Politics
622 articles
Government Closely Monitoring Antiguan Students in Cuba Amid Ongoing Concerns
The Antiguan government says it is in weekly contact with Antiguan and Barbudan students in Cuba, offering financial assistance and developing contingency plans with OECS partners amid persisting concerns over conditions on the island.
Government Opens 50-Acre Land Programme for First-Time Owners in All Saints
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has made 50 acres of land in the MacPond area of All Saints available through its Land Empowerment Programme, with residential plots priced from $3 per square foot and monthly payments starting at $175. The initiative targets first-time landowners and low- to middle-income earners, with a concessional rate available for long-standing occupants.
Cabinet Rallies Public Support for PM Browne Ahead of General Elections
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a statement urging citizens to support Prime Minister Gaston Browne's government in the upcoming general elections, citing twelve years of national development and the need for continued strong leadership.
Freeman's Village Street to Bear Name of Centenarian Trade Unionist Christopher Browne
Cabinet has approved the naming of a Freeman's Village street after the late Christopher Neville Browne, a centenarian trade unionist and lifelong advocate for workers' rights. The street will be officially designated "Christopher Neville Browne Road."
Antigua and Barbuda Signs Air Connectivity Deal With Saint-Martin
Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Letter of Intent with the Collectivité of Saint-Martin to improve air transport links across the Eastern Caribbean. The non-binding agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between airports, tourism authorities, and regional carriers.
Ambassador Sanders: Caribbean Trade Diversification Is Necessity, Not Choice
Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, argues that Caribbean nations are not choosing to reduce trade dependence on the U.S. — they are being forced to by tariffs, rising import costs, and increasing barriers to doing business. Writing in a published commentary, he warns that without policy changes, the U.S. risks losing a loyal regional market.
Lovell: All Saints West Voters Threaten to Withhold Votes Over Roads, Water Crisis
UPP candidate Harold Lovell says All Saints West residents are fed up with deteriorating roads and poor drainage, with one constituent threatening to withhold her vote unless basic infrastructure issues are addressed. Lovell is calling for a long-term road construction programme, accusing the government of rushing projects before elections and abandoning them after.
Parliament Dissolved, Elections Imminent as Cabinet Approves Sweeping Relief Measures
Parliament has been formally dissolved ahead of general elections, as Cabinet also approved a sweeping package of measures including utility arrears waivers, land releases, building material duty exemptions, and the continuation of retroactive pay for public servants.
WIOC Ownership Transfer Marks 11 Years of Economic Gains for Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has marked eleven years since the transfer of the West Indies Oil Company to local ownership, citing more than EC$230 million in profits and EC$270 million in infrastructure investment since the 2015 agreement. Officials hail the move as one of the country's most significant modern economic policies.
Gov't Opens 50 Acres in All Saints for Purchase Under Land Empowerment Programme
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has made 50 acres of land in the All Saints area available for purchase under its Land Empowerment Programme, with monthly payments starting as low as $175. Long-standing occupants of 15 of those acres will be offered the land at a special concessional rate of $1 per square foot.
Antigua and Barbuda Signs Air Connectivity Pact with Saint-Martin
Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Letter of Intent with the Collectivité of Saint-Martin to improve air connectivity across the Eastern Caribbean. Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the non-binding agreement as a significant step toward stronger bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
ABEC Meets Returning Officers in Preparation for 2026 General Elections
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has held a preparatory meeting with Returning Officers from all 17 constituencies ahead of the General Elections set for April 1, 2026. The 17 officers were subsequently sworn in by Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on April 2.
Antigua and Barbuda Pledges US$200,000 in Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
Antigua and Barbuda has pledged US$200,000 in humanitarian aid to Cuba as part of a CARICOM-led regional response to the island's ongoing economic and supply difficulties. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant made the announcement at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing.
Antigua and Barbuda Backs CARICOM Chief as Reappointment Row Divides Region
Antigua and Barbuda has voiced strong support for CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett amid a regional dispute over the legitimacy of her reappointment, with Trinidad and Tobago challenging the process and threatening to cut its financial contributions to the bloc.
Antigua Backs CARICOM Chief Amid Growing Row Over Reappointment Process
Antigua and Barbuda has expressed full Cabinet confidence in CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett, as a regional dispute intensifies over the procedural legitimacy of her reappointment to a second five-year term. Trinidad and Tobago has formally rejected the reappointment and threatened to cut its financial contributions to the regional body.
Cabinet Approves $50,000 Monthly Subsidy to Lower Antigua–Barbuda Airfares
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a $50,000 monthly subsidy to reduce airfare costs between the two islands, following concerns raised by newly appointed Barbuda caretaker Kendra Beazer about rising ticket prices and limited travel options.
Treasury Begins Final Phase of Retroactive Pay Disbursements for Public Servants
The Treasury Department has begun the final phase of retroactive pay disbursements to public servants covering January 2018 to December 2023, with total payments across the first two phases exceeding $4.6 million. Outstanding teacher upgrade payments are expected to be issued by the end of Thursday.
ABWU Warns Cabinet's Phased Minimum Wage Plan Will Harm Vulnerable Workers
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union has accepted the Government's minimum wage increase to $11.50 per hour but warns that the Cabinet's extended three-phase rollout to $13.01 will prolong hardship for vulnerable workers. The union is also questioning whether the timing of the announcement is politically motivated.
Government to Complete Teacher Upgrade Payments by Week's End Amid Retroactive Pay Rollout
The government aims to complete long-outstanding upgrade payments to teachers by Thursday, as retroactive pay disbursements covering January to December 2023 continue across public service departments. More than EC$4.6 million has already been distributed, with additional payments pending final verification.
Government Launches Subsidised Cement Block Sales to Boost Affordable Housing
The Antiguan government has begun producing subsidised cement blocks at a state-backed facility, with plans to sell them to the public as part of a broader affordable housing initiative. Housing Minister Rawdon Turner is expected to announce distribution details in the coming days.