Politics
2397 articles
Antigua and Barbuda, France in Talks to Bolster Crime-Fighting and Judicial Ties
Minister of Foreign Affairs Chet Greene met with France's Caribbean Liaison Judge Emmanuelle Doffe on Thursday to explore deeper bilateral cooperation on transnational crime, cybercrime, and judicial matters. The discussions included proposals for joint investigative teams, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building programmes.
Venezuelan Ambassador's Caracas Residence Damaged as Earthquakes Kill 188
Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, killing at least 188 people and damaging the Caracas apartment building that houses the residence of Venezuela's Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez confirmed over 1,500 injuries and more than 200 people believed trapped under rubble.
Windfall Tax Expanded to All Companies Earning Over EC$1M to Fund Free Tertiary Education
The Antiguan government has expanded its windfall profits tax to apply to all companies earning more than EC$1 million annually, with revenue earmarked to fund free tertiary education. Cabinet has approved the measure, pending parliamentary legislation.
Cabinet Raises Passenger Head Tax, Advances Fort James Redevelopment
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a rise in the Passenger Head Tax from US$40 to US$50, earmarked for regional institutions, and greenlit a coastal assessment for the EC$5 million Fort James Renaissance Park redevelopment. Cabinet also received a report from Prime Minister Browne on key outcomes of the recently hosted OECS Authority meeting.
Government to Add Second Mammogram Location at Villa Polyclinic
The government plans to install a new mammogram machine at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and relocate its existing unit to the Villa Polyclinic, creating a second public breast cancer screening location. The Ministry of Health is expected to make a formal announcement once the equipment is in place.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures Eye Care Equipment Donation from China's He Vision Group
The Ministry of Health has signed an agreement with China's He Vision Group for the donation of specialised eye care equipment to Antigua and Barbuda. The partnership also opens the door to future collaboration in ophthalmology, blindness prevention, and medical training.
Turner, NODS Director to Attend CDEMA Council of Ministers Meeting in Trinidad
Minister Rawdon Turner and NODS Director Sherrod James will represent Antigua and Barbuda at a CDEMA Council of Ministers Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago this Thursday. The high-level regional gathering will focus on disaster preparedness, emergency response, and resilience policy across the Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda Launches Youth Mental Health Chat Line and Landmark Research Report
Antigua and Barbuda has launched the Young Caribbean Minds Mental Health Chat Line alongside a landmark research report capturing the views of more than 1,000 young people, with findings set to inform the country's new Mental Health Care Bill.
High Commissioner Hill Champions Small Island States at Deutsche Bank Ocean Summit
High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill represented Antigua and Barbuda at Deutsche Bank's Ocean Summit 2026, calling for reliable climate financing and tangible support for Small Island Developing States. As reported by Antigua.news, Hill joined senior international figures on a panel focused on translating climate pledges into real-world action.
Antigua in Talks With U.S. to Accept Up to 16 Third-Country Nationals Per Year
Antigua and Barbuda is negotiating with the United States to accept between 14 and 16 third-country nationals per year, with Cabinet endorsing a position that insists on sovereign screening rights and a U.S. financial support package for resettlement.
Cabinet Approves EC$5M Academic Block for Sir Novelle Richards Academy
The Cabinet has approved EC$5 million to build a new academic block at Sir Novelle Richards Academy, with construction set for completion before the September school term begins. The project aims to address growing demand for classroom space as part of the government's wider education infrastructure strategy.
Antigua and Barbuda Sets Strict Terms in US Migrant Relocation Talks
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has backed Prime Minister Gaston Browne's negotiating stance in talks with the United States over the potential resettlement of third-country nationals, insisting on strict criminal and health screening for any individuals considered for admission. The Government says it is prepared to accept no more than 14 to 16 persons annually, subject to rigorous vetting and approval.
Cabinet Approves Coastal Engineering Firm to Lead Fort James Renaissance Park Redevelopment
Cabinet has approved the engagement of Smith Warner International Limited to conduct a coastal assessment and preliminary engineering design for Fort James Beach, the first major technical step in the Government's EC$5 million plan to redevelop the area into the Fort James Renaissance Park.
Antigua and Barbuda Raises Passenger Head Tax to US$50 for International Travellers
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved raising the Passenger Head Tax for international travellers from US$40 to US$50, with the additional revenue earmarked for regional institutions including the ECCAA and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Travel within the CARICOM region will remain exempt from the increase.
Antigua and Barbuda to Raise International Passenger Head Tax to US$50
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a US$10 increase in the international passenger head tax, raising it from US$40 to US$50. The additional revenue will fund the country's financial obligations to regional bodies including the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
Jamaica Opposition MP Calls for Special Minimum Wage for Tourism Workers
Jamaican opposition legislator Damion Crawford has called on the government to introduce a special minimum wage for tourism workers, arguing that irregular hours, higher living costs, and emotional labour demands set them apart from other employees. His appeal came as Parliament approved a general minimum wage increase to $17,000 per 40-hour work week, effective July 2026.
Sanders Backs UN Haiti Force, Warns OAS Financial Crisis Threatens Hemisphere
Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders used the 56th OAS General Assembly in Panama City to declare support for the UN-authorised gang suppression force in Haiti and to warn that the OAS faces a deepening financial crisis threatening key hemispheric programmes.
Caribbean Union Leader Calls on Trade Unions to Modernise Approach to Young Workers
UNI Vice President Trevor Johnson has called on Caribbean trade unions to overhaul their engagement strategies, arguing that digital communication and a greater focus on women and young workers are essential to the labour movement's future relevance.
OECS Nations Form Advisory Team to Negotiate US Migrant Deportee Agreement
Eastern Caribbean nations have agreed to form a high-level advisory team to negotiate with the United States over accepting a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has firmly rejected a US request to receive 120 deportees, countering with an offer to accept no more than 10 annually.
Antigua-Backed UN Secretary-General Candidate Presents Vision to Member States
Ecuadorian diplomat María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, nominated by Antigua and Barbuda, has presented her vision for leading the United Nations during a formal dialogue with member states on June 15. If elected, she would become the first woman to serve as UN Secretary-General.