Local News
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Missing Teen Deshawn James Found Safe, Family Confirms
Fifteen-year-old Deshawn James has been found safe after being reported missing earlier this week, with family members confirming his return and expressing gratitude for the community's support during the search.
Aircraft Goes Missing Over Caribbean Sea on St. Vincent-to-Tobago Flight
A Beechcraft 58P Baron aircraft travelling from St. Vincent to Tobago has gone missing after air traffic controllers lost contact during the flight. Authorities in both Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are investigating, with the aircraft currently classified as overdue.
Pastor Faces Drug Charges After 60 Pounds of Cannabis Seized at VC Bird Airport
A Cedar Grove pastor was detained at V.C. Bird International Airport after police seized nearly 60 pounds of suspected cannabis, valued at EC$357,000, from his luggage. Dean Robert Gould, 54, arrived on an American Airlines flight and is expected to be charged on Monday.
Pastor and Barber Faces Charges After EC$357,000 Cannabis Seizure at V.C. Bird Airport
A 54-year-old Antiguan-born pastor and barber, identified as Dean Robert Gould, was taken into custody after police seized approximately 59.5 pounds of suspected cannabis valued at EC$357,000 from his luggage at V.C. Bird International Airport on Saturday. He is expected to be charged on Monday.
PM Browne: DPP Must Justify Controversial Prosecutorial Decisions to Maintain Public Trust
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly rebuked Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph over his reported refusal to explain controversial prosecutorial decisions, warning that a lack of transparency could damage public trust and Antigua and Barbuda's international reputation. Browne's comments were prompted by the discontinuation of two recent narcotics-related prosecutions that have drawn significant public scrutiny.
130 Students Enrolled in UWI Five Islands Law Programme, PM Browne Reveals
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that approximately 130 students have already enrolled in the UWI Five Islands Campus' new law degree programme, calling the response a sign of growing demand for local tertiary education. Browne also floated the possibility of requiring highly profitable companies to contribute to education financing as enrolment at the campus approaches 2,000 students.
PM Browne Floats Windfall Tax Expansion to Boost Education Funding
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has proposed extending the country's windfall tax to include other highly profitable businesses, with the additional revenue intended to fund tertiary education and the expansion of the UWI Five Islands Campus. Browne outlined the idea during his weekly radio programme on Saturday, though no specific industries or tax rates were identified and no final decision has been made.
PM Browne Eyes Harrison and Cort to Lead UWI Five Islands Campus Council
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that businessman David Harrison is giving "serious consideration" to becoming chairman of the UWI Five Islands Campus Council, with former finance minister Dr. Errol Cort named as a possible alternative. The search for a successor follows the recent death of inaugural chairman Sir Aziz Hadeed.
PM Browne Defends Sandals Overwater Bungalows, Calls for Expanded Luxury Tourism
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended plans for overwater bungalows at Sandals Grande Antigua, saying the US$100 million expansion is essential to keeping Antigua competitive in the global luxury tourism market. Browne confirmed the structures will be positioned away from the main beach area to preserve public access to Dickenson Bay.
PM Browne Confirms Construction Underway on Willoughby Bay Residential Development
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that construction is underway at Willoughby Bay, where a Citizenship by Investment Programme investor is developing a high-end residential tourism project on Antigua's southeast coast. Browne provided the update during his weekly radio programme, highlighting the development as part of a broader push to attract foreign investment and expand the country's tourism offerings.
Sandals to Pay $6.5M Tax Settlement, Plans $100M Antigua Expansion
Sandals Resorts International has agreed to pay the Antigua and Barbuda government $6.5 million to resolve outstanding tax issues, while also advancing a US$100 million expansion of its Grande Antigua property that will include over 100 new rooms and approximately 16 overwater bungalows. Prime Minister Gaston Browne disclosed the developments during his weekly radio programme on Saturday.
PM Browne Unveils 'Peace Beach' Project at Barnacle Point Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans for 'Peace Beach,' a new public beach and artificial reef project at Barnacle Point aimed at recreation, marine conservation and education. The development is targeted for substantial completion ahead of Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of CHOGM in November 2026.
Club Med, TUI Eye Jolly Beach Resort as PM Vows to Protect Room Stock
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Club Med and TUI are among entities interested in acquiring Jolly Beach Resort, while stressing that the government will not accept any deal that significantly reduces the property's room inventory. The resort currently generates approximately US$4 million in annual profits and welcomes around 75,000 visitors each year.
Jolly Beach Resort Set for $13.5M Upgrade, Including 500-Seat Conference Centre
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a $13.5 million investment in upgrades to Jolly Beach Resort, including new air-conditioning, improved internet connectivity, and a 500-seat conference facility expected to be completed within months. The government-owned resort, managed by Elite Island Resorts, currently generates around $4 million in annual profit and draws approximately 75,000 visitors per year.
Missing Teen Deshawn James Found Safe After Public Appeal
Fifteen-year-old Deshawn James, who had been reported missing, has been found safe, with family members confirming his recovery and expressing gratitude to the public for their assistance. No further details surrounding his disappearance or return have been released.
Family Pleads for Help Locating Missing 15-Year-Old Deshawn James
The family of missing 15-year-old Deshawn James is appealing to the public for help locating the teenager, who was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. Anyone with information is urged to contact 724-4415 or 781-1054, or notify the nearest police station.
Urlings Fisherman Recovering After Shark Attack During Dive
A fisherman from Urlings is recovering at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre after suffering a serious arm injury during a shark attack while spearfishing at approximately 75 feet below the surface on Tuesday afternoon. Junior Minister for Fisheries Randy Baltimore confirmed the man's injuries are not life-threatening.
Shark Attack Survivor Making Good Progress, Junior Minister Reports
A fisherman attacked by a shark while spearfishing off Urlings on Tuesday is recovering well at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with Junior Minister Randy Baltimore describing his progress as encouraging.
Government Plans Concrete Pier Rebuild at Keeling Point Fisheries Site
The government has announced plans to replace the aging pier at Keeling Point with a new reinforced concrete structure, as part of broader efforts to upgrade fisheries infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda. The visit also addressed safety concerns following a recent shark attack involving a local fisherman.
Hopeful Hearts Foundation and Red Cross Partner to Aid Hundreds of Families
The Hopeful Hearts Foundation, in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, has completed a successful Food and Clothing Drive that benefited hundreds of families across the country. Donors included local businesses, community organisations, and government officials.