Politics
2397 articles
PM Browne Warns Strait of Hormuz Closure Threatens Fuel Relief for Antigua
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is warning that Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push global oil prices higher and deliver a fresh economic blow to Antigua and Barbuda, just as consumers had been anticipating relief at the pump.
PM Browne Pushes for OECS-Panama Partnership to Cut Costs and Boost Trade
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking upon assuming the Chairmanship of the OECS Authority, has called on member states to forge a strategic partnership with Panama to diversify supply chains, strengthen food security, and reduce the cost of living across the sub-region. His remarks form part of a broader vision he has termed an "OECS Renaissance," built on deeper regional integration and expanded ties with Latin America.
OECS Leaders Push for EU Talks to Protect Schengen Visa-Free Access for CIP Holders
OECS heads of government are seeking urgent high-level talks with EU officials to protect Schengen visa-free access for citizenship by investment programme holders, while pointing to the newly established ECCIRA regulatory authority as evidence of the region's commitment to strong governance standards.
Opinion: Reparations Should Go Directly to Descendants, Not Institutions
In an opinion piece published by Antigua News Room, columnist Brent Simon argues that reparations for descendants of enslaved Africans must be paid directly to individuals, challenging the paternalistic tendency — even among advocates — to route compensation through governments and institutions rather than the people themselves.
MP Greene Hails Liberta Town Hall as Residents Raise Water, Roads and Drug Concerns
St. Paul MP Chet Greene says the constituency's first town hall meeting at Liberta Primary School was a success, with residents raising urgent concerns over water shortages, road rehabilitation, youth drug exposure and economic development. A second meeting is scheduled tonight at Cobbs Cross Primary School.
UWI to Host High-Level Forum on Cuba's Deepening Crisis
The University of the West Indies will host a Vice-Chancellor's Forum on June 25, 2026, bringing together regional and international experts to examine Cuba's deepening socio-economic crisis and its implications for the Caribbean. The hybrid event will be streamed live via UWItv alongside a university-wide humanitarian fundraising drive in support of Cuba.
Seven Persons with Disabilities Secure Jobs Through Government-Backed Initiative
Seven persons with disabilities have secured employment through the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation following years of advocacy by the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities. The workers are engaged in activities including hydroponics, aquaponics, landscaping, and horticulture therapy.
Minister Kiz Johnson Named First Caribbean WPL Country Ambassador
Minister of State Hon. Kiz Johnson has been appointed Country Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda by Women Political Leaders, becoming the first person from the Caribbean to hold the role. The appointment was confirmed by WPL President and Founder Silvana Koch-Mehrin, who praised Minister Johnson's leadership and dedication to the organisation's mission.
PM Browne Eyes Overseas Workers to Hit 5,000-Home Construction Target
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government may recruit overseas construction workers to meet a target of 500 homes per year, as part of a broader plan to deliver 5,000 homes over the next decade. With approximately 7,500 housing applications currently on file, Browne cited labour shortages and financing constraints as the key obstacles facing the national housing programme.
PM Browne Warns U.S. Travel Restrictions Threaten Caribbean Economic and Family Ties
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in his inaugural address as OECS Authority chairman, has warned that U.S. travel restrictions risk harming longstanding economic and family ties between the Caribbean and the United States. Browne argued that Caribbean nations are valuable American partners and called for policies that reflect the historically close and mutually beneficial relationship between the two regions.
PM Browne Pushes OECS Leaders to Back Regional Airline at Authority Summit
Prime Minister Gaston Browne used his inaugural address as OECS Authority chairman to press fellow regional leaders to approve the creation of OECS Air, a proposed sub-regional carrier that could be financed in part by some US$50 million in unclaimed Eastern Caribbean banking deposits. Browne urged heads of government to take ownership of the decision and override resistance from lower-level officials.
PM Browne Pledges Millions for Sports Facilities and Performing Arts Centre
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has outlined a series of major government investments in sports and the creative industries, including the redevelopment of the Potters Playing Field and a new National Performing Arts Centre valued at more than EC$25 million. Browne says the projects are designed to expand economic opportunities for young people and stimulate the country's orange economy.
PM Browne Eyes Fuel Cost Relief as Strait of Hormuz Closure Threatens Oil Price Gains
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed hope that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, warning that its reported closure could stall a recent decline in global oil prices and delay fuel cost relief for Antigua and Barbuda. The government has been subsidising petroleum products and supporting APUA in an effort to shield consumers from rising energy costs.
PM Browne Says Lawyers Pressuring Him to Sue Senator Parker Over Pedophile Claim
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his attorneys are pressuring him to sue Senator Malaka Parker for defamation after she allegedly called him a pedophile during a public exchange. Browne, speaking on his Saturday radio show, said he has not yet made a final decision but noted he previously took legal action against another individual over a similar claim.
PM Browne Appeals to Japan for Sargassum Solutions and Fishing Fleet Support
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on Japan to assist Antigua and Barbuda in managing the annual sargassum seaweed crisis and acquiring up to 15 deep-sea fishing vessels to better utilise the country's extensive maritime resources.
Antigua and Barbuda Appeals to Japan for Sargassum Solutions and Fishing Fleet Support
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. have appealed to Japanese officials for support in tackling the annual sargassum crisis and acquiring up to 15 deep-sea fishing vessels to expand Antigua and Barbuda's offshore fishing capacity.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns as Labour Leader
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Labour Party leader, setting in motion a leadership contest that will produce Britain's seventh prime minister since 2016. Sir Keir will remain in office until a successor is chosen, with the contest expected to conclude before Parliament returns in September.
PM Browne Pushes Blue Economy and OECS Reform in Chairmanship Debut
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has opened his tenure as OECS Authority chairman with a call to reposition member states as large ocean states and a directive to deliver a blue economy investment portfolio within six months. He also pressed for institutional reform of the OECS Commission, calling for a leaner and faster body.
PM Browne Pushes Blue Economy Vision and OECS Reform as Incoming Chairman
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, as incoming OECS chairman, has called on member states to embrace a blue economy strategy and demanded sweeping institutional reforms at the OECS Commission. Browne cited a combined multi-billion-dollar annual value in seafood, oil and gas, and tourism as justification for urgent regional action.
PM Browne Calls for OECS Latin America Push as Antigua Takes Authority Chair
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to forge stronger trade ties with Latin America as Antigua assumes the OECS Authority chairmanship. Speaking at the 78th meeting of the Authority, Browne outlined a broad agenda including a proposed OECS airline, geothermal energy investment, and a blue economy portfolio.