Local News
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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.
Barbuda Council Reappoints Fabian Jones to the Senate
Senator Fabian Jones of the Barbuda People's Movement was sworn back into the Senate on Monday following his reappointment on the advice of the Barbuda Council. He used his return to flag a potential inconsistency in the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 regarding who qualifies to claim bereavement damages.
LIAT Passengers Stranded for Hours Amid Communication Failures on St Kitts Flights
LIAT Air passengers faced hours-long delays and a near-total breakdown in communication on Monday after flights from St Kitts to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia were disrupted. Some travellers waited over five hours with no updates, meals, or refreshments from the airline.
U.S. Expands Military Relief Mission in Venezuela With More Troops, Aircraft
The United States has expanded its military humanitarian mission in earthquake-stricken Venezuela, deploying additional Marines, aircraft and specialised equipment as SOUTHCOM coordinates relief efforts with the Venezuelan government and international partners.
Senate Passes Fatal Accidents Bill After Rejecting Opposition Amendments
Antigua and Barbuda's Senate has passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, replacing a century-old law and introducing a new compensation framework for families affected by wrongful deaths. Government senators defeated all opposition amendments before approving the legislation by majority vote.
Fatal Accidents Bill Covers Medical, Workplace and Criminal Deaths, Senator Parker Says
Opposition Senator Malaka Parker has called on the public to recognise that the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 covers far more than road traffic deaths, encompassing wrongful deaths from medical negligence, workplace accidents and other causes. The Senate approved the bill, replacing legislation dating back to 1924.
Men Bear Majority of Road Traffic Injuries, Senator Warns During Fatal Accidents Bill Debate
Government Senator Shaquan O'Neill cited police traffic statistics showing men consistently account for the majority of road collision injuries in Antigua and Barbuda, as the Senate approved the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 to modernise the country's wrongful death compensation framework.
Senator Calls for Psychological Support Alongside Financial Aid in Fatal Accidents Bill
Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan has called on lawmakers to consider psychological support for families affected by fatal accidents, arguing that financial compensation under the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 does not fully address the emotional trauma suffered by the bereaved. She also raised concerns that the bill's proposed $20,000 maximum bereavement payment could lose value over time due to inflation.
AUA Sponsors Panache Steel Orchestra in Push for Youth Engagement and Cultural Preservation
The American University of Antigua has announced its sponsorship of the Panache Steel Orchestra, demonstrating a commitment to youth development and the preservation of Caribbean cultural heritage. The partnership is expected to strengthen the orchestra's ability to train and perform.
Opposition Senator Calls for Inflation-Linked Bereavement Awards in Fatal Accidents Bill
Opposition Senator Malaka Parker has called on the government to index bereavement awards to inflation under the proposed Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, warning that a fixed $20,000 payment will lose value over time. She also proposed giving Cabinet authority to periodically revise the maximum award through parliamentary-approved regulations.
Exercise STRONGHOLD to Bring Road Closures Across Antigua Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Antigua and Barbuda will conduct Exercise STRONGHOLD from July 8 to 10, a large-scale national security drill ahead of the 2026 CHOGM summit, bringing temporary road closures and traffic diversions to several major routes across the island. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and follow instructions from security personnel.
Security Forces to Stage Three-Day CHOGM Readiness Exercise Across Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda's National Security Planning Committee will conduct a three-day security exercise, Exercise STRONGHOLD, from July 8 to 10 as part of preparations to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. Motorists and residents should expect temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access in parts of St. John's and across the island.
ABNAB Celebrates 20 Years of Upholding Higher Education Standards in Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) celebrated its 20th anniversary at a gala at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, honouring two decades of promoting quality assurance and raising standards in higher education. Government officials and education leaders reaffirmed the Board's vital role in ensuring that academic qualifications meet internationally recognised benchmarks.
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 1,450 as Rescue Efforts Continue
Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced Sunday that the death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday has risen to 1,450, as rescue teams continue working through rubble across multiple affected regions.
ABNAB Marks 20 Years of Upholding Higher Education Standards in Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) marked its 20th anniversary with a gala at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, celebrating two decades of promoting quality assurance and upholding standards in higher education. Board Chairman Clare Browne and Education Minister Daryll Matthew both underscored the critical role accreditation plays in national development and the global recognition of local qualifications.
U-20 Captain Keyonte George Dropped from CONCACAF Squad Over Disciplinary Breach
Antigua and Barbuda Under-20 captain Keyonte George has reportedly been dropped from the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship squad following a disciplinary incident involving head coach Schyan Jeffers during a recent friendly. The Germany-based striker, who led the team through an unbeaten qualifying campaign, is expected to miss the tournament in Mexico later this month.
India Launches 'Operation Amistad' to Aid Earthquake-Stricken Venezuela
India has activated "Operation Amistad," deploying two Air Force transport aircraft carrying emergency supplies, a field hospital and rescue teams to earthquake-stricken Venezuela. Indian Honorary Consul to Antigua and Barbuda Vijay Tewani confirmed the mission, as reported by Antigua News Room.
All 47 Survivors Rescued After Inter-Island Ferry Sinks Off St. Kitts
All 47 passengers and crew aboard the inter-island ferry Apple Syder were safely rescued Monday after the vessel began sinking shortly after leaving Basseterre, St. Kitts. The St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard led the swift rescue operation, with no fatalities or serious injuries reported.
India Launches 'Operation Amistad' to Aid Earthquake-Devastated Venezuela
India has launched 'Operation Amistad,' deploying two military aircraft loaded with relief supplies, a field hospital and rescue teams to Venezuela following twin earthquakes that have killed more than 1,400 people. India's Honorary Consul to Antigua and Barbuda, Vijay Tewani, announced the mission locally.
Residents Blast APUA and PWD Over Months of Road Chaos in Newfield
A Newfield resident has written to Antigua News Room condemning months of disruptive and apparently uncoordinated road and pipe works by APUA and PWD, warning that the underlying cause of road damage has not been addressed and repairs will fail again.