Politics
2397 articles
Antigua Night Court for Traffic Cases to Launch Within Weeks After Cabinet Approval
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of a dedicated night court for traffic matters, which is set to become operational within weeks. The court aims to clear a growing backlog of traffic cases and serve as a deterrent against road offences, according to Antigua.news.
Parliament Set to Debate Expanded Powers Over Derelict Properties on June 16
The Antiguan government is set to bring legislation before Parliament on June 16 that would expand its powers to remove derelict and hazardous properties from communities across Antigua and Barbuda. The planned measures were announced at Friday's post-Cabinet media briefing by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant.
Commonwealth Observers Call for Polling Station Vote Counts to Boost Electoral Transparency
Commonwealth election observers have recommended that Antigua and Barbuda count votes at polling stations immediately after polls close, citing improvements to transparency and public confidence. The proposal is part of a broader set of electoral reforms outlined in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
PAHO Urges Caribbean Nations to Bolster Health Preparedness Ahead of 2026 Hurricane Season
The Pan American Health Organization is urging countries across the Americas, including those in the Caribbean, to strengthen health system preparedness ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, despite forecasts of below-normal activity. PAHO warns that even a single severe storm can pose serious public health risks and disrupt essential services.
Saint Lucia to Host 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in July 2026
Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Gros Islet from July 5 to 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Regional leaders will deliberate on key issues, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at Sandals Saint Lucia and streamed live online.
Cabinet Backs App to Tackle Child Support Arrears Affecting Thousands of Families
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has endorsed the MainCollect app, a digital platform designed to improve child maintenance payment collection, targeting up to 2,500 fathers in the country listed in court records as having outstanding obligations. The system, approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and eventually extended across OECS member states.
Cabinet Backs Digital App to Address Child Maintenance Crisis in Antigua and Barbuda
Cabinet has endorsed MainCollect, a locally developed digital app designed to modernise child maintenance payment collection in Antigua and Barbuda, where between 1,500 and 2,500 fathers are recorded as having outstanding obligations. The platform, already approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and rolled out across the OECS.
PM Browne Joins Villa Primary Students to Build CHOGM 2026 Bottle Cap Mural
Prime Minister Gaston Browne joined Villa Primary School students on Thursday to contribute to a recycled bottle cap mural being created in anticipation of CHOGM 2026, scheduled for November 1–4 in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet Backs Digital Maintenance App, Fisheries Overhaul, and Fort James Redevelopment
Cabinet has backed a new digital child maintenance platform, overhauled management of the nation's fisheries complexes, and approved a government-led redevelopment plan for the Fort James Beach area. The decisions emerged from the Cabinet's sitting on Thursday, June 4th, 2026.
Health Minister Inspects Morgue, Renal Facility and Other Key Infrastructure Projects
Minister of Health Michael Joseph toured several key healthcare facilities and construction projects, including a new renal facility, morgue, and a centre for children with special needs, as part of a broad assessment of the nation's health infrastructure.
Ghana Parliament Passes Bill Criminalising Homosexuality with Up to Three Years' Jail
Ghana's parliament has passed legislation criminalising homosexuality and LGBTQ+ identity, proposing prison sentences of up to three years. The bill now awaits the signature of President John Dramani Mahama, who has indicated his support.
UPP Senator Flags $236M in Unaccounted CBI Funds, Demands Parliamentary Oversight Reform
UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner is calling for parliamentary oversight reform and a restructured Public Accounts Committee, citing EC$236 million in CBI programme funds he says have gone unaccounted for over the past decade. Wehner argues that gaps in CIU reporting and a 2016 ministerial powers amendment have created conditions ripe for financial mismanagement.
Cabinet Appoints New Leadership for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Board
Cabinet has approved new leadership for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board, naming Dr. Philmore Benjamin as executive chairman and Dr. Edward Mansoor as deputy chairman, alongside a series of other statutory appointments under the Ministry of Health.
Antigua Cabinet Approves Dedicated Night Court to Fast-Track Traffic Cases
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of a dedicated night court to hear traffic cases, aiming to clear a growing backlog and improve road safety enforcement. The initiative follows a recommendation by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin.
Government to Absorb Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Into National Early Childhood Network
The Antiguan government will take over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Child Development Centre, a UNESCO-designated model school founded over 50 years ago, as part of an expanding national early childhood education network. New preschool centres are also planned for Judges Hill and Jennings.
Antigua Cabinet Backs Digital Child Support Platform, Eyes Public Defaulter Register
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the Main Collect digital platform to streamline child maintenance payments, while also considering a public register of delinquent fathers and stronger enforcement measures to combat widespread non-compliance.
Antigua and Barbuda Signs Aviation MoU to Boost Caribbean Regional Cooperation
Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with France's Directorate General for Civil Aviation during a regional directors' meeting held in Antigua from June 1 to 3. The agreement establishes a Regional Technical Cooperation Committee aimed at strengthening collaboration on aviation safety, security, and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
National Performing Arts Centre on Track for CHOGM Opening, Minister Turner Says
Minister Rawdon Turner says the National Performing Arts Centre, currently under construction at the former Deluxe Cinema on High Street, remains on schedule for completion ahead of the November 2026 CHOGM opening ceremony. The nearly 900-seat venue, featuring a double-roof acoustic system and two-tier balcony, is being described as the most advanced performance facility in the Eastern Caribbean.
Commonwealth Observers Urge Constitutional Protection for Antigua's Electoral Commission
A Commonwealth Observer Group has recommended that Antigua and Barbuda amend its Constitution to formally entrench the Electoral Commission, citing the need to strengthen institutional independence and public confidence in the country's electoral process. The recommendation is part of a wider set of reforms proposed in the group's final report on the April 30, 2026 general election.
Barbuda Senator's Office Marks First Month with 20 New Driver's Licence Registrations
Senator Kendra Beazer's office reports that 20 Barbuda residents obtained first-time driver's licences in the office's first month of operation. The office is also urging the Barbuda Council to prioritize a proposal for improved road infrastructure across the island.