Local News
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Government Commits Nearly US$50,000 for Injured Police Officer's Treatment Abroad
The Antiguan government has approved nearly US$50,000 to fly injured Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin to Trinidad and Tobago by air ambulance for specialised treatment aimed at saving one of his legs following a serious traffic accident. The funding, confirmed by Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, includes US$40,000 from the Medical Benefits Scheme and US$8,104 for air ambulance costs.
Government Approves US$50,000 for Injured Police Officer's Medical Care
The Antiguan government has approved roughly US$50,000 to cover medical treatment and airlift costs for Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin, who is fighting to save an injured leg following a traffic crash. According to Antigua News Room, the officer is set to be transported to Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, July 10.
Nine Antiguan Bakers Nominated for 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards in Sint Maarten
Nine Antiguan and Barbudan bakers and pastry professionals have been nominated for the 2026 Caribbean Baking Awards, to be held during a three-day festival weekend in Sint Maarten. The annual event celebrates baking excellence, youth development, and culinary tourism across the Caribbean.
PM Browne Hails Antigua and Barbuda's First-Ever UN Secretary-General Nomination
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has celebrated Antigua and Barbuda's historic first-ever nomination of a candidate for UN Secretary-General, endorsing H.E. María Fernanda Espinosa for the role following the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia.
CARICOM Leaders Agree on Ferry, Energy and Welfare Plans to Tackle Cost of Living
CARICOM Heads of Government, meeting in Saint Lucia, have agreed to share strategies on fuel duties, welfare support, and a planned intra-regional ferry service to address the rising cost of living across the Caribbean. Leaders also discussed expanding regional healthcare access and harnessing renewable energy to reduce electricity costs.
High Court Clears Jahciba Shoy of All Charges in 2023 Fatal Robbery Case
The High Court has dismissed all charges against Jahciba Shoy, 27, in the 2023 fatal shooting of Roudi Shmaly at Pick 'N Mix Mart, ruling the prosecution's evidence amounted to suspicion rather than proof. Defence attorney Wendel Alexander successfully argued that the Crown's case, built largely on CCTV footage and a resemblance of a bag, fell short of the required legal standard.
PM Browne Calls on CARICOM to Keep Reparations a Regional Priority
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on CARICOM leaders to keep reparatory justice at the forefront of the regional agenda, arguing the campaign is grounded in legal responsibility for crimes against humanity. Browne also confirmed that reparations will feature in the communiqué for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Small States Must Shape New World Order, Forum Ahead of CHOGM 2026 Declares
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and senior Commonwealth officials have called for small states to play a central role in reshaping the international multilateral order, speaking at a London forum hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat ahead of CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.
OECS Marks 45th Anniversary with Geneva Reception at WTO Headquarters
The OECS Permanent Delegation in Geneva hosted a 45th Anniversary reception at WTO Headquarters on June 19, featuring a cultural performance by Antiguan pannist Khan Cordice. The event brought together diplomats and international partners to celebrate four and a half decades of Caribbean regional integration.
EU Ambassador Presents Credentials to OECS Director General, Pledges Deeper Regional Ties
EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey formally presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules on July 2, 2026, reaffirming the bloc's commitment to regional integration and announcing an expanded EU delegation role in the Caribbean from September 2026.
PAHO Launches $24M Appeal as Venezuela Earthquake Response Shifts to Recovery
The Pan American Health Organization has announced that its response to Venezuela's earthquakes, which killed 3,811 people, is shifting from emergency relief to recovery, while launching a US$24 million appeal to sustain health services through year's end. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa warned that the needs of more than 17,000 displaced people remain urgent.
Antigua and Barbuda Engages WIPO in Talks to Bolster IP Rights and Protect Black Pineapple
Antigua and Barbuda has engaged WIPO officials in talks aimed at strengthening intellectual property protections, including copyright collaboration and securing geographical indication status for the iconic Antigua Black Pineapple. The discussions, involving Minister of State Michael Freeland and ABIPCO Registrar Ricki Camacho, signal a push for greater international recognition of the country's cultural and agricultural assets.
High Court Closes Friday for CHOGM Security Exercise
The High Court of Justice will be closed to the public on Friday, July 10, 2026, due to Exercise STRONGHOLD, a national security drill ahead of CHOGM 2026. All scheduled matters have been postponed, with the Court set to reopen on Monday, July 13.
High Court to Close July 10 for CHOGM Security Exercise
The High Court of Justice will shut its Civil, Criminal, and Family Divisions on Friday, 10 July 2026, due to Exercise STRONGHOLD, a national security drill ahead of CHOGM. All scheduled matters have been rescheduled, with the court set to reopen on Monday, 13 July 2026.
Ambassador Sanders: Asking Former Colonies to Pay Reparations Is Historically Illiterate
Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders has issued a sharp rebuttal to former British minister Suella Braverman's claim that Caribbean nations owe reparations to Britain, calling the argument historically illiterate and a deliberate inversion of the colonial record. As reported by Antigua News Room, Sanders argues that Britain extracted wealth from the Caribbean for three centuries while compensating slave owners — but never the enslaved.
Officers Stage Sit-In at Police HQ Demanding Overseas Care for Injured Sergeant
Nearly 100 police officers staged a sit-in at Police Headquarters Thursday, demanding the government fly injured Senior Sergeant Jeffery Benjamin overseas for specialist medical treatment after a truck struck and ran over his leg on Valley Road. Officers warn he could lose the limb without advanced care and say the case highlights broader concerns about medical support for members of the Royal Police Force.
Antigua and Barbuda Ranks Among CARICOM's Cleanest Air, but WHO Targets Remain Out of Reach
Antigua and Barbuda recorded an air pollution level of 8.4 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023, among the lowest in CARICOM, driven largely by geography and trade winds. However, like all 14 CARICOM members measured, the country still exceeds the WHO's recommended guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
Billiard Kings Sweep Semifinal Series to Claim NPPA Third-Place Trophy
The Billiard Kings completed a dominant 3-0 semifinal sweep, defeating Cue Action 5-2 on Wednesday night to capture the third-place trophy at the 2026 National Pool Players Association Team Tournament. Standout contributions from Grim and a series-clinching performance from Jason Roberts highlighted an outstanding postseason campaign.
UWI Forum Warns Cuba Crisis Threatens Caribbean Sovereignty and Regional Solidarity
Regional experts at a UWI Vice-Chancellor's Forum warned on June 25 that Cuba's worsening crisis is testing Caribbean solidarity and threatening the sovereignty of small states across the region. The University of the West Indies has launched a humanitarian fundraising effort in response.
Ministry of Education Opens Applications for 2026 School Uniform Grant
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has opened applications for its 2026 School Uniform Grant Programme, offering financial relief to eligible families ahead of the new academic year. Applications are being accepted at the Multipurpose Centre from July 13 to August 28, 2026.