Local News
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Joel Rayne Sworn In as Parliamentary Secretary Days After Senate Appointment
Senator Joel Anderson Rayne was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships on Wednesday, just days after his appointment to the Senate. The ceremony at Government House was presided over by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams.
Costume Island Antigua Recovers Stolen Items, Thanks Police and Public
Costume Island Antigua has thanked the Royal Police Force and members of the public after most stolen items were recovered and an alleged perpetrator arrested and remanded to prison.
Cabinet Approves Spanish as Antigua and Barbuda's Official Second Language
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a national policy to make Spanish the country's official second language, mandating its inclusion as a core subject across all school levels. The initiative also includes the launch of the Dominican Republic Integration Programme and the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Government Tables Sweeping Legislative Agenda Covering Harassment, Child Protection and Health
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has presented a sweeping legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary sitting, covering workplace sexual harassment, child protection, electronic crime, health reform, and border security. The package spans multiple ministries and reflects what the Government describes as a whole-of-government approach to modernising national laws and institutions.
Road Upgrade Works to Resume May 25 After Shipment Delays Hit Supply Chain
The Ministry of Works has announced a temporary slowdown in road upgrade projects due to shipment delays affecting supplies of aggregates for asphalt and concrete works. Normal operations are expected to resume by May 25, 2026.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches US$12.3M Project to Strengthen Disaster Early Warning Systems
Antigua and Barbuda has launched a US$12.3 million, five-year project in partnership with UNDP to modernise the nation's disaster early warning systems and weather forecasting capabilities. Funded by the Green Climate Fund, the initiative aims to ensure life-saving hazard information reaches every resident, including those in the most remote communities.
Cabinet Approves New Equipment and Experts to Boost National Road Repair Drive
Cabinet has approved two new specialised road-repair machines and additional technical experts to expand Antigua and Barbuda's national road rehabilitation programme, with a sharpened focus on rural communities.
Cabinet Approves Safe Haven Facility, Road Equipment and Mourns Loss of Key Figures
Cabinet approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven facility for vulnerable women and children, backed by EC$850,000 in combined public and private funding, while also greenlighting new road equipment and experts to accelerate infrastructure works. The meeting also addressed mounting road safety concerns following the death of a sanitation worker and paid tribute to two recently deceased national figures.
Cabinet Reaffirms Essential Workers Must Report on Public Holidays
Cabinet has reaffirmed that essential service workers scheduled to work on public holidays are legally required to report for duty under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code. In a separate decision, the ONDCP building was declared safe for occupancy following a Ministry of Works technical assessment.
Antigua and Barbuda Tables Sweeping Legislation on Child Abuse, Workplace Violence and E-Crimes
The Antigua and Barbuda government is preparing a sweeping package of new legislation covering child abuse, workplace violence, electronic crimes and public safety reforms ahead of next week's opening of the new parliamentary session. The push follows alarming statistics showing the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation handles more than 50 weekly interventions involving abused or neglected children.
Cabinet Mourns NSWMA Worker's Death, Warns Motorists After Two Road Incidents
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has called on motorists to drive with greater care following the on-duty death of NSWMA sanitation worker O'Keen Lightfoot and a second incident in which another NSWMA employee was struck by a vehicle while working roadside.
Cabinet Makes Spanish Antigua and Barbuda's Official Second Language
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved Spanish as the country's official second language, mandating its inclusion as a core subject from preschool to secondary school. The move is part of a broader regional integration strategy that also includes a new Dominican Republic Integration Programme and the establishment of a Spanish Desk within the Office of the Prime Minister.
Cabinet Approves National Safe Haven for Women and Children, Secures $850K in Funding
Cabinet has approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven for Women and Children, securing EC$850,000 in combined government and private funding. The trauma-informed facility will provide emergency shelter and support services under the joint leadership of the Family and Social Services Division and the Directorate of Gender Affairs.
APUA Warns of Higher Electricity Bills as Fuel Variation Charge Jumps 30%
APUA is warning residents of higher electricity bills after the Fuel Variation Charge for May rose nearly 30 per cent, from 55 cents to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour, driven by rising global fuel prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
APUA Warns Rising Global Fuel Prices Push Electricity Costs Up 30 Percent
APUA's Fuel Variation Charge has jumped nearly 30 percent for May, rising from 55 cents to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour, as rising global fuel prices tied to international geopolitical tensions push electricity costs higher in Antigua and Barbuda. The utility's communications officer is urging consumers to manage their energy use ahead of the summer months.
APUA Cites Aging Infrastructure as Crews Battle Over 800 Water Faults Monthly
APUA has revealed that its crews respond to more than 800 water faults each month, citing aging infrastructure and increased network demand as key factors behind delays in repairs. The authority acknowledged public frustration and said it is working to expand its emergency response capacity.
PM Browne Heads to New York for Climate, Energy and Reparatory Justice Talks
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is in New York this week for a series of high-level talks on climate resilience, renewable energy and reparatory justice, with discussions also aimed at advancing Antigua and Barbuda's profile ahead of hosting CHOGM 2026.
Reparations Commission Congratulates Senator O'Donoghue on Appointment to Upper House
The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has congratulated Senator Angelica O'Donoghue on her appointment to the Upper House of Parliament, praising her record as a consistent advocate on social and economic issues. She was among ten government senators sworn in following the April 30 general election.
Reparations Commission Backs Senator O'Donoghue After Upper House Appointment
The Antigua-Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has congratulated newly appointed Government Senator Angelica O'Donoghue, expressing confidence in her ability to serve with distinction in the Upper House of Parliament following her swearing-in last week.
Fernandez Calls for Urgent Action as Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Hits Record Highs
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has called for swift action to capitalise on record visitor arrivals in 2026, emphasising sustainable growth and an enhanced visitor experience. He made the remarks during events linked to the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, which Antigua and Barbuda is hosting for a second consecutive year.