Local News
1349 articles
NODS Staff Boost Disaster Communications Skills with Canadian Armed Forces Training
NODS staff have completed a Canadian Armed Forces-led public affairs training course focused on media relations, strategic messaging, and disaster communication. The programme, held at Camp Blizzard, was conducted in partnership with the ABDF and other government agencies.
Antigua and Barbuda Shatters January Tourism Records Across All Sectors
Antigua and Barbuda has recorded its highest-ever January tourism figures, with 197,206 cruise passengers, 36,052 air arrivals, and 3,633 yachting arrivals all setting new records for the month. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez called the results historic and credited strategic investments in airlift, cruise partnerships, and marketing.
Captain Willock Wins Third Straight Court Battle as ABDF Disciplinary Charges Voided
A High Court judge has declared disciplinary charges against Captain Javonson Willock unlawful and void, delivering him a third consecutive legal victory against the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. The Court also rebuked the ABDF for bringing the administration of justice into disrepute after incorrect information was presented during proceedings.
Alex Browne Sworn In as UPP Senator Following St. Philip North By-Election Defeat
Alex Browne has been sworn in as a UPP Senator in Antigua and Barbuda following his defeat to ABLP's Randy Baltimore in the March 16 St. Philip North by-election. As reported by Antigua News Room, Browne is already set to contest the seat again in the upcoming general election, expected later this month.
UWI Five Islands Campus Hosts Wellness Expo with Free Health Screenings
The UWI Five Islands Campus hosted its Wellness Expo 2026, offering the public free health screenings for conditions including blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer, alongside educational demonstrations for local schoolchildren. The event ran under the theme "FIC Wellness in Action."
ABLP to Launch 'Big Red Machine' Campaign with April 7 Concert
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will host its 'Big Red Machine' launch event on April 7 at People's Place, featuring performances from TeeJay, Burning Flames, Claudette Peters and others. The event marks the party's ramp-up in political activity ahead of an anticipated general election.
Commissioner Jeffers Attends Regional Security Summit in St. Lucia
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned from St. Lucia, where he represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Regional Security System Chiefs of Security Meeting — his first regional engagement in the role. Talks covered maritime security, disaster response, artificial intelligence in policing, and energy security.
Antigua Sailing Week Launches Riddim & Tides Beach Event for April 2026
Antigua Sailing Week is set to debut a new beachside lifestyle event, Heineken Riddim & Tides, on April 25, 2026, at Ffryes Beach, offering music, food, and an on-water tie-up to engage the broader public during the annual regatta. The event has been created in partnership with Anjo Wholesale Distributors, the official Heineken distributor in Antigua and Barbuda.
Commissioner Jeffers Completes First Regional Security Meeting Since Taking Office
Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers has returned to Antigua and Barbuda after attending the RSS Chiefs of Security Meeting in St. Lucia from March 25 to 26, his first regional engagement since taking office. Discussions at the two-day meeting addressed maritime security, disaster management, artificial intelligence in law enforcement, and regional energy security.
Cathedral Mourns Dean Emeritus Smithen, A Pillar of Anglican Ministry for Over 50 Years
The Very Reverend James Rudolph Smithen, Dean Emeritus of the Cathedral and Parish of St. John the Divine, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, after more than five decades of distinguished service to the Anglican Church across the Caribbean. A recipient of the GCM from Antigua and Barbuda and the CSM from St. Kitts and Nevis, Dean Smithen leaves behind a legacy of faithful priesthood, mentorship, and historic leadership.
Body of Child Killer Ian Huntley Lies Unclaimed in Prison Morgue
The body of convicted child-murderer Ian Huntley lies unclaimed in a prison morgue weeks after he was fatally attacked by a fellow inmate at HMP Frankland, with no family member willing to claim him and his home community of Soham refusing to accept his remains.
Man Convicted for Mill Reef Club Home Invasion Against Three Elderly Victims
Marlon Carr has been found guilty on three counts of aggravated robbery for his role in a 2022 home invasion at the Mill Reef Club, in which three elderly victims were bound and robbed. Sentencing is scheduled for April 30.
Caribbean Airlines Rejects Closure Rumours, Confirms Normal Operations
Caribbean Airlines has categorically denied rumours of closure, with its board of directors confirming that operations remain fully active and no discussions about shutting down have taken place.
Magnitude 3.8 Earthquake Recorded Near Antigua Tuesday Morning
A magnitude 3.8 earthquake was recorded near Antigua at 7:33 a.m. Tuesday, with its epicentre approximately 79 kilometres southeast of St. John's. No damage or injuries have been reported.
All Saints Man Remanded on Murder Charge in Stabbing Death of Jahmarley Pierre
Jermaine Nicholas, 24, of All Saints, has been charged with the murder of Jahmarley Pierre and remanded in custody, with committal proceedings set for June 3. Pierre, 29, died on March 25 after being stabbed near the All Saints traffic lights.
Letter: Constituent Accuses MP Kelvin Simon of Opening Office Only Ahead of Elections
A constituent has written an open letter accusing MP Kelvin "Shugy" Simon of leaving his branch office closed for over two years and only reopening it ahead of elections, calling the move a political gimmick. The letter, published by Antigua News Room, urges voters not to be swayed by what the writer describes as last-minute theatrics.
Lightning Strikes Burj Khalifa as Violent Storms Batter Dubai
A lightning bolt struck the Burj Khalifa during violent storms that swept the UAE, producing dramatic footage while causing no harm to the building or its occupants. Wider flooding and travel chaos affected Dubai as authorities activated emergency measures across the country.
Antigua and Barbuda Marks 20th Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament with International Competitors
Antigua and Barbuda is hosting the 20th edition of the Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament, with teams from Canada and Barbados competing through April 4. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is backing the event, which combines youth development with the nation's sports tourism goals.
High Surf Advisory in Effect for Antigua Through Sunday as Dangerous Waves Approach
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for Antigua, with dangerous surf of 2 to 3 metres forecast along mainly north-facing coastlines from Tuesday morning through Sunday. Residents and visitors are warned of life-threatening rip currents, potential coastal flooding, and beach erosion.
New CMC Hub to Connect Local Farmers Directly with Hotels and Supermarkets
The government is developing a new Central Marketing Corporation facility at the former Tennis Club property in Cassada Gardens to purchase produce directly from local farmers and supply it to hotels and supermarkets. Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. described the project as a "game changer" for local agriculture and food security.