Local News
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Antigua in Talks With U.S. to Accept Up to 16 Third-Country Nationals Per Year
Antigua and Barbuda is negotiating with the United States to accept between 14 and 16 third-country nationals per year, with Cabinet endorsing a position that insists on sovereign screening rights and a U.S. financial support package for resettlement.
Cabinet Approves EC$5M Academic Block for Sir Novelle Richards Academy
The Cabinet has approved EC$5 million to build a new academic block at Sir Novelle Richards Academy, with construction set for completion before the September school term begins. The project aims to address growing demand for classroom space as part of the government's wider education infrastructure strategy.
Potter's Sports Complex to Feature Full Olympic-Size Swimming Pool
Cabinet has approved plans to build a full Olympic-standard swimming pool at Potter's Sports Complex, upgrading from an earlier proposal for a half Olympic-sized facility. The 50-metre pool, complete with a 750-seat grandstand, is intended to position Antigua and Barbuda as a host nation for regional and international aquatic competitions.
Antigua and Barbuda Sets Strict Terms in US Migrant Relocation Talks
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has backed Prime Minister Gaston Browne's negotiating stance in talks with the United States over the potential resettlement of third-country nationals, insisting on strict criminal and health screening for any individuals considered for admission. The Government says it is prepared to accept no more than 14 to 16 persons annually, subject to rigorous vetting and approval.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures US$9 Million Grant for Dams and Water Infrastructure
Antigua and Barbuda has secured a US$9 million grant through the Caribbean Development Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization to fund the construction of dams, water catchment ponds and related infrastructure. The investment aims to boost domestic food production and reduce farmers' dependence on expensive desalinated water.
Coast Guard Recovers Body of Man Who Went Missing at Pigeon Point Beach
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard recovered the body of a 56-year-old man at Pigeon Point Beach on Thursday morning, following an extensive overnight search after he was seen struggling in the water the previous afternoon.
Government Commits EC$40 Million to Public-Private Hotel Development at Yepton's
The Antiguan government has approved a public-private partnership to build a beachfront hotel at Yepton's, committing up to EC$40 million alongside private investors and Citizenship by Investment funding. The initiative forms part of Cabinet's stated policy of increasing local ownership in the country's tourism sector.
Cabinet Approves EC$60M Public-Private Hotel Development at Yeptons Beach
Cabinet has approved a public-private partnership to develop a new beachfront hotel at Yeptons on approximately 15 acres, with the Government committing up to EC$40 million alongside a local investor who has already pledged EC$20 million. The project aims to increase local ownership in Antigua and Barbuda's tourism sector.
Government Hires International Firm for Fort James Beach Coastal Assessment
The government has approved the hiring of Smith Warner International Limited to conduct a coastal assessment and preliminary engineering design for Fort James Beach, as the Fort James Renaissance Park redevelopment moves forward. The overall project is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, funded through government investment and public-private partnerships.
Cabinet Approves Coastal Engineering Firm to Lead Fort James Renaissance Park Redevelopment
Cabinet has approved the engagement of Smith Warner International Limited to conduct a coastal assessment and preliminary engineering design for Fort James Beach, the first major technical step in the Government's EC$5 million plan to redevelop the area into the Fort James Renaissance Park.
Antigua and Barbuda Raises Passenger Head Tax to US$50 for International Travellers
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved raising the Passenger Head Tax for international travellers from US$40 to US$50, with the additional revenue earmarked for regional institutions including the ECCAA and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Travel within the CARICOM region will remain exempt from the increase.
Police Clear APUA Facilities Following Bomb Scare, Operations Resume
A bomb scare Thursday morning prompted the evacuation of staff from two APUA facilities in St. John's before police cleared both buildings and issued the all-clear. Customer services, including bill payment and information lines, were temporarily disrupted during the incident.
Body of Missing Swimmer Recovered at Pigeon Point Beach
The body of 56-year-old Terry Tonge of Swetes was recovered from the waters off Pigeon Point Beach on Thursday morning, ending a multi-agency search that began the previous day after witnesses reported seeing him in distress while swimming.
APUA Head Office Closes Temporarily Due to Emergency Circumstances
APUA's ABC Centre Head Office has been forced to close temporarily due to an emergency, suspending Customer Service, Bill Payment, and Information Centre services. The 211, 311, and 411 lines are currently unavailable while teams work to restore operations.
Antigua and Barbuda to Raise International Passenger Head Tax to US$50
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a US$10 increase in the international passenger head tax, raising it from US$40 to US$50. The additional revenue will fund the country's financial obligations to regional bodies including the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
Twin Earthquakes Kill at Least 164 in Venezuela, Leaving Caracas in Ruins
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, killing at least 164 people and injuring more than 971, with Caracas sustaining widespread structural damage. Acting President Delcy RodrÃguez declared a state of emergency as international rescue and humanitarian teams mobilised in response.
Body of Missing Swimmer Terry Tonge Recovered at Pigeon Point Beach
The body of 56-year-old Terry Tonge of Swetes was recovered by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard at Pigeon Point Beach on the morning of June 25. Tonge had been reported missing while swimming, and investigations into the circumstances of his death are ongoing.
WiMAC Antigua President Calls for Zero-Tolerance Harassment Policies on Day of the Seafarer
WiMAC Antigua and Barbuda Chapter President Shenica Sebastian has issued a Day of the Seafarer message calling for zero-tolerance harassment policies, inclusive leadership, and secure reporting mechanisms across the maritime industry. Her statement, released on June 25, aligns with this year's IMO theme, "Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks."
Shai Hope Out of First Test Against Sri Lanka With Shoulder Injury
West Indies captain Shai Hope has been ruled out of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Antigua after suffering a left shoulder strain during training. Cricket West Indies says further assessments will determine whether he is available for the second Test on July 3.
Antigua Carnival 2026 One Month Away as Organisers Count Down to 'Feel the Rhythm'
Antigua Carnival 2026 is one month away, running July 25 to August 4 under the theme "Feel the Rhythm," with a packed programme of soca, steelpan, calypso and headline regional performers. Organisers are urging travellers to book early as excitement builds ahead of the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival.