Local News
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House Speaker Pushes Back on Bias Claims During New Parliamentary Session
Speaker of the House Osbert Frederick rejected claims of bias during Tuesday's sitting of the House of Representatives, responding directly to newly sworn-in Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, who called for a more impartial approach to managing parliamentary debate.
Hopeful Hearts Foundation Launches Summer Impact Series 2026 for Youth
The Hopeful Hearts Foundation has launched its Summer Impact Series 2026, a four-week community service programme for youth aged 11 to 18, beginning July 25, 2026. Founded by National Youth Ambassador Kristine Louisa, the initiative aims to develop young leaders and foster community engagement across Antigua and Barbuda.
Parents Demand Answers Over Irene B. Williams Secondary School Graduation Controversy
A group of parents and guardians of Irene B. Williams Secondary School graduates has published an open letter demanding financial transparency and accountability from school authorities over what they describe as a poorly managed and controversial graduation ceremony. The parents are calling for a full breakdown of funds collected, clarification on sponsorship arrangements, and a fair review of the event's refund policy.
Antiguan Fintech ClicCash Takes Centre Stage at London Tech Week 2026
Antiguan fintech company ClicCash represented Antigua and Barbuda at London Tech Week 2026, with founder Brandon Derrick presenting to officials at the Government of Québec's UK delegation, joining a roundtable at the Canadian High Commission, and meeting the Governor-General at a Commonwealth charity gala.
St. Nicholas Primary Claims Top Honour at National Spellbound Championship
St. Nicholas Primary School has taken first place at the 2026 National Spellbound Championship, with Tayzhoni Murrain crowned individual champion at an awards ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
SLBMC Awards Scholarships to Five Staff Members for Professional Development
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has awarded short-course scholarships to five employees across nursing, finance, and human resources disciplines as part of its 2026 Summer staff development programme. The initiative, administered through the hospital's Learning and Development Unit, aims to advance professional growth and service excellence.
SIRF Fund AC Units Fully Allocated, Department of Environment Confirms
The Department of Environment has confirmed that all air conditioning units under the SIRF Fund have been fully allocated, with no timeline given for when new units will be available. Polycarbonate Sheets remain available for purchase through the programme.
Parliament Expands Search Warrant Powers, Including Sunday Executions
Parliament has passed the Magistrate's Court (Amendment) Bill 2026, expanding search warrant powers to cover all offences, permitting Sunday executions, and allowing seizure of evidence not specified in the original warrant. Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin piloted the legislation, arguing it modernizes investigative procedures while maintaining judicial oversight.
Antigua and Barbuda Faces Over 80% Chance of Extreme Drought Through July
Meteorologist Leonard Josiah has warned that Antigua and Barbuda faces a greater than 80 percent chance of extreme drought conditions from May through July. Residents are being urged to conserve and harvest water as meaningful rainfall is not expected in the near term.
Parliament Passes Immigration Amnesty Bill Giving Undocumented Migrants Two Months to Regularise Status
Parliament has passed the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2026, launching a two-month amnesty programme from July 1 to August 31 that allows eligible undocumented migrants to regularise their status for a total fee of $650. Applicants must submit police records from every country of residence over the past four years, and those who have previously used amnesty programmes three times are ineligible.
Port Authority Sets Record as Five Cargo Ships Discharge Simultaneously at St. John's
The Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority set a new record on June 1 when five cargo vessels discharged simultaneously at the Port of St. John's. Officials say the milestone reflects improved infrastructure utilization and positions the country as a growing force in Caribbean maritime trade.
Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador Formally Accredited in Qatar
Ambassador Theon Ali has formally presented his credentials to Qatar's Deputy Amir, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, cementing Antigua and Barbuda's diplomatic presence in the Gulf state. The accreditation marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation spanning climate action, aviation, and sustainable development.
IICA Seminar Charts Path for Agricultural Growth and Food Security in Antigua and Barbuda
IICA Antigua and Barbuda held its 2025 Accountability Seminar on Tuesday, reviewing the organisation's achievements and outlining agricultural priorities for 2026, with a focus on food security, climate resilience and youth engagement. Government officials, farmers and development partners gathered to recommit to strengthening local food production and sustainability.
Concerned Parent Calls Out Graduation Fees and School Fundraising Burden
A concerned Antiguan parent has written an open letter to the Chief Education Officer calling out the increasing financial demands placed on families by schools, including entrance fees to attend graduation ceremonies. The letter, reported by Antigua News Room, urges the Ministry of Education to mandate fee transparency, end duplicative fundraising, and guarantee free graduation entry for families.
From Plans to Action: Why Strategy Fails at the Implementation Stage
Strategic planning expert Garfield Joseph argues that while setting goals and objectives is straightforward, the true measure of any organisation lies in its ability to execute — a challenge that causes up to 90% of strategies to fail. Writing in a commentary published by Antigua News Room, Joseph offers practical guidance for businesses, non-profits, churches, and community groups across Antigua and Barbuda.
ABYBT Graduates First Entrepreneurship Cohort at Caribbean Youth Summit
The Antigua and Barbuda Youth Business Trust graduated 14 participants from its inaugural EmpowerED entrepreneurship programme Tuesday at the opening of the Caribbean Youth Entrepreneurship Summit 2026. The ceremony, held at the Royalton Resort and Spa, brought together regional leaders and development bank officials to highlight the need for stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Caribbean.
AG Calls for On-the-Spot Licence Suspensions as Parliament Passes Fatal Accidents Bill
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has called for on-the-spot driver's licence suspensions in fatal crash cases as Parliament passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, which introduces bereavement damages of up to EC$20,000 for qualifying family members.
Bobo Shanti Group Accuses Authorities of Failing to Consult Rastafarian Community
The Bobo Shanti Worldwide organisation has publicly accused police and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority of failing to consult or educate the Rastafarian community before conducting arrests related to cannabis charges. The group insists a recent gathering of members was an act of religious worship, not a protest, and is calling for dialogue and fairness from authorities.
Parliament Passes Electronic Crimes Bill with $1 Million Penalty for Non-Compliance
Parliament has passed the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2026, imposing penalties of up to $1 million on individuals and companies that fail to comply with law enforcement production orders for electronic data. The bill received bipartisan support, with Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin citing persistent refusals by telecommunications service providers to cooperate with criminal investigations.
Antigua and Barbuda Inflation Climbs to 4.1% in May, Fuelled by Soaring Electricity Costs
Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda accelerated to 4.1 percent in May 2026, with electricity prices surging 25 percent year-on-year and housing-related costs accounting for nearly half of the overall increase, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data.