Local News
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ABYETS Tradeshow Puts Barbuda's Young Entrepreneurs in the Spotlight
More than 30 young entrepreneurs aged five to 18 showcased a wide range of trades and talents at the annual ABYETS tradeshow held at Holy Trinity School in Codrington, Barbuda, on July 4th, 2026. The event, reported by Antigua Observer, highlighted the Community Charitable Ministry's mission of fostering professional skills in the next generation.
Security Forces to Restrict Parts of St. John's This Week Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Antigua's national security agencies will conduct Exercise Stronghold in parts of St. John's on Wednesday and Friday, imposing traffic and movement restrictions within a designated Red Zone as the country prepares to host CHOGM in November. Wednesday's Soft Lockdown runs from 8:00 am to noon, while Friday's Hard Lockdown will fully restrict both vehicles and pedestrians from 6:00 am to noon.
UPP Launches Monthly Public Consultations on Third-Country Nationals MOU
The United Progressive Party will hold its first public consultation on the US-Antigua MOU and third-country nationals issue on July 9th at the Moravian Conference Hall at Cashew Hill. Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says the session, set for 7:00 p.m., will be the first in a planned series of monthly consultations held across the country.
Department of Culture Launches Free Workshop to Preserve Traditional Carnival Characters
The Department of Culture is launching a free Cultural Characters Workshop beginning this Wednesday, offering the public hands-on training in traditional performance arts including Moko Jumbies, conch shell blowing, and Carnival character costumery. The programme runs July 8–24, with organisers hoping to boost the presence of traditional characters at this year's Carnival Monday parade.
Antigua and Barbuda Transfers ECCB Monetary Council Chair to Dominica
Antigua and Barbuda will formally transfer the ECCB Monetary Council chairmanship to Dominica on 9 July 2026, with the ceremony also set to feature the unveiling of redesigned EC banknotes and coins marking the currency's 50th anniversary.
Greene Urges Public Cooperation as Antigua Launches CHOGM 2026 Security Drill
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. E.P. Chet Greene has called on Antiguans and Barbudans to cooperate with authorities during a two-day Security Simulation Exercise launched in preparation for CHOGM 2026. The minister apologized for any disruptions, including traffic delays and restricted access, describing the exercise as essential to ensuring a safe and successful Commonwealth summit in November.
French Guiana Becomes CARICOM's Eighth Associate Member
French Guiana has been formally admitted as CARICOM's eighth Associate Member following the signing of a membership agreement at the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia. The agreement was signed by CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and French Guiana's Territorial President Gabriel Serville.
PiAngo Fest Cancelled for 2026 as Ministry Cites Crop Uncertainty
The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has cancelled PiAngo Fest for 2026, citing weather-related uncertainty surrounding the mango crop and a need to reassess the festival's long-term framework.
CARICOM Refers Secretary-General Reappointment Dispute to Caribbean Court of Justice
CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to refer the dispute over the reappointment of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett to the Caribbean Court of Justice for an advisory opinion, following months of objections from Trinidad and Tobago over the process used to renew her contract.
Civil Registry Adjusts Hours, Closes Friday for CHOGM Security Drills
The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Registry will operate on reduced hours Wednesday and remain closed Friday as the Royal Police Force conducts security lockdown exercises ahead of CHOGM. Normal operations resume Monday, July 13.
Best Friend Pays Tribute to Cody Gomes, Calls for Greater Mental Health Awareness
The best friend of 24-year-old Cody Gomes has published an emotional tribute on social media, revealing the private struggles he faced and urging greater compassion around mental health. Gomes was found unresponsive at his Swetes home early Monday morning, and police say the circumstances of his death remain under investigation.
Antigua and Barbuda Opens Plant Tissue Culture Lab to Bolster Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a state-of-the-art Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, established in partnership with China, to advance agricultural research and strengthen national food security. The facility will support disease-free crop propagation, scientific research, and the training of agricultural personnel.
Antigua Opens Chinese-Backed Plant Tissue Culture Lab to Strengthen Food Security
Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened a Chinese-backed plant tissue culture laboratory aimed at advancing agricultural research and food security. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. called the facility a major milestone established under the Phase II Agricultural Technical Assistance Project.
High Street Magistrates' Court to Close July 8 and 10 for CHOGM Preparations
The High Street Magistrates' Court in St John's will close on July 8 and 10, 2026, to accommodate CHOGM-related activities, with affected matters rescheduled to July 13. The closure does not affect the Family Division court at Parliament Drive.
Security Minister Calls for Public Cooperation During Three-Day CHOGM Preparedness Exercise
National Security Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin is calling on the public to observe traffic restrictions during a three-day CHOGM Security Exercise from July 8 to 10, 2026, designed to test Antigua and Barbuda's readiness for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Significant road closures and disruptions are expected in and around St. John's during designated hours on Wednesday and Friday.
Governor General's London Visit Blends Diplomacy, Charity and CHOGM 2026 Preparations
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams completed a high-profile June visit to London combining diplomacy, royal engagements and a major charity gala, as Antigua and Barbuda builds momentum ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026. The visit, as reported by Antigua.news, included meetings with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and attendance at Trooping the Colour.
Security Forces Launch Three-Day CHOGM Preparedness Exercise This Week
Security agencies in Antigua and Barbuda will conduct Exercise STRONGHOLD from July 8 to 10, a three-day operational drill designed to test the nation's emergency preparedness ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026. Motorists and pedestrians should expect road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access in several areas, including parts of St. John's.
Agriculture Interns Discover Freshwater Aquaculture Potential at SeaSprings Aqua Farm
Interns in Antigua and Barbuda's Agriculture Summer Internship Programme visited SeaSprings Aqua Farm, where aquaculture farmer Kevin Alexander demonstrated sustainable freshwater prawn and fish farming techniques. The visit highlighted aquaculture's potential to bolster the nation's agricultural sector.
PM Browne: Government Rejected Tax Waiver, Not Cassada Gardens Project
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his Government supported the Cassada Gardens Racetrack redevelopment with major concessions but refused to exempt a foreign investor from the mandatory 8 percent gaming fee, rejecting claims that the administration blocked the EC$30 million project.
Antigua Turf Club Defends $30M Cassada Gardens Redevelopment as Industry Game-Changer
The Antigua Turf Club is defending its proposed XCD $30 million redevelopment of Cassada Gardens Racetrack, saying the project — which includes a gaming facility, youth programs, and multi-sport amenities — can transform horse racing into a sustainable, professionally regulated industry. The Club, which reported a stalled concession negotiation with the Government, says an updated proposal will be submitted shortly.