Local News
1349 articles
Teen Charged with Murder in 2023 Fatal Beating Over Stolen Phone
An 18-year-old has been charged with the murder of Rodney Piper, who died in September 2023 after being beaten during a dispute over a stolen phone. The accused, who was a minor at the time of the alleged offence, has been granted bail by the High Court.
Commentary: Have We Crucified Our Own Healthcare System?
In a wide-ranging commentary published by Antigua News Room, Dr. Lester Simon argues that the departure of Cuban healthcare workers has exposed deep failures in Antigua and Barbuda's health planning, calling for a fundamental overhaul of how the country develops and sustains its own medical infrastructure.
Water Line Installation Underway in Lightfoot After Years of Advocacy
Work to install a water line in the Myles Codrington Development in Lightfoot has begun, following years of advocacy by community advocate Rawdon Turner on behalf of local residents.
Teen Charged With 2023 Murder of Golden Grove Man, Granted Bail
An 18-year-old has been charged with the 2023 murder of Golden Grove resident Rodney Piper, who died after being beaten by a group of young men over a stolen phone dispute. The accused, treated as a minor due to his age at the time of the offence, has been granted bail by the High Court.
Treasury Begins Retroactive Pay for Public Servants Covering 2018–2023
The Treasury Department has begun issuing retroactive payments to public servants for the contract period January 2018 to December 2023, with no statutory deductions to be applied in accordance with a Cabinet decision. Payments are being processed by Ministry and Department in tranches, with former employees also encouraged to come forward.
Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres to Extend Hours from April 13
The Gray's Farm and Clare Hall Health Centres will begin extended operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, starting April 13, 2026, following a brief delay from the originally announced start date. The move is aimed at improving community access to primary care and reducing pressure on the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
Over $25,000 Invested in All Saints West Sports Teams, Smith Jr. Announces
Anthony Smith Jr. has announced over $25,000 in investments this year to support football and cricket teams across All Saints West, including financial assistance and sponsored jerseys for four community clubs.
UPP Supporter Refuses to Vote Amid Leadership Confusion Between Lovell and Pringle
A UPP supporter has publicly declared they will abstain from voting in the party's leadership contest, citing a troubling personal encounter with Harold Lovell and expressing firm support for rival Jamal Pringle. The letter, reported by Antigua News Room, highlights deepening divisions within the opposition party.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 Returns to Antigua and Barbuda in May
Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 is set to return to Antigua and Barbuda from May 12–15, with appointments now open and buyer registrations already outpacing last year. The 44th edition of the Caribbean's premier B2B tourism event will connect international buyers with regional suppliers over two days of pre-scheduled meetings.
Lewis Tackles Illegal Dump Sites, Calls for Structured Bulk Waste Collection
St. John's Rural West candidate Richard S. Lewis led a clean-up of illegal dump sites in his constituency this week, calling on the NSWMA to implement scheduled bulk waste collection to address what he described as a persistent public health concern.
ECCB to Oversee Bank Fees Under New 2026–2031 Strategic Plan
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has announced plans to expand oversight of bank fees and charges as part of its 2026–2031 strategic plan, including the creation of a new Office of Financial Conduct to promote fairness and consumer protection across the region's banking sector.
Letter to Editor: Concerns Raised Over Academic Standards and Accountability in Local Schools
A member of the public has written to the editor raising formal concerns about academic misconduct, literacy gaps, and administrative practices said to be undermining standards and fairness in Antigua and Barbuda's education system. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, calls on the Ministry of Education to strengthen policies and enforcement across all schools.
Road Works Ministry Reports Surge in Infrastructure Upgrades Across Antigua
The Ministry of Works says road upgrade efforts intensified across Antigua in March, with the execution phase of the All Saints Road project now officially underway. The Ministry credited Public Works teams, contractors, and partner agencies for sustaining the increased pace of improvements.
Former Gov't Worker Decries Repeated Backpay Delays by Treasury
A former government employee has written to Antigua News Room to voice frustration over months of delays in receiving backpay from the Treasury, with deadlines repeatedly pushed back since December 2024. The writer says Treasury staff have been unable to provide clear answers either in person or by phone.
Parliament Dissolved, Setting Stage for Antigua and Barbuda General Election
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has signed a proclamation dissolving Parliament, with effect from April 1, 2026, officially triggering the countdown to a general election in Antigua and Barbuda. A polling date has yet to be announced.
Census Field Operations Suspended Ahead of Antigua and Barbuda General Elections
The Census Office has temporarily suspended all field operations for the 2025 Population and Housing Census ahead of the upcoming general elections in Antigua and Barbuda. Officials say the pause is intended to safeguard the integrity of both the census process and the electoral process.
Police Warn of Strict Good Friday Liquor Restrictions on April 3
The Police Administration has issued a reminder that alcohol sales are banned across Antigua and Barbuda on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, with violations risking licence cancellation under the country's liquor licensing laws.
Police Remind Public: No Alcohol Sales Permitted on Good Friday
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has reminded business owners and the public that the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, under national licensing law. Establishments found in violation risk licence revocation and further legal action.
ECCB to Introduce Deposit Insurance Across ECCU Under New 2026-2031 Strategic Plan
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has announced it will introduce deposit insurance across the ECCU as part of its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, with Governor Timothy Antoine citing stronger depositor protection as a core priority. The plan is organised around six themes and also includes the establishment of a new Office of Financial Conduct to oversee bank accountability and customer treatment.
Nearly Half of Antigua's Voters Yet to Renew ID Cards, ABEC Data Shows
Nearly half of Antigua and Barbuda's eligible voters have yet to renew their voter ID cards, with ABEC data showing just over 23,000 of an estimated 40,000 required transactions completed. The shortfall raises concerns about voter eligibility ahead of a general election expected in the coming months.