Local News
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Antigua and Barbuda Champions Culture and Carnival in New York TV Debut
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez led an Antigua and Barbuda delegation on PIX11 News during Caribbean Week in New York, promoting the nation's cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, Carnival, and culinary offerings. The appearance was part of a wider series of trade and media engagements at the annual Caribbean tourism event.
Antigua and Barbuda Reaffirms Support for CDEMA's Long-Term Sustainability
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its strong support for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), backing efforts to establish sustainable long-term financing for the organisation. The pledge follows a Cabinet presentation by CDEMA's Executive Director, who warned of growing climate-related disaster risks and mounting financial pressures on the regional body.
Commonwealth Observers Commend Antigua Election, Call for Sweeping Reforms
Commonwealth election observers have praised Antigua and Barbuda's April 30, 2026 general election as peaceful and transparent, while calling for reforms in areas including campaign finance, constituency boundaries and media independence. The Commonwealth Observer Group's final report commended ABEC and polling staff, but identified several areas requiring legislative and regulatory attention.
Antigua Weighs Salary Deductions to Enforce Child Support Payments
The Antiguan government is considering direct wage deductions and other enforcement measures to combat chronic non-payment of court-ordered child support, as it prepares to launch the MainCollect digital payment platform. No final decisions have been made, with legislative changes and ongoing Family Court consultations still under review.
Govt Maintains Fuel Subsidies as APUA Daily Costs Nearly Double
The Antigua and Barbuda government is maintaining fuel subsidies for consumers even as APUA's daily fuel costs have nearly doubled — rising from $460,000 in January to approximately $886,000. Officials say the subsidy will continue, though no end date has been specified.
Antigua Night Court for Traffic Cases to Launch Within Weeks After Cabinet Approval
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of a dedicated night court for traffic matters, which is set to become operational within weeks. The court aims to clear a growing backlog of traffic cases and serve as a deterrent against road offences, according to Antigua.news.
Parliament Set to Debate Expanded Powers Over Derelict Properties on June 16
The Antiguan government is set to bring legislation before Parliament on June 16 that would expand its powers to remove derelict and hazardous properties from communities across Antigua and Barbuda. The planned measures were announced at Friday's post-Cabinet media briefing by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant.
Commonwealth Observers Call for Polling Station Vote Counts to Boost Electoral Transparency
Commonwealth election observers have recommended that Antigua and Barbuda count votes at polling stations immediately after polls close, citing improvements to transparency and public confidence. The proposal is part of a broader set of electoral reforms outlined in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
CHTA Urges Antigua and Caribbean to Regulate Short-Term Rentals for Economic Gain
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has released a comprehensive framework urging Antigua and other regional destinations to regulate short-term rentals, warning that unregulated growth costs governments hundreds of millions in lost tax revenue. The framework, developed with input from 14 national tourism associations, provides practical tools for registration, tax collection, and oversight.
PAHO Urges Caribbean Nations to Bolster Health Preparedness Ahead of 2026 Hurricane Season
The Pan American Health Organization is urging countries across the Americas, including those in the Caribbean, to strengthen health system preparedness ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, despite forecasts of below-normal activity. PAHO warns that even a single severe storm can pose serious public health risks and disrupt essential services.
Sports Minister George Meets ABFA to Chart Path for Football Growth
Sports Minister Dwayne George has met with the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association to discuss strategies for player development, infrastructure improvements, and greater government collaboration in advancing the sport.
AUA Donates Whiteboards and Flip Charts to ABCAS in Support of National Education
The American University of Antigua has donated whiteboards and flip charts to the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, supporting teaching and training across its campuses. The contribution comes ahead of ABCAS's planned launch of a new Associate Degree in Agriculture programme.
Saint Lucia to Host 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in July 2026
Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Gros Islet from July 5 to 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Regional leaders will deliberate on key issues, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at Sandals Saint Lucia and streamed live online.
Anthropic Calls for Coordinated AI Pause, Warns of Human Control Risk
Anthropic has called on the world's leading AI companies to establish a coordinated mechanism to pause or slow the development of advanced AI systems, warning the technology is advancing so fast that humans risk losing control. The proposal, reported by Antigua News Room, comes as rival OpenAI argues regulation should be led by democratic governments rather than private companies.
Government Scraps Royal Caribbean Deal, Takes Charge of Fort James Redevelopment
Cabinet has approved a government-led redevelopment of the Fort James Beach area, setting aside a long-stalled Royal Caribbean beach club proposal first announced in 2019. The plan envisions a heritage and leisure destination featuring an amphitheatre, local vendor spaces, and beach restoration works, funded through a public-private partnership.
Cabinet Backs App to Tackle Child Support Arrears Affecting Thousands of Families
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has endorsed the MainCollect app, a digital platform designed to improve child maintenance payment collection, targeting up to 2,500 fathers in the country listed in court records as having outstanding obligations. The system, approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and eventually extended across OECS member states.
Government Transfers Fisheries Complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited
The government has transferred management of fisheries complexes at Point, Parham, Urlings and Barbuda to Antigua Fisheries Limited, with a newly approved board of directors to oversee the transition. The move aims to improve efficiency, accountability and services for fishing communities nationwide.
Cabinet Backs Digital App to Address Child Maintenance Crisis in Antigua and Barbuda
Cabinet has endorsed MainCollect, a locally developed digital app designed to modernise child maintenance payment collection in Antigua and Barbuda, where between 1,500 and 2,500 fathers are recorded as having outstanding obligations. The platform, already approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and rolled out across the OECS.
Cabinet Transfers Management of Fisheries Complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited
Cabinet has approved transferring management of Antigua and Barbuda's fisheries complexes — at Point, Parham, Urlings and Barbuda — from the Fisheries Division to Antigua Fisheries Limited, citing the need for greater operational efficiency and accountability.
PM Browne Joins Villa Primary Students to Build CHOGM 2026 Bottle Cap Mural
Prime Minister Gaston Browne joined Villa Primary School students on Thursday to contribute to a recycled bottle cap mural being created in anticipation of CHOGM 2026, scheduled for November 1–4 in Antigua and Barbuda.