Local News
1349 articles
ABLP Sets April 12 Convention Date as Party Eyes Snap Election
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has announced its convention for April 12, 2026, with the ruling party reportedly preparing for a possible snap general election shortly after.
Questions Swirl Over Sir Molwyn Joseph's Departure from St. Mary's North
Questions are mounting over whether veteran ABLP politician Sir Molwyn Joseph voluntarily stepped back from St. Mary's North or was eased out as the ruling party repositions ahead of a possible early election. According to Antigua Observer, no clear public account has emerged from Sir Molwyn or party leadership.
Voter ID Replacement Drive Slows as Most Constituencies Lag Behind Halfway Mark
New figures from the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission show the expired voter ID card replacement programme is progressing unevenly, with most constituencies below the halfway mark and application rates slowing sharply in recent weeks.
PM Browne Signals Early Elections Within 90 Days
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that general elections will be held within 90 days, potentially far ahead of the constitutionally due date of 2028. The declaration was made on his weekend radio programme.
Soniya Jones Exits World Indoor Championships in 60m First Round
Antigua and Barbuda's Soniya Jones finished seventh in Heat 7 of the Women's 60 Metres at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, clocking 7.56 seconds and exiting in the first round.
All Saints United Cement APL Summit With 15th Win of the Season
All Saints United recorded their 15th win of the APL season with a 3-0 defeat of Garden Stars FC on Saturday, strengthening their grip on top spot heading into the final rounds of play.
Alzarri Joseph Dominates ABCA Two-Day Final to Crown New Winthorpes Lions Champions
West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph claimed nine wickets and scored 158 runs to guide CMW New Winthorpes Lions to a 161-run victory over defending champions PIC Liberta Blackhawks in the ABCA Two-Day Final.
Ministry of Agriculture Doubles Student Intake for 2026 Summer Internship Programme
The Ministry of Agriculture is doubling its student intake for the 2026 Agriculture Internship Summer Programme, signalling a stronger push to develop the next generation of agricultural professionals in Antigua and Barbuda.
NODS Reviews Caribe Wave 2026 Drill to Strengthen Antigua's Tsunami Preparedness
Antigua and Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services is reviewing results from the Caribe Wave 2026 tsunami drill, aiming to refine emergency protocols and broaden tsunami-ready designations nationwide. NODS Public Relations Officer Midcie Francis confirmed the ongoing audit to Observer Media over the weekend.
Man Convicted of Attempted Rape and Serious Indecency After Trial
A jury has convicted Sazeek Joseph on charges of attempted rape and serious indecency, following a trial that heard how he drove a woman to a secluded dirt road and assaulted her. Joseph was 22 at the time of the offences, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Taxi Driver Faces Five Charges Following Confrontation with Police Officer
Taxi driver Denicia Martin of Bethesda has appeared in court on five charges following an alleged confrontation with a female police officer on Long Street. The incident has since escalated into a legal matter, with the case now before the courts.
CARICOM Health Chair Urges Innovation and Funding to Combat Caribbean HIV Crisis
CARICOM's COHSOD Chair, Guyanese Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, has called for greater innovation, equity, and financing to address the Caribbean's HIV crisis, as approximately 15,000 new infections are recorded annually in the region. A quarter of those new cases occur among young people aged 15 to 24.
Experts Call for Overhaul of Prenatal Screening on World Down Syndrome Day
Medical professionals in Antigua and Barbuda marked World Down Syndrome Day by calling for a sweeping overhaul of prenatal screening and pediatric support services. According to Antigua Observer, Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre was among experts highlighting critical gaps in the country's healthcare framework.
Recalled Products Slipping Into Antigua Via Online Shopping, Consumer Chief Warns
Director of Prices and Consumer Affairs Orrin Steele has warned that recalled and banned products are entering Antigua through online shopping platforms, posing a growing risk to consumers. The caution was issued during a Monday morning interview on Observer AM, as reported by Antigua Observer.
US Visa Restrictions on Antiguans and Barbudans Unlikely to Ease, Expert Warns
A Washington-based foreign policy expert warns that Antiguans and Barbudans may face a lengthy wait for relief from US visa restrictions, with the current administration showing no signs of reversing course. According to Antigua Observer, the US has been using visa access as a deliberate political tool.
Cabinet Approves Discounted Land Sales for Long-Term Occupants of State Property
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a new policy allowing long-term occupants of state-owned land to purchase their residential plots at heavily discounted rates. The initiative targets citizens who have lived on government land for over a decade.
Cabinet Approves Minimum Wage Increase and Public Sector Pay Rise
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an increase to the national minimum wage and an interim pay rise for public servants, both set to take effect on April 1st, 2026. The measures are aimed at addressing the rising cost of living across the twin-island nation.
Government Announces Two-Day ABST Holiday to Ease Back-to-School Costs
The Antiguan government has announced a two-day ABST holiday on April 10 and 11, suspending sales tax on essential items to help families manage back-to-school expenses. The Cabinet confirmed the measure as reported by Antigua Observer.
Coach's Silent Strength Fuels ABCAS Debating Team to Second Regional Title
Dr. Na-Ajele Buffonge guided her debating team to a second regional ABCAS victory, with Antigua Observer reporting that her most powerful coaching moment this year was defined not by strategy, but by what she chose to keep silent.
High Court Rejects Fishermen's Co-Op Bid to Reclaim Control Over Rival Board
A High Court judge has dismissed a bid by the Antigua and Barbuda Fishermen Co-Operative Society's 2014 board to reclaim control from a rival group, ruling the application procedurally unfair. The decision is the latest chapter in a protracted legal dispute over the society's leadership that dates back to 2017.