Politics
2397 articles
Antigua and Barbuda College Student Named New Junior Minister of Tourism
A student from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies has been named Junior Minister of Tourism after outperforming six competitors from secondary schools across the island. The accomplished debater and former Tourism Cadet claimed the top spot in the competitive selection process.
Antigua Represented at CDEMA Council of Ministers Meeting in Trinidad
Minister Rawdon Turner and NODS Director Sherrod James are representing Antigua and Barbuda at the CDEMA Council of Ministers Meeting currently underway in Trinidad and Tobago.
Regional Labour Official Champions Collective Bargaining as Key to Workplace Stability
UNI Americas Regional Vice President Trevor Johnson visited Antigua and Barbuda to urge Caribbean employers and governments to adopt collective bargaining, calling it a more practical and stable alternative to short-term contract arrangements.
UPP Senator Wehner Accuses Government of Blocking After-Hours Clinic Expansion
UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner is accusing the government of using patient uptake data to block the expansion of after-hours clinic services, arguing that working residents are being unfairly denied access to healthcare. As reported by Antigua Observer, Wehner contends the policy places an unreasonable burden of proof on the public.
Green Climate Fund to Finance Renovation of 10 Antigua and Barbuda Health Clinics
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has secured Green Climate Fund financing to renovate or rebuild ten health clinics, though access to the funds has been delayed by the donor agency's pre-qualification requirements. Health Minister Michael Joseph confirmed the allocation.
Governor-General Issues Warrant Codifying Official Titles and Honorifics in Antigua and Barbuda
Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams has issued a Vice-Regal Warrant establishing a formal framework governing official titles and honorific styles in Antigua and Barbuda. The warrant, dated December 10, 2025, and countersigned by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, codifies the use of styles such as "The Right Honourable," "The Honourable," and "Excellency" for constitutional officeholders and distinguished individuals.
OECS Leaders Unite to Tackle US Deportee Negotiations
OECS leaders have agreed to form a high-level advisory team to coordinate negotiations with the United States over requests to accept non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees. The decision was reached at the conclusion of the 78th OECS Authority meeting.
Caribbean Labour Laws Lag Two Decades Behind Technology, Regional Official Warns
A senior regional labour official has warned that Caribbean nations are falling behind by up to two decades in updating laws to protect workers from the effects of rapid technological change. The warning was issued during a visit to Antigua and Barbuda as part of a four-country Caribbean tour.
Cancer Support Group Plans Weekend Rally to Demand Reopening of Eastern Caribbean Cancer Centre
The Community Charitable Ministry is organising a public rally on Saturday, June 27th, near the Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean on Queen Elizabeth Highway to demand the facility's reopening. The action highlights growing community concern over the loss of critical oncology services in the region.
PM Browne Urges OECS Nations to Forge Bold Partnership with Panama
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged OECS member states to build a bold and proactive partnership with Panama, citing potential gains in trade, food security, and cost of living reduction across the sub-region.
Antigua's Cancer Centre Opening Pushed to Early Fall Amid Structural and Staffing Issues
Antigua and Barbuda's Cancer Centre will not open until early fall, the government has announced, marking at least the third delay to the facility's launch due to structural repairs, unserviced equipment, and ongoing specialist recruitment challenges.
Critics Warn Expanded Windfall Tax Could Raise Costs for Consumers
Critics are raising alarms over a government proposal to expand the windfall tax to all businesses earning more than EC$1 million in annual profits, warning the move could increase consumer costs and strain the private sector.
PM Browne: Government Owes WIOC Over $6M to Keep Fuel Prices Down
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that the government owes the West Indies Oil Company over $6 million as a result of ongoing fuel subsidies aimed at protecting consumers from global price hikes. Browne made the disclosure during his Browne and Browne radio programme on June 20th.
Seven People with Disabilities Land Jobs Through Ministry Programme
Seven persons with disabilities have found employment through a Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation initiative, in what advocates are calling a landmark moment for inclusion and economic opportunity in Antigua and Barbuda.
Culture Official: Schools Blocking Theatre Arts Students from CXC Assessments
Antigua and Barbuda's Department of Culture Deputy Director Owen Jackson has revealed that some secondary schools are blocking theatre arts students from completing mandatory CXC assessments, while calling for a dedicated performing arts faculty. The disclosure was made during an interview with Antigua Observer.
Government Subsidizes Fuel Prices to Shield Antiguans from Global Hikes
The Antiguan government is heavily subsidizing fuel prices to shield consumers from global price increases, keeping the twin-island nation among the lowest-priced in the region. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed the policy at Thursday's post-Cabinet press briefing.
Free UWI Tuition Limited to First Undergraduate Degrees, Government Clarifies
The Antiguan government has confirmed that its free tuition policy at UWI Five Islands Campus applies only to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree, including those currently enrolled. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant outlined the eligibility criteria on Thursday.
Gov't Eyes Windfall Tax Expansion to All Businesses Earning EC$1M or More
The Antiguan government is weighing an expansion of its windfall tax to cover all businesses posting annual profits of EC$1 million or more, a move that would significantly widen the scope of a measure first introduced in 2019 for select high-earning sectors. The proposal emerged from Cabinet's weekly meeting and was outlined at Thursday's post-Cabinet press briefing.
Antigua's Cancer Centre Set to Reopen This Year, But Costs Remain Uncertain
Antigua and Barbuda's cancer treatment centre is expected to reopen later this year, more than three years after its closure, but the government has yet to confirm a specific date or what patients will be charged for care.
Information Commissioner Still Without Office Nearly Two Years After Appointment
Antigua and Barbuda's Information Commissioner Anthony Athill still lacks a dedicated office nearly two years after his appointment, with the issue raised in Parliament by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle. Prime Minister Gaston Browne addressed the matter in the House.