Local News
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U.S. Sanctions Cuba's State Energy Firm Over Alleged Repression Support
The U.S. has sanctioned Cuba's state-owned energy firm CUPET, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing the Cuban government of diverting fuel resources to sustain political control while citizens face chronic shortages and power outages.
PM Browne Calls for Bolder OECS Leadership Ahead of Chairmanship
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on OECS leaders to move beyond "routine leadership" and pursue transformative regional projects, including a joint airline and geothermal energy cooperation. Browne is set to assume the rotating OECS chairmanship later this month when leaders meet in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet Tightens Work Permit Rules to Put Antiguans and Barbudans First
Cabinet has announced tighter work permit rules requiring employers to more broadly advertise job vacancies before hiring foreign nationals, following a review of employment trends and labour market conditions. The measures aim to ensure Antiguans and Barbudans are given full opportunity to fill available positions.
Sandals Eyes Major Antigua Expansion With 100 Rooms and Overwater Bungalows
Sandals Resorts International is planning to add approximately 100 rooms to its Antigua property, including 16 overwater bungalows, as disclosed during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting. The expansion is expected to boost the country's luxury tourism market and create new employment opportunities.
Over 800 Volunteers Sign Up as Antigua and Barbuda Ramps Up CHOGM 2026 Preparations
More than 800 individuals have volunteered to support the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, as Antigua and Barbuda steps up preparations for the landmark summit coinciding with an anticipated state visit by King Charles III.
Japan Eyes Technical Partnership to Turn Antigua's Sargassum Into Commercial Products
Japan has signaled its readiness to send a technical team to Antigua and Barbuda to explore converting sargassum seaweed into commercial products, following talks with Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. during his recent visit to Japan. The initiative could turn a long-standing coastal environmental problem into an economic opportunity for the twin-island nation.
Cabinet Tightens Work Permit Rules to Prioritise Local Hiring
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved new work permit rules requiring employers to advertise vacancies across multiple platforms before hiring foreign workers. The measures aim to strengthen labour market protections and prioritise local job seekers.
CARICOM Moves to Standardise EV Charging Infrastructure Across the Region
The CARICOM Secretariat hosted a webinar to advance the standardisation and harmonisation of EV charging infrastructure across Member States. Key challenges identified include small technical workforces, limited budgets, and the need for locally relevant, technology-neutral standards.
Government Presses Ahead with Barbuda Land Registry as Council Digs In
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed plans to establish a Barbuda Land Registry and proceed with Crown land sales, setting up a direct confrontation with the Barbuda Council, which insists the island's communal lands are not for sale. Court proceedings related to the dispute are ongoing, with the registry expected to become operational by end of August.
Cabinet Warns Illegal Barbuda Land Deals Will Be Void, Structures Face Demolition
The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has warned that unauthorised land sales and development activities in Barbuda will carry no legal weight and that illegally erected structures could face demolition. The warning was issued as the government advances efforts to establish a formal Barbuda Land Registry.
CBH Urges Family to Claim Body of Grays Farm Woman or Face Government Burial
The Central Board of Health has renewed its appeal for relatives of Silvie Martin of Grays Farm Village, who died on April 4, 2026, to claim her unclaimed body from Barnes Funeral Home within 14 days or face a government-arranged public burial.
Spain to Help Antigua and Barbuda Make Spanish the Country's Second Language
Antigua and Barbuda is pursuing technical assistance from Spain, including lecturers, teaching materials and teacher-training programmes, as part of a government initiative to establish Spanish as the country's second language. The plan also includes proposals for a Spanish Language and Cultural Institute and specialised training for workers in key economic sectors.
Cabinet Approves Return of Premier League Football to the Antigua Recreation Ground
Cabinet has approved the return of Premier League football to the Antigua Recreation Ground for the September-to-December season under a new pilot framework allowing football and cricket to share the historic venue. The arrangement will be managed on a trial basis with a dedicated structure overseeing scheduling and maintenance.
Lions Club and Cool & Smooth Donate Refrigerator to Boost Zion Church Feeding Programme
The Lions Club of Antigua and Cool & Smooth Store have donated an EC$8,500 refrigerator to the Zion Church of God, bolstering a feeding programme that has served vulnerable residents for more than 35 years.
Government Eyes Compulsory Acquisition of Derelict Properties to Boost Housing
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government is weighing compulsory acquisition of derelict properties in St. John's to advance the national housing programme. The move comes amid an ongoing campaign to demolish abandoned structures across the capital.
WIOC Mourns Death of Businessman Lawrence 'Larry' Gonsalves
The West Indies Oil Company Ltd. has paid tribute to businessman Lawrence "Larry" Gonsalves following his passing, describing him as a respected community figure, mentor, and longtime operator in the fuel retail sector.
Civil Liberties Group: Barbudans Must Have Final Say on Land Ownership Changes
The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Liberties Movement is demanding that Barbudans provide free, informed and meaningful consent before any major changes are made to the island's communal land ownership system or development plans. The group is urging the government to respect the constitutional role of the Barbuda Council in all decisions affecting the island's lands and resources.
Labour Department to Hold Free Health and Wellness Fair on Thames Street Friday
The Labour Department will host a free Health and Wellness Fair on Thames Street this Friday, June 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring health screenings, HIV/AIDS testing, and outreach services from multiple government agencies.
Visa Issues Force Abigail Piper Out of Miss Caribbean Universe Pageant
Miss Abigail Piper will not compete at the Miss Caribbean Universe Pageant on June 13 after visa-related challenges prevented her participation. The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission confirmed she will instead represent the nation at the Miss Caribbean Beauty and Intelligence Pageant this August.
US Launches Second Day of Airstrikes on Iran as Trump Vows More Attacks
The US has launched a second day of airstrikes against multiple targets in Iran, with President Trump vowing further attacks after negotiations with Tehran failed to produce a deal. The offensive follows an Iranian drone strike that downed a US helicopter off the coast of Oman.