Local News
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Cement Shortage Set to End as Dredging Works Near Completion, Government Says
The government says cement shortages affecting construction and roadworks across Antigua and Barbuda are nearly over, with dredging works near the Crabbes cement silos expected to ease delivery into the country. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams addressed the issue during Tuesday's Throne Speech.
Throne Speech Praises Works Minister Browne Amid Government Road Improvement Push
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams praised Works Minister Maria Browne during Tuesday's Throne Speech, highlighting major road upgrades across Antigua while acknowledging ongoing challenges posed by aging underground water infrastructure.
Government Commits EC$300 Million to Expand UWI Five Islands Campus
The Antigua and Barbuda government has unveiled a EC$300 million plan to expand the UWI Five Islands Campus, with promises of new schools and eventually tuition-free tertiary education for citizens. The announcement was made during Tuesday's Throne Speech by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.
Elderly Couple Attacked, Woman Shot in Armed Home Invasion in Liberta
An elderly couple was attacked and robbed at their Green Hill, Liberta home in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with the 69-year-old woman sustaining a gunshot wound to her right leg. Police are appealing to the public for information to help identify two masked suspects.
St Kitts Blocks Air Peace Passengers; Antigua Defends Cautious Stance
St Kitts and Nevis has reportedly refused landing clearance for some Air Peace passengers travelling onward from Barbados, as Caribbean governments grow increasingly cautious amid Ebola outbreak warnings linked to the new Nigeria-to-Caribbean air service. Antigua and Barbuda had already diverted the flight before it could reach V.C. Bird International Airport.
Chickenpox Cluster at Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital Contained, Ministry Says
The Ministry of Health has confirmed a chickenpox cluster at Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital is contained within two male wards, with isolation protocols and enhanced surveillance now in place. No evidence of widespread transmission beyond the affected areas has been found.
Freeland Backs Senate President's Removal of Opposition Leader from Parliament
Minister of State Michael Freeland has defended Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant's decision to eject Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle from Tuesday's joint sitting of Parliament, after Pringle was ruled to have not taken the required oath of allegiance. The incident drew a sharp response from United Progressive Party officials, who accused the Senate President of partisan conduct.
UPP Vows to Pursue Throne Speech Dispute as Pringle Remains Unsworn
Senate Minority Leader Chester Hughes has signalled that the UPP's dispute with Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant over the exclusion of Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle from the May 26 Throne Speech will continue, following a walkout by all four sworn Opposition Senators. Pringle has yet to take the parliamentary oath after missing the first House sitting on May 18 due to a family medical matter.
Throne Speech Backs Turner's Urban Renewal Drive as St. John's Transformation Takes Shape
Antigua's Throne Speech delivered a strong endorsement of Minister Rawdon Turner's social and urban transformation agenda, highlighting the Zero Hunger Program and plans to revitalise St. John's through targeted redevelopment and building restoration. The government signalled that Turner's ministry will be central to reshaping the capital over the next five years.
PM Browne Blasts Opposition Walkout as 'Dunce Leadership' After Parliament Oath Row
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has condemned the opposition's walkout from Tuesday's joint sitting of Parliament, calling their conduct "dunce leadership" after Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle was removed for failing to take the oath of allegiance. Browne defended the ruling by Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant, insisting the Constitution leaves no room for exceptions.
Opposition Senators Walk Out After Pringle Barred from Throne Speech Sitting
All four Opposition Senators walked out of Monday's Throne Speech sitting after Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant barred Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle from being seated, citing his outstanding Oath of Office. The UPP has condemned the move as politically partisan and a deliberate attempt to humiliate the Opposition.
Throne Speech Spotlights Minister Freeland as Rising Force in Tourism Portfolio
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams used Tuesday's Throne Speech to commend newly elected Minister of State Michael Freeland for his early leadership within the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment. The public endorsement marks Freeland as a rising figure in the current administration.
Tourism Minister Fernandez Lauded as Antigua and Barbuda Targets One Million Cruise Arrivals
Antigua and Barbuda's Tourism Minister Max Fernandez was publicly praised during Tuesday's Throne Speech as the country anticipates surpassing one million cruise passenger arrivals this season. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams also projected overnight visitor arrivals to exceed 500,000 for the year.
Barbados Language Institute Backs Antigua and Barbuda's Spanish Education Push
The World Skills Language Institute in Barbados has praised Antigua and Barbuda's push to expand Spanish language education, calling it a vital step toward regional integration and economic competitiveness. The institute, as reported by Antigua.news, emphasized that multilingual communication is increasingly essential for professional advancement across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Governor General Hails April 30 Election as Proof of Antigua and Barbuda's Democratic Strength
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams used Tuesday's Throne Speech to commend Antiguans and Barbudans for conducting a peaceful and dignified general election campaign, declaring the April 30 vote a testament to the nation's democratic maturity. Sir Rodney noted that the four-week campaign passed without a single incident of vandalism or violence.
Governor General Hails Greene's Foreign Affairs Leadership in Throne Speech
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams delivered a strong endorsement of Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene during Tuesday's Throne Speech, citing Greene's skilled leadership as Antigua and Barbuda navigates the economic fallout of escalating global conflicts. The remarks came as Parliament opened a new legislative term following the government's April 30 election victory.
Opposition Leader Pringle Ejected from Joint Sitting Over Oath Requirement
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle was ordered to leave Tuesday's joint sitting of Parliament after Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant ruled he had not taken the constitutionally required oath of allegiance, having been abroad when oaths were administered.
Sir Aziz Hadeed to Receive Official Funeral After Sudden Death in Chicago
Sir Aziz Hadeed, a towering figure in Antiguan business and philanthropy, has died suddenly in Chicago and will be accorded an official funeral. His passing has prompted widespread grief and tributes from across Antigua and Barbuda, including from Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
ABAA Launches Legacy Wall Initiative to Preserve Antigua's Aviation History
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has launched the "Legacy Wall" initiative, calling on the public to submit photographs and artwork celebrating the nation's aviation history for display at V.C. Bird International Airport. The project also includes a youth art component aimed at engaging young creatives.
Elderly Couple Hospitalised After Armed Home Invasion in Liberta
An elderly couple in Liberta was left hospitalised in serious condition after two masked men broke into their home, shooting the woman in the thigh and severely beating her husband. Authorities suspect robbery as the motive.