Politics
1678 articles
Walker: Barbuda's Single Seat Could Tip Balance of Power in April 30 Election
BPM leader Trevor Walker has declared that Barbuda's single parliamentary seat could prove decisive in the April 30 general election, arguing that the island's independent political position gives it unique leverage if neither major party wins a clear majority.
Beazer Unveils 10 UWI Short Course Scholarships for Barbuda Residents
ABLP Barbuda candidate Kendra Beazer has announced 10 UWI Global short course scholarships for Barbuda residents, with five slots reserved for Barbuda Council members and classes set to begin in May 2026.
ABEC Processes Over 31,000 Voter ID Transactions Ahead of April 30 Election
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has processed 31,391 voter ID transactions as of April 22, with St Peter leading all constituencies at a 91 percent completion rate ahead of the April 30 general election. According to Antigua.news, a late surge in applications signals a final push by electors to secure their eligibility before polling day.
Matthew Provides Transport Relief for Patients Amid Browns Avenue Clinic Repairs
Education Minister and ABLP candidate Daryll Matthew says transportation is being provided to St John's Rural South residents affected by the temporary relocation of Browns Avenue Clinic services. Matthew also discussed long-term plans to convert an existing facility into a polyclinic, though no timeline has been set.
Tindale Park Set for Business Hubs and Community Centre as Land Talks Near Completion
Education Minister and ABLP candidate Daryll Matthew says plans for a community and business development at Tindale Park are advancing, with land negotiations nearing completion. The proposed site would feature a community centre, a remodelled bandhouse, small business hubs and a playground.
Minister Matthew to Open Refurbished Radio Range Playground This Week
Education Minister Daryl Matthew has announced the imminent opening of a refurbished playground in the Radio Range community, upgraded with new recreational and outdoor fitness equipment after years of disrepair.
UPP's Pringle Pushes 14-Day Registration Rule to Expand Diaspora Voting Rights
UPP political leader Jamale Pringle has promised to reduce the voter registration residency requirement for diaspora nationals from over four weeks to just 14 days if his party wins government. Pringle framed the move as a matter of fairness, arguing that citizens living abroad who contribute to Antigua and Barbuda's economy should not face barriers to voting.
ABLP's Benjamin Pledges Adult Daycare, Recreation Programmes for Antigua's Elderly
ABLP candidate for St. Mary's North Dr. Philmore Benjamin has outlined plans for adult daycare facilities, recreational programmes and improved transportation to support the country's elderly population. He made the pledge ahead of the April 30 general elections.
ABLP Promises 270+ New Homes and Rent-to-Own Programme in 2026 Manifesto
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has launched its 2026 "Renaissance" manifesto, promising over 270 new homes and a rent-to-own programme aimed at helping working-class families achieve homeownership. Housing Minister Maria Bird Browne outlined plans for new communities across Antigua and Barbuda, including expanded land access and fully serviced residential developments.
Fernandez Targets Roads, Water and Healthcare in St. John's Rural North Campaign
Incumbent Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has identified roads, water supply and healthcare access as his top priorities for St. John's Rural North ahead of the April 30 general election. Fernandez says work is ongoing across all three areas, though he acknowledges that aging infrastructure continues to pose challenges.
ABLP Candidate Dwayne George Fires Back at Opponent's Claims, Demands Truthful Political Discourse
ABLP candidate Dwayne George has publicly rejected allegations made by political opponent Kelvin "Shuggy" Simon, calling the claims falsehoods and pledging to uphold a standard of truth and accountability in political discourse.
Walker Vows Barbuda Will Never Accept Land Sales, Eyes April 30 Election
Barbuda People's Movement leader Trevor Walker has reaffirmed his party's absolute opposition to the sale of Barbudan lands, warning that freehold ownership would rob future generations of their most vital resource. Walker made the remarks at a BPM rally this week, framing the April 30 general election as a defining moment for the island's communal land tenure system.
Three Marginal Seats Will Decide Antigua's General Election, Analyst Says
Political analyst Arvel Grant says Antigua's upcoming general election will be decided in three constituencies — City East, St. George, and St. Mary's North — all won by margins of less than three percent at the last vote. Grant has outlined what both the ruling ABLP and opposition UPP must achieve to form the next government.
Antigua and Barbuda Voter ID Replacement Reaches 61% Completion
The Electoral Commission reports that 31,391 voters have completed the ID replacement process, putting Antigua and Barbuda at roughly 61% completion nationwide as of April 2026. Progress varies widely across constituencies, with St Peter leading at 91% and several urban areas still lagging behind.
Electoral Commission Reminds Employers: Workers Must Get Paid Time Off to Vote
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has reminded employers that they are legally required to grant workers four consecutive paid hours to vote on polling day during the 2026 general elections. Deducting pay or penalising employees for taking this time is prohibited under the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2001.
Solid Waste Workers Strike Over Unpaid Back Pay and Poor Conditions
Workers at the National Solid Waste Management Authority downed tools and staged a protest today, demanding back pay, improved landfill conditions, and leadership changes. Management says progress is underway and attributes the unrest to misunderstandings.
ABLP to Host Free Star-Studded 'Red & Reddy' Concert Saturday at Rising Sun Grounds
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will host its free 'Red & Reddy' concert this Saturday, April 25, at the Rising Sun Grounds, featuring an array of international, regional and local artists including Masicka, Sizzla, Burning Flames and Destra. According to Antigua News Room, the event begins at 7:00 PM and is open to the public.
Foreign Affairs Ministry Denies Claims That PM's U.S. Visa Was Revoked
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly denied circulating claims that Prime Minister Gaston Browne's U.S. visa has been revoked, calling the allegations false and politically motivated. The U.S. Embassy in Barbados has confirmed there is no basis for the suggestion.
Fernandez Touts $1.5B Tourism Pipeline, Calls Sector 'Lifeblood' of Economy
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has unveiled an approximately US$1.5 billion investment pipeline and declared tourism the "lifeblood" of Antigua and Barbuda's economy at the ABLP's 2026 manifesto launch. The minister cited record cruise arrivals and major upcoming developments as evidence of sustained growth and international confidence in the destination.
PM Browne Dismisses UPP's Six-Month Stay Proposal, Says Policy Already Exists
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has dismissed a UPP opposition proposal to extend CARICOM nationals' legal stay to six months, saying the policy is already in place. According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks in response to opposition leader Jamale Pringle's campaign pledge.