, with Canadian firm Aecon Group Inc. set to advance to the next stage in the coming months. The upgrade aims to improve runway safety, performance, and long-term durability at Antigua and Barbuda's primary aviation gateway.