Local News
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Antigua Records Third-Driest May Since 1928 as Drought Conditions Intensify
Antigua recorded its third-driest May since 1928, with island-wide rainfall averaging just 17.5 millimetres, as the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service reports intensifying drought conditions across both Antigua and Barbuda.
Government Threatens Prosecution Over Bus Stop Vandalism as Infrastructure Upgrades Planned
The Antiguan government has warned that individuals who vandalize bus stops and other public infrastructure could face prosecution and be ordered to pay for damages. The warning came as Cabinet announced plans to upgrade bus stops and road signage across the country.
Antigua and Barbuda Eyes July Launch for Mobile Number Portability
The Antiguan government is targeting July for the launch of mobile number portability, which will allow customers to switch between Flow, Digicel and APUA Inet while keeping their existing phone numbers. The move, years in the making, is expected to boost consumer choice and intensify competition in the local telecommunications sector.
Women's Labour Force Participation Across CARICOM Ranges from 45% to 71%
New 2025 data shows female labour force participation across CARICOM nations ranges from 44.9% in Suriname to 70.7% in The Bahamas, highlighting stark regional disparities. The Bahamas leads the bloc with both the highest rate of women's participation and one of the smallest gender gaps in the region.
Saharan Dust Event to Push Air Quality to Moderate Levels Through Saturday
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an Air Quality Bulletin warning of a new Saharan dust surge expected to push air quality to moderate levels from Thursday through Saturday. Sensitive groups, including those with respiratory or heart conditions, the elderly, and children, are advised to take precautions and limit prolonged outdoor activity.
Antigua Targets 200,000 Black Pineapple Plants in Industry Revival Push
The government has unveiled plans to propagate at least 200,000 Antigua Black Pineapple plants at the Cades Bay Agricultural Station, with a fresh shipment of 15,000 tissue-cultured plants expected to arrive within days. The initiative is part of a broader Ministry of Agriculture programme to revive the iconic fruit's production and restore its traditional size and yield.
Cabinet Approves Free UWI Tuition, Eyes Windfall Tax Expansion to Fund Education
Cabinet has approved free undergraduate tuition at the UWI Five Islands Campus and a 50 percent subsidy for law students, while opening discussions on expanding the Windfall Tax to all businesses earning annual profits of EC$1 million or more to help fund the initiative.
Minister Joseph Meets Climate Fund Director at Berlin Forum to Push for SIDS Access
Minister of Health and Environment Michael Joseph met with the Executive Director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum 2026, pressing for equitable climate finance access for Small Island Developing States. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and ensuring vulnerable nations can access timely support for climate-related loss and damage.
CARICOM Eminent Persons Group Delays Haiti Visit Amid Ongoing Political Crisis
The CARICOM Eminent Persons Group has postponed its visit to Haiti, saying it will schedule the trip as soon as practicable while continuing to monitor the country's political situation through virtual engagements. The group says it remains committed to holding in-person meetings with Haitian government, political, and civil society stakeholders.
Old Road Centenarian Alberta Roberts-Nicholas Turns 100, Honoured by Government
The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation celebrated Old Road Village resident Mrs. Alberta Roberts-Nicholas on her 100th birthday, presenting her with a EC$10,000 cheque from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in recognition of the milestone.
Ministry Celebrates Bolans Native Mrs. Mary Lewis on Her 101st Birthday
The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation joined family members across Antigua and New York to celebrate the 101st birthday of Bolans native Mrs. Mary Alexandrina Lewis, honouring her as a national treasure and living legend. A virtual celebration brought together government officials, community representatives, and relatives to mark the milestone of a woman whose life of faith, service, and resilience has spanned more than a century of Antiguan history.
Youth Mental Health Findings Handed to Minister Joseph to Shape New Legislation
Health Minister Michael Joseph has received two reports documenting the findings of a national youth consultation on mental health care, which will inform the development of Antigua and Barbuda's Mental Health Care Bill 2026. The initiative engaged approximately 1,300 children and adolescents through surveys and focus groups.
Sandals Foundation Pumps EC$38,000 Into Antigua Youth Entrepreneurship Programme
The Sandals Foundation has invested EC$38,000 in the Department of Youth Affairs' Entrepreneurship Edge Programme, now in its second year, equipping young Antiguan and Barbudan entrepreneurs with business skills through a six-week curriculum delivered by industry professionals.
PM Browne Warns Cabinet: Election Promises Must Be Kept
Prime Minister Browne has reminded Cabinet ministers of their duty to deliver on election promises, outlining key priorities including a major road rehabilitation programme and infrastructure upgrades for national events. The Prime Minister called for diligence, humility, and a renewed commitment to serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
PM Browne Calls on Cabinet to Deliver Results, Sets Ambitious Infrastructure Targets
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged Cabinet members to deliver on the Government's electoral mandate, outlining key priorities including completing 75 per cent of the national road network within four years and enhancing preparations for Carnival and CHOGM.
Government to Cover Up to Half of Law Tuition Costs at UWI Five Islands
Cabinet has approved a measure to cover up to 50 percent of tuition costs for law students at UWI Five Islands, as part of the Government's wider push to expand access to higher education. A new ministerial sub-committee will also work with the campus to align its programmes with national development priorities.
Cabinet Recommends Sir David Harrison to Chair UWI Five Islands Campus Council
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has recommended Sir David Harrison, a prominent UK entrepreneur and philanthropist, to chair both the UWI Five Islands Campus Council and its Endowment Fund. The recommendation recognises his decades of business leadership and his sustained investment in education and social mobility in Antigua and Barbuda.
Dominica's UWP Unveils New Candidates in Push to End 27 Years of Labour Rule
Dominica's United Workers Party has launched "Team Dominica," unveiling two new candidates and reaffirming Danny Lugay for an expected Roseau North by-election as the opposition seeks to end nearly 27 years of Dominica Labour Party rule. According to Antigua News Room, party leader Dr. Thompson Fontaine called on voters to use the anticipated contest to send a strong message to the current government.
Antigua Cancer Centre on Track to Open This Fall, Specialist Staff Already Being Recruited
Antigua and Barbuda's cancer treatment centre is on track to open this fall, with a radiation oncologist, physicist, and therapist already identified and being integrated into the programme. Government officials say the facility is expected to significantly cut the millions spent monthly sending patients abroad for treatment.
Cancer Centre Antigua Nears Completion, Promising World-Class Treatment at Home
The Cancer Centre Antigua is entering its final stages of completion, with advanced radiotherapy equipment already purchased and key clinical staff identified. The facility is expected to begin offering world-class cancer treatment services locally by early Fall.