Politics
2397 articles
Government Approves EC$5.2M Carnival 2026 Budget, Tightens Festival Commission Oversight
The Antiguan Cabinet has approved an EC$5.2 million budget for Carnival 2026 and announced the formation of a special oversight committee within the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission following months of public concern about the body's financial management and governance.
Government Launches 2026 Immigration Amnesty Programme for Undocumented Residents
Antigua and Barbuda's 2026 Immigration Amnesty Programme has opened, giving undocumented residents until September to regularise their status — the first such initiative since March 2022. Immigration Minister E.P. Chet Greene announced the programme targets those who have lived in the country for four or more years.
ABRSC Announces Winners of 2026 Reparatory Justice Essay Competition
The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has named the winners of its 2026 Essay Competition, themed 'Reparatory Justice: Reflection and Projection,' drawing entries from university and college students across the nation.
Youth Parliamentarians Demand Longer Debate Windows After Bills Rushed Through Senate
Youth parliamentarians Ezekiel Francois and Chrysean Jarvis are calling for longer debate windows in the Senate after five bills were rushed through a single sitting, leaving key provisions poorly understood. The two leaders say the current pace of legislation is undermining the quality of parliamentary scrutiny.
Bermudan MP Calls US Deportee Programme Racially Targeted
Bermudan MP and CARICOM ambassador Chris Famous has labelled the US third-country deportee programme a racially targeted policy, alleging authorities disproportionately detain people of colour while granting refugee status to white South Africans. The remarks, reported by Antigua Observer, carry regional significance given Famous's role as Bermuda's diplomatic representative to CARICOM.
Junior Tourism Minister Credits Debate Training and Family Legacy for Competition Victory
Janica Adams has claimed the title of Junior Minister of Tourism, crediting her competitive debating experience and family roots in the tourism sector for her victory. She says the win reflects a growing engagement among Antiguan and Barbudan youth with the country's most important industry.
PM Browne Warns European Visa-Free Access May Be at Risk Over CIP Concerns
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that Antigua and Barbuda's visa-free access to Europe may be at risk by year's end, as scrutiny over the country's Citizenship by Investment Programme continues to grow following Canada's similar move in 2017.
Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Commonwealth Leaders Lunch in London Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Antigua and Barbuda, alongside the CWEIC and Sustainable Markets Initiative, hosted a Commonwealth Leaders Lunch in London as preparations advance for CHOGM 2026, set to be held in St. John's from November 1–4, 2026.
Regional Labour Official Calls on Caribbean Unions to Modernise Youth and Women Outreach
UNI Americas Regional Vice President Trevor Johnson has urged Caribbean trade unions to overhaul their recruitment strategies for young workers and women, warning that traditional outreach methods have become obsolete in today's digital age.
UWI Five Islands Campus Expansion to Break Ground Before Year's End
Construction of the full UWI Five Islands Campus is expected to begin before year's end, with the bidding process for an $80-million Saudi-funded expansion closing in late July. Education Minister Daryll Matthew made the announcement during a Monday site visit.
Census Participation Lags, Putting Antigua and Barbuda's Funding Access at Risk
Antigua and Barbuda's national census is running behind schedule, with officials warning that low resident participation since fieldwork resumed in September 2025 could threaten the country's access to regional and international funding.
Three-Day Security Exercise Planned Ahead of CHOGM Hosting
Antigua and Barbuda's National Security Planning Committee will hold a three-day security exercise in July ahead of the country's hosting of CHOGM in November. The exercise was announced by STRATCOM within the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
Fabian Jones Sworn In as Senator, Completing Antigua and Barbuda's Upper House
The Senate of Antigua and Barbuda is now fully constituted after Barbuda Council representative Fabian Jones was sworn in as the final of 17 senators following the April 30th general election. This marks Jones' third term in the Upper House.
Coalition Stages 'Ride for a Cause' to Demand Reopening of Cancer Center
A coalition of community organisations staged a cycling demonstration near Antigua's closed cancer center last weekend, calling on authorities to reopen the facility. The 'Ride for a Cause' event was led by the Community Charitable Ministry alongside the Antigua and Barbuda Cancer Support Community and CCM Youth.
Antigua and Barbuda Pledges US$150,000 to Earthquake-Stricken Venezuela
Antigua and Barbuda has pledged US$150,000 in humanitarian aid to Venezuela following two deadly earthquakes, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced on Saturday. The funds will support ongoing relief efforts for those affected by the disaster.
UPP Senator Alleges Repeated Road Resurfacing May Be Deliberate Corruption
United Progressive Party Senator Jonathan Wehner has raised allegations that repeated road resurfacing across Antigua and Barbuda may be part of a deliberate scheme to misuse public funds, rather than a result of poor workmanship alone.
UPP Senator Accuses Government of Flouting Its Own Transparency Legislation
UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner has accused the government of systematically ignoring its own transparency laws, with citizens reportedly receiving no response from ministries when exercising their legal right to access public information.
Antigua and Barbuda's Counter-Proposal Revives TCN Resettlement Talks with US
Negotiations between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States over the resettlement of third-country nationals have resumed after the government submitted a formal counter-proposal. Cabinet confirmed the development at this week's post-Cabinet briefing.
Regional Leaders Push Back as EU Maintains Concerns Over Citizenship by Investment
Caribbean governments are intensifying diplomatic talks with European officials over Citizenship by Investment Programmes, even as regional leaders say they have already enacted legislative changes to meet EU objections. According to Antigua Observer, the EU's concerns persist despite those reforms.
CARICOM Expresses Solidarity with Venezuela Following Deadly Earthquakes
CARICOM has expressed deep condolences and solidarity with Venezuela following devastating earthquakes on June 24, 2026, that caused loss of life, injuries, and widespread infrastructure damage.