Politics
2399 articles
ABNAB Marks 20 Years of Upholding Higher Education Standards in Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) marked its 20th anniversary with a gala at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, celebrating two decades of promoting quality assurance and upholding standards in higher education. Board Chairman Clare Browne and Education Minister Daryll Matthew both underscored the critical role accreditation plays in national development and the global recognition of local qualifications.
India Launches 'Operation Amistad' to Aid Earthquake-Stricken Venezuela
India has activated "Operation Amistad," deploying two Air Force transport aircraft carrying emergency supplies, a field hospital and rescue teams to earthquake-stricken Venezuela. Indian Honorary Consul to Antigua and Barbuda Vijay Tewani confirmed the mission, as reported by Antigua News Room.
India Launches 'Operation Amistad' to Aid Earthquake-Devastated Venezuela
India has launched 'Operation Amistad,' deploying two military aircraft loaded with relief supplies, a field hospital and rescue teams to Venezuela following twin earthquakes that have killed more than 1,400 people. India's Honorary Consul to Antigua and Barbuda, Vijay Tewani, announced the mission locally.
Residents Blast APUA and PWD Over Months of Road Chaos in Newfield
A Newfield resident has written to Antigua News Room condemning months of disruptive and apparently uncoordinated road and pipe works by APUA and PWD, warning that the underlying cause of road damage has not been addressed and repairs will fail again.
Antigua Explores Geothermal Power Import Deal with St. Kitts and Nevis
Antigua and Barbuda is in early discussions with St. Kitts and Nevis about importing geothermal electricity via a proposed subsea cable, as part of a regional push to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Prime Minister Gaston Browne raised the initiative at a recent OECS Heads of Government meeting.
OECS Air Takes Shape as Regional Leaders Back Carrier with $100M Funding Potential
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says an OECS regional airline is gaining momentum after leaders at the 78th OECS Authority Meeting reaffirmed their commitment to the project, with potential funding exceeding US$100 million pending the outcome of an ECCB feasibility study expected within weeks.
PM Browne Rejects Additional LGBTQ Migrants as Antigua Weighs U.S. Deportee Deal
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has stated that Antigua and Barbuda will not accept additional LGBTQ migrants and will only consider taking in up to 10 thoroughly vetted third-country nationals per year under any agreement with the United States. His remarks came during discussions over Washington's request that Caribbean nations absorb migrants who cannot be returned to their countries of origin.
PM Browne Pushes Back on LGBTQ Deportees as Antigua Eyes Strict Vetting Terms
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pushed back against accepting LGBTQ deportees under any U.S. third-country national agreement, saying Antigua already has enough, while insisting the government's broader concern is strict vetting of all potential arrivals. Browne said Antigua may accept up to ten individuals annually, subject to rigorous background, health, and security checks.
PM Browne Waves Off New 'Right Honourable' Title: 'Just Call Me Gassy Dread'
Prime Minister Gaston Browne laughed off his newly acquired "The Right Honourable" title on his weekly radio programme Saturday, telling Antiguans they could simply continue calling him "Gassy Dread." The title was established this week under a Vice-Regal Warrant issued by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams.
PM Browne Pushes for Local Ownership Stake in Yepton Beach Hotel Development
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to structure the proposed Yepton Beach hotel as a public-private partnership, allowing Antiguans and Barbudans — including institutions like the Social Security Scheme — to hold an ownership stake in the development.
Antigua and Barbuda Seeks High-Level EU Talks to Protect Visa-Free Travel
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is seeking a high-level meeting with European Union officials to preserve the country's visa-free travel access, which could be revoked over concerns about its citizenship by investment programme. Browne is proposing an electronic travel authorisation system as an alternative safeguard.
Antigua and Barbuda Senate Convenes to Debate Five Key Legislative Bills
The Antigua and Barbuda Senate is set to meet today to consider five bills passed by the House of Representatives on June 16, 2026, covering fatal accidents law, electronic crimes, immigration amnesty, and passenger data regulations. The House also appointed members to the Public Accounts Committee during its June 16 sitting.
PM Browne: Antigua and Barbuda Pledges $150K to Venezuela After Earthquake
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a US$150,000 humanitarian donation to earthquake-stricken Venezuela, citing the South American nation's pivotal support during Barbuda's Hurricane Irma recovery in 2017. Browne says he is working to raise an additional US$100,000 from government agencies and state-linked companies.
COMMENTARY: Not One Blade of Grass — A Parable of Garbage, Sovereignty and Village Politics
In a commentary published by Antigua News Room, Dr. Lester CN Simon, GOM, uses an extended allegorical parable of a child sweeping a yard to explore themes of regional sovereignty, collective action, and the politics of power in the Caribbean. Through the voices of Tantie, Mr. Browne, and a perceptive young girlfriend, the piece raises pointed questions about unity, resistance, and who truly benefits when the garbage gets swept around.
PM Browne Unveils Rent-to-Own Option for China-Funded Homes in Bolans and Barbuda
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that some homes in a new China-funded housing development in Bolans and Barbuda could be offered under a rent-to-own programme. The latest phase of the initiative, backed by a US$20 million grant, will deliver 100 new climate-resilient homes across the two communities.
PM Browne: Antigua Will Keep Citizenship by Investment Programme Regardless of EU Visa Threat
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will maintain its Citizenship by Investment Programme regardless of whether the European Union follows through on threats to revoke visa-free access for the country's passport holders. Browne described the programme as a critical source of non-tax revenue while defending its integrity and calling for an electronic travel authorisation system as an alternative to losing visa-free privileges.
PM Browne Calls for Physical Force Against Chain Snatchers, Defends Deportee Screening
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on police to physically discipline young chain snatchers while also defending the government's strict screening criteria for any third-country nationals transferred to Antigua and Barbuda under a proposed agreement with the United States.
PM Browne: US Visa Restrictions Were Meant to Bully Antigua Into Signing Migrant Deal
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has accused the United States of imposing visa restrictions on Antigua and Barbuda to pressure his government into accepting a third-country national resettlement deal, vowing the country will not sign any agreement that compromises its national security or financial interests. Negotiations between the two governments are ongoing, as reported by Antigua.news.
Government Owes WIOC Nearly EC$10M to Keep Fuel Prices Stable, PM Browne Says
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has disclosed that the government owes nearly EC$10 million to the West Indies Oil Company after subsidising fuel prices to protect consumers from rising global energy costs. Browne said gasoline remains at EC$14.25 per gallon and diesel at EC$14.50, with the government committed to maintaining price stability while pursuing long-term renewable energy solutions.
OECS Eyes Cheaper Food Imports From Dominican Republic to Ease Cost of Living
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says OECS leaders have directed the OECS Commission to study expanding food imports from the Dominican Republic and suspending certain tariffs to help reduce the cost of living across the region. The initiative was discussed at the 78th Meeting of the OECS Authority and forms part of a broader push to diversify regional supply chains.