Local News
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COMMENTARY: We Should Die Twice — On Funerals, Hypocrisy, and How We Honour the Dead
In a sharp and witty commentary published by Antigua News Room, Dr. Lester CN Simon reflects on the rituals and hypocrisies surrounding funerals, arguing that we should die twice — once to hear what people say about us, and once for real.
Minister Turner Urges Fathers to 'Be the Rock' as Social Protection Board Marks Fifth Father's Day Drive
The Social Protection Board hosted its fifth annual Father's Day appreciation drive in St. John's on Friday, honouring fathers from all walks of life. Minister of Social Transformation Rawdon Turner urged fathers to remain present and active in their children's lives, calling on them to 'be the rock' their children need.
Property Owners Urged to Register as CHOGM 2026 Accommodation Bookings Accelerate
With CHOGM 2026 bookings already underway for dozens of Commonwealth nations, officials are urging Antigua and Barbuda property owners to register their accommodations immediately. Only properties inspected and approved by the Ministry of Tourism's Quality Assurance Unit will be listed on the official delegate booking portal.
Antiguan-Linked Woman Sentenced 48 Years After Fatal Scalding of Five-Year-Old Stepdaughter
Janice Nix, 67, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 1978 manslaughter of her five-year-old stepdaughter Andrea Bernard, who died after being forced into a scalding bath in south London. The case was reopened in 2022 after Andrea's brother came forward with details of what he witnessed as a child.
Family Appeals for Help Finding Missing 16-Year-Old from Otto's New Town
A search is under way for 16-year-old Brianna Lewis from Otto's New Town, last seen in a black crop top and short jeans. Her family and police are appealing to the public for any information on her whereabouts.
Family Pleads for Help Locating Missing 16-Year-Old from Otto's New Town
The family of 16-year-old Brianna Lewis from Otto's New Town is appealing to the public for help in locating the missing teenager. Brianna was last seen wearing a black crop top and short jeans, and investigations are ongoing.
Antiguan Woman Sentenced to 12 Years for 1978 Scalding Death of 5-Year-Old Stepdaughter
Janice Nix, 67, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 1978 manslaughter of five-year-old Andrea Bernard, her stepdaughter, after the case was reopened 44 years later following testimony from the victim's brother. As reported by Antigua News Room, the sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court concludes a case in which the child's scalding death had long been treated as an accident.
Caribbean Nations Deserve Stronger Voice in Global Climate Talks, Says Antiguan Minister
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and Environment Michael Joseph has called for greater representation of Small Island Developing States in global climate talks, arguing that Caribbean nations bear a disproportionate burden of climate change despite contributing negligibly to global emissions. Joseph made the appeal following his participation in the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026.
ECAB Warns Customers: Visa and Mastercard Cards No Longer Accepted in Cuba
ECAB has advised customers that Visa and Mastercard cards can no longer be used in Cuba following a U.S. Executive Order issued on May 1, 2026, which led to the suspension of credit card processing operations in the country. Customers travelling to Cuba are urged to arrange alternative payment methods.
Tropical Storm Arthur Causes Up to $6 Billion in Damage, AccuWeather Estimates
Tropical Storm Arthur has caused an estimated $4 to $6 billion in total damage and economic loss after dumping more than 20 inches of rain across the Gulf Coast, according to preliminary figures from AccuWeather. At least two fatalities and hundreds of flooded homes have been reported, with damage assessments still ongoing.
Dominica Launches Caribbean's First Digital Platform for Sickle Cell Patients
Dominica has launched SickleConnect, the Caribbean's first dedicated digital health platform for sickle cell patients, offering AI-powered clinical reporting, medication tracking, and emergency alerts. The free platform was developed by the Sickle Cell Cares Foundation and went live on World Sickle Cell Day.
OAS Official Calls for Renewed Development Commitment Ahead of Panama Assembly
OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development Ambassador Isabelle Valois is calling for renewed multilateral commitment to the Americas' unfinished development agenda ahead of the 56th OAS General Assembly in Panama City from June 22 to 24. Writing in an opinion piece reported by Antigua.news, Valois highlights critical gaps — including 160 million people without safe drinking water and nearly 10 million children out of school — while pointing to concrete OAS initiatives delivering results across the hemisphere.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches Seed Bank and Sweet Potato Projects to Boost Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda is advancing two major agricultural initiatives — a Mobile Seed Bank Project and a regional Sweet Potato Production Programme — aimed at bolstering food security, disaster preparedness and climate resilience. The projects, developed in partnership with IICA and CARDI, were presented to Cabinet by the Minister for Agriculture.
Antigua and Barbuda Parliament Passes Tough New Cybercrime Penalties
Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament has passed cybercrime legislation imposing fines of up to EC$1 million on individuals or companies that refuse to provide electronic data to law enforcement. The Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill also targets local managers of companies that cite overseas headquarters as justification for non-compliance.
Antigua Endures Six Months of Drought as Rainfall Hits Near-Record Lows
Antigua has endured six straight months of below-normal rainfall, with May ranking as the third-driest since records began in 1928, according to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service. The prolonged drought has heightened concerns about the island's water resources as officials work to expand water production capacity.
Letter: Tackling Mental Health Stigma in Antigua's Workplaces and Communities
A community member has written to Antigua News Room calling for an end to mental health stigma in workplaces and society, urging greater empathy and noting interest in the country's proposed mental health legislation.
PSG Star Hakimi to Face Rape Trial in France, Appeals Court Rules
A French appeals court has confirmed that PSG defender and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape, as reported by Antigua News Room. Hakimi, 27, denies the allegations and says he welcomes the trial as a chance to speak publicly in his defence.
Antigua and Barbuda Demands Greater Climate Justice Voice at Berlin Forum
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Health and Environment, Michael Joseph, is calling for greater representation for climate-vulnerable nations at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, warning that Small Island Developing States bear a disproportionate burden of the climate crisis despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Two Armed Robbery Suspects at Large After Worker Shot on All Saints Road
Two suspects remain at large after an armed robbery at a construction site on All Saints Road ended with a worker being shot in the lower abdomen on June 12. Police are actively investigating the incident.
Public Sector Workers Still Waiting on COVID-19 Back Pay Six Months After Deadline
A public sector employee is calling on the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to explain why COVID-19 salary compensation payments, expected to begin in January 2026, have still not been received by numerous eligible claimants six months later.