Politics
2397 articles
Antigua and Barbuda, China Chart Course for Deeper Health and Development Ties
Health Minister Michael Joseph and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei held high-level talks to explore expanded cooperation in healthcare, environmental sustainability and national development. Both officials reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and China and identified new opportunities for collaboration.
Cuban Ambassador Condemns U.S. Sanctions on State Oil Company CUPET
Cuba's Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Sergio Martínez, has condemned new U.S. sanctions targeting Cuban state oil company CUPET, calling the move an act of economic strangulation against the Cuban people. According to Antigua.news, the sanctions were announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 11.
Antigua Pursues Japanese Grants and Technical Aid for Fisheries and Agriculture
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received a briefing on the Agriculture Minister's recent visit to Japan, where discussions focused on securing grants and technical assistance for fisheries infrastructure, market modernisation, sargassum management, and educational exchanges.
Department of Culture to Train Carnival Adjudicators Ahead of 2026 Season
The Department of Culture will host a Soca and Calypso Adjudicators' Training Workshop on 20th June, 2026, at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. The full-day session aims to enhance the fairness, consistency, and professionalism of judging across major Carnival competitions.
PM Browne Challenges DPP's Stance on Public Accountability Over Dropped Cases
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly challenged DPP Clement Joseph's position that he owes no explanation to the public for prosecutorial decisions, warning it could erode trust in the justice system. The dispute follows criticism over the recent dismissal of two criminal cases.
U.S. Sanctions Cuba's State Energy Firm Over Alleged Repression Support
The U.S. has sanctioned Cuba's state-owned energy firm CUPET, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio accusing the Cuban government of diverting fuel resources to sustain political control while citizens face chronic shortages and power outages.
PM Browne Calls for Bolder OECS Leadership Ahead of Chairmanship
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on OECS leaders to move beyond "routine leadership" and pursue transformative regional projects, including a joint airline and geothermal energy cooperation. Browne is set to assume the rotating OECS chairmanship later this month when leaders meet in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet Tightens Work Permit Rules to Put Antiguans and Barbudans First
Cabinet has announced tighter work permit rules requiring employers to more broadly advertise job vacancies before hiring foreign nationals, following a review of employment trends and labour market conditions. The measures aim to ensure Antiguans and Barbudans are given full opportunity to fill available positions.
Over 800 Volunteers Sign Up as Antigua and Barbuda Ramps Up CHOGM 2026 Preparations
More than 800 individuals have volunteered to support the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, as Antigua and Barbuda steps up preparations for the landmark summit coinciding with an anticipated state visit by King Charles III.
Cabinet Tightens Work Permit Rules to Prioritise Local Hiring
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved new work permit rules requiring employers to advertise vacancies across multiple platforms before hiring foreign workers. The measures aim to strengthen labour market protections and prioritise local job seekers.
Government Presses Ahead with Barbuda Land Registry as Council Digs In
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed plans to establish a Barbuda Land Registry and proceed with Crown land sales, setting up a direct confrontation with the Barbuda Council, which insists the island's communal lands are not for sale. Court proceedings related to the dispute are ongoing, with the registry expected to become operational by end of August.
Cabinet Warns Illegal Barbuda Land Deals Will Be Void, Structures Face Demolition
The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has warned that unauthorised land sales and development activities in Barbuda will carry no legal weight and that illegally erected structures could face demolition. The warning was issued as the government advances efforts to establish a formal Barbuda Land Registry.
Spain to Help Antigua and Barbuda Make Spanish the Country's Second Language
Antigua and Barbuda is pursuing technical assistance from Spain, including lecturers, teaching materials and teacher-training programmes, as part of a government initiative to establish Spanish as the country's second language. The plan also includes proposals for a Spanish Language and Cultural Institute and specialised training for workers in key economic sectors.
Government Eyes Compulsory Acquisition of Derelict Properties to Boost Housing
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government is weighing compulsory acquisition of derelict properties in St. John's to advance the national housing programme. The move comes amid an ongoing campaign to demolish abandoned structures across the capital.
Civil Liberties Group: Barbudans Must Have Final Say on Land Ownership Changes
The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Liberties Movement is demanding that Barbudans provide free, informed and meaningful consent before any major changes are made to the island's communal land ownership system or development plans. The group is urging the government to respect the constitutional role of the Barbuda Council in all decisions affecting the island's lands and resources.
US Launches Second Day of Airstrikes on Iran as Trump Vows More Attacks
The US has launched a second day of airstrikes against multiple targets in Iran, with President Trump vowing further attacks after negotiations with Tehran failed to produce a deal. The offensive follows an Iranian drone strike that downed a US helicopter off the coast of Oman.
Antigua and Barbuda Cuts 2026 GDP Growth Forecast to 4% Amid Global Pressures
Antigua and Barbuda has lowered its 2026 GDP growth forecast to four percent, down from six percent, as global fuel and food price pressures stemming from Middle East tensions dampen economic expectations. Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the revised rate as still healthy and among the stronger performances projected in the Caribbean.
Antigua Cuts 2026 Growth Forecast to 4% Amid Rising Fuel Costs and Global Tensions
Antigua and Barbuda has lowered its 2026 GDP growth forecast from six percent to approximately four percent, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne citing Middle East tensions and rising global fuel and food prices as the primary drivers of the revision.
U.S. Revokes Hundreds of Visas in Global Birth Tourism Crackdown
The U.S. State Department has revoked hundreds of visas and moved to dismantle organised birth tourism networks operating across West Africa, Europe and North Africa. According to Antigua News Room, investigators uncovered schemes using fraudulent documents and coaching services to help foreign nationals obtain U.S. visitor visas under false pretences.
Potters Playing Field Multi-Sport Complex on Track for CHOGM 2026 Deadline
Senior government officials have toured the Potters Playing Field redevelopment project, with the multi-sport complex on track for substantial completion by September 30, 2026 — ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John's this November.