Politics
2399 articles
Health Minister Meets Nurses Association in Push for Stronger Healthcare Partnership
Health Minister Michael Joseph met with the executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Nurses Association to strengthen ties between the Ministry and the nursing profession. The talks reaffirmed a shared commitment to open communication and collaborative healthcare delivery.
Senate Approves Immigration Amnesty Bill, Opening Path for Undocumented Residents
The Antiguan Senate has approved the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2026, paving the way for a two-month amnesty programme beginning July 1 that allows qualifying long-term undocumented residents to regularize their status. Senate Leader of Government Business Shenella Govia defended the bill as a measured approach balancing compassion with national security safeguards.
Senator Strann-Peters Returns from China Leadership Seminar with Global Insights
Senator Tiffany Strann-Peters has returned from a two-week leadership seminar in China, where she joined 29 young leaders from around the world to discuss global economic trends and emerging technologies. She also used the opportunity to promote Antigua and Barbuda's tourism and culture on the international stage.
GARD Center Concludes Gender and Biodiversity Consultations with National Validation Workshop
The GARD Center has concluded its UNDP-supported stakeholder consultations on gender integration in Antigua and Barbuda's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, wrapping up with a national validation workshop in St. John's on June 23. Findings from the process will inform the development of a Gender and Biodiversity Action Plan.
Foreign Minister Greene Meets Commonwealth Secretary-General Ahead of CHOGM 2026 Prep Talks
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in London ahead of preparatory committee meetings for CHOGM 2026, which Antigua and Barbuda will host in November. Discussions focused on the Zero Draft Communiqué and logistical preparations for the landmark Summit.
Senate Passes Expanded Search Warrant Bill Despite Opposition Constitutional Concerns
The Antiguan Senate has passed the Magistrates' Code of Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2026, expanding police search warrant powers, after Opposition Senator Malaka Parker warned the legislation could threaten constitutional rights and called for stronger judicial oversight. Government senators defended the bill as a necessary modernisation of the law to address evolving criminal activity.
Senate Passes Fatal Accidents Bill, Quadrupling Bereavement Award to $20,000
Antigua and Barbuda's Senate has passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, quadrupling the maximum bereavement award from $5,000 to $20,000 and expanding protections for families affected by wrongful death. The bill, which passed without amendment after four hours of debate, also broadens eligibility to include cohabiting partners and children of the deceased.
Senator Pushes to Extend Bereavement Rights to Informally Fostered Children
Opposition Senator Jonathan Wehner urged the government to amend the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 to ensure children raised in informal family arrangements can receive bereavement damages when a caregiver dies. The government passed the bill without changes, using its parliamentary majority to defeat the proposed amendments.
Senator Wehner Calls for Bereavement Law to Protect Informally Fostered Children
Senator Jonathan Wehner, in his maiden Senate speech, called on the government to close a drafting gap in the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 that would deny bereavement damages to children informally fostered in Antiguan and Barbudan households. He urged that the bill's bereavement clause be aligned with its broader definition of dependents before passage.
Senator Jones Returns to Senate, Flags Inconsistency in Fatal Accidents Bill
Senator Fabian Jones returned to the Antiguan Senate on Monday after being reappointed on the advice of the Barbuda Council, and promptly raised concerns about a potential inconsistency in the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026. The bill was subsequently passed by majority vote.
Barbuda Council Reappoints Fabian Jones to the Senate
Senator Fabian Jones of the Barbuda People's Movement was sworn back into the Senate on Monday following his reappointment on the advice of the Barbuda Council. He used his return to flag a potential inconsistency in the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 regarding who qualifies to claim bereavement damages.
U.S. Expands Military Relief Mission in Venezuela With More Troops, Aircraft
The United States has expanded its military humanitarian mission in earthquake-stricken Venezuela, deploying additional Marines, aircraft and specialised equipment as SOUTHCOM coordinates relief efforts with the Venezuelan government and international partners.
Senate Passes Fatal Accidents Bill After Rejecting Opposition Amendments
Antigua and Barbuda's Senate has passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, replacing a century-old law and introducing a new compensation framework for families affected by wrongful deaths. Government senators defeated all opposition amendments before approving the legislation by majority vote.
Fatal Accidents Bill Covers Medical, Workplace and Criminal Deaths, Senator Parker Says
Opposition Senator Malaka Parker has called on the public to recognise that the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 covers far more than road traffic deaths, encompassing wrongful deaths from medical negligence, workplace accidents and other causes. The Senate approved the bill, replacing legislation dating back to 1924.
Men Bear Majority of Road Traffic Injuries, Senator Warns During Fatal Accidents Bill Debate
Government Senator Shaquan O'Neill cited police traffic statistics showing men consistently account for the majority of road collision injuries in Antigua and Barbuda, as the Senate approved the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 to modernise the country's wrongful death compensation framework.
Senator Calls for Psychological Support Alongside Financial Aid in Fatal Accidents Bill
Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan has called on lawmakers to consider psychological support for families affected by fatal accidents, arguing that financial compensation under the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026 does not fully address the emotional trauma suffered by the bereaved. She also raised concerns that the bill's proposed $20,000 maximum bereavement payment could lose value over time due to inflation.
Opposition Senator Calls for Inflation-Linked Bereavement Awards in Fatal Accidents Bill
Opposition Senator Malaka Parker has called on the government to index bereavement awards to inflation under the proposed Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, warning that a fixed $20,000 payment will lose value over time. She also proposed giving Cabinet authority to periodically revise the maximum award through parliamentary-approved regulations.
Exercise STRONGHOLD to Bring Road Closures Across Antigua Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Antigua and Barbuda will conduct Exercise STRONGHOLD from July 8 to 10, a large-scale national security drill ahead of the 2026 CHOGM summit, bringing temporary road closures and traffic diversions to several major routes across the island. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and follow instructions from security personnel.
Security Forces to Stage Three-Day CHOGM Readiness Exercise Across Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda's National Security Planning Committee will conduct a three-day security exercise, Exercise STRONGHOLD, from July 8 to 10 as part of preparations to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. Motorists and residents should expect temporary road closures, traffic diversions, and restricted access in parts of St. John's and across the island.
ABNAB Celebrates 20 Years of Upholding Higher Education Standards in Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) celebrated its 20th anniversary at a gala at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, honouring two decades of promoting quality assurance and raising standards in higher education. Government officials and education leaders reaffirmed the Board's vital role in ensuring that academic qualifications meet internationally recognised benchmarks.