Politics
2399 articles
Opposition Leader Pringle Apologizes to Speaker, Vows Respectful Conduct in New Parliamentary Term
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle apologized to Speaker Osbert Frederick for any past disrespect during his first address of the new parliamentary term, pledging a more respectful and constructive approach in the House of Representatives. Pringle also called for timely sharing of legislation with opposition members and greater balance in parliamentary proceedings.
House Speaker Pushes Back on Bias Claims During New Parliamentary Session
Speaker of the House Osbert Frederick rejected claims of bias during Tuesday's sitting of the House of Representatives, responding directly to newly sworn-in Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, who called for a more impartial approach to managing parliamentary debate.
Parents Demand Answers Over Irene B. Williams Secondary School Graduation Controversy
A group of parents and guardians of Irene B. Williams Secondary School graduates has published an open letter demanding financial transparency and accountability from school authorities over what they describe as a poorly managed and controversial graduation ceremony. The parents are calling for a full breakdown of funds collected, clarification on sponsorship arrangements, and a fair review of the event's refund policy.
Parliament Expands Search Warrant Powers, Including Sunday Executions
Parliament has passed the Magistrate's Court (Amendment) Bill 2026, expanding search warrant powers to cover all offences, permitting Sunday executions, and allowing seizure of evidence not specified in the original warrant. Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin piloted the legislation, arguing it modernizes investigative procedures while maintaining judicial oversight.
Parliament Passes Immigration Amnesty Bill Giving Undocumented Migrants Two Months to Regularise Status
Parliament has passed the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill 2026, launching a two-month amnesty programme from July 1 to August 31 that allows eligible undocumented migrants to regularise their status for a total fee of $650. Applicants must submit police records from every country of residence over the past four years, and those who have previously used amnesty programmes three times are ineligible.
Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador Formally Accredited in Qatar
Ambassador Theon Ali has formally presented his credentials to Qatar's Deputy Amir, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, cementing Antigua and Barbuda's diplomatic presence in the Gulf state. The accreditation marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation spanning climate action, aviation, and sustainable development.
Concerned Parent Calls Out Graduation Fees and School Fundraising Burden
A concerned Antiguan parent has written an open letter to the Chief Education Officer calling out the increasing financial demands placed on families by schools, including entrance fees to attend graduation ceremonies. The letter, reported by Antigua News Room, urges the Ministry of Education to mandate fee transparency, end duplicative fundraising, and guarantee free graduation entry for families.
AG Calls for On-the-Spot Licence Suspensions as Parliament Passes Fatal Accidents Bill
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has called for on-the-spot driver's licence suspensions in fatal crash cases as Parliament passed the Fatal Accidents Bill 2026, which introduces bereavement damages of up to EC$20,000 for qualifying family members.
Bobo Shanti Group Accuses Authorities of Failing to Consult Rastafarian Community
The Bobo Shanti Worldwide organisation has publicly accused police and the Medicinal Cannabis Authority of failing to consult or educate the Rastafarian community before conducting arrests related to cannabis charges. The group insists a recent gathering of members was an act of religious worship, not a protest, and is calling for dialogue and fairness from authorities.
Parliament Passes Electronic Crimes Bill with $1 Million Penalty for Non-Compliance
Parliament has passed the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2026, imposing penalties of up to $1 million on individuals and companies that fail to comply with law enforcement production orders for electronic data. The bill received bipartisan support, with Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin citing persistent refusals by telecommunications service providers to cooperate with criminal investigations.
Parliament Approves Land Acquisition to Expand National Performing Arts Centre
Parliament has approved the acquisition of a small parcel of land on St. Mary's Street to support the expansion of the National Performing Arts Centre, which is set to host the 2026 CHOGM opening ceremony. The measure passed over objections from Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, who raised concerns about landowner consent and insufficient detail on compensation.
PM Browne: No Industrial Park Planned Near Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has clarified in Parliament that lands near the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium consist of individual private allocations, dismissing suggestions that a formal industrial park is being developed in the area.
PM Browne Flags Work Ethic Crisis Amid Near Full Employment in Antigua
Prime Minister Gaston Browne warned in Parliament Tuesday that Antigua and Barbuda faces a growing work ethic problem, with employers struggling to fill vacancies across multiple sectors despite the country operating at near full employment. Browne cited rising work permit applications, absenteeism and workers refusing available jobs as key concerns.
Opinion: The Weight of the Office — Assessing Gaston Browne's Legacy in Antigua and Barbuda
A new opinion piece published by Antigua.news examines the political career and legacy of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, now serving his fourth term, assessing key achievements in education, tourism, housing, and international diplomacy against the broader demands of Caribbean leadership.
PM Browne Claims Near-Full Employment, Admits Labour Data Is Outdated
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has declared Antigua and Barbuda is at near-full employment, while admitting the government's most recent labour market survey dates back to 2016 or 2017 and that updated data is needed. Browne also raised concerns about a growing reluctance among some locals to fill available jobs in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and security.
Information Commissioner's Office to Be Ready Within Six Months, PM Browne Tells Parliament
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has told Parliament that the Office of the Information Commissioner is expected to be ready for occupancy within six months, even as work on the facility continues at its current High Street location.
PM Browne: Public Works Recruits Quit Voluntarily, Government Won't Abandon Programme
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected suggestions that the government is laying off Public Works Department recruits, telling Parliament that many of the 700 to 800 workers hired under the programme have simply stopped reporting to work. Browne vowed the government would continue providing opportunities for vulnerable young people despite the attendance challenges.
PM Browne: Stadium-Area Land Allocations Do Not Constitute Industrial Park
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has clarified in Parliament that land near the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is not a designated industrial park, but rather a series of individual land allocations made to private investors. The distinction comes as commercial construction activity in the area has drawn public attention.
PM Browne: Full Road Rehabilitation Across Antigua Will Take Years
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says road rehabilitation across Antigua and Barbuda will take years to complete, while highlighting cost-effective progress being made by the Public Works Department on key corridors including All Saints Road and the Sir Sydney Walling Highway.
PM Browne: $100M Road Project Loan Yet to Be Drawn Down
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told Parliament this week that the government has yet to draw any funds from a $100 million loan facility earmarked for the National Road Project, but expects to begin accessing it later this month.