Politics
2397 articles
Browne to Push CARICOM for Extended CET Suspension to Cut Cost of Living
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will push at the upcoming CARICOM Heads of Government meeting for the suspension of the Common External Tariff to be extended from one year to at least two and expanded to cover more products. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce the cost of living across the region.
Education Ministry: School Transfers Granted Only for Administrative Errors
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that secondary school transfer requests will only be entertained where an administrative error in the placement process is identified. Parents have until next Friday to submit a written, school-endorsed request for review.
Antigua and Barbuda on Track for EC$250 Million Budget Surplus
Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Sunday that Antigua and Barbuda is projected to record a budget surplus exceeding EC$250 million this year, driven by strong revenue collections from the Inland Revenue Department and Customs and Excise Division. The government's debt-to-GDP ratio is also expected to fall to approximately 62 percent.
UPP to Consult Public Before Parliament Debates US Deportee White Paper
The UPP has announced public consultations ahead of a special parliamentary sitting on the Government's White Paper concerning a proposed US third-country deportee agreement. Opposition leader Jamale Pringle said constituents deserve a voice before Parliament debates the matter, expected during the week of July 13.
UPP to Consult Constituents Before Parliament Debates US Deportee White Paper
The opposition UPP will hold public consultations with residents before Parliament debates the Government's White Paper on a proposed US third-country deportee agreement, with the parliamentary session expected during the week of July 13. UPP leader Jamale Pringle says constituents must have a voice before elected representatives take a position on the significant national issue.
PM Browne Credits Housing Programmes With Narrowing Antigua's Wealth Gap
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says government housing programmes have helped reduce wealth inequality in Antigua and Barbuda, pointing to a drop in the country's Gini coefficient from 0.87 to 0.47 since his administration took office in 2014.
Antigua's Minister Freeland Heads to Geneva for WIPO Intellectual Property Assemblies
Minister of State Michael Freeland is representing Antigua and Barbuda at the 68th WIPO Assemblies in Geneva from July 7 to 15, where he will engage in high-level policy discussions and hold technical talks aimed at strengthening the country's intellectual property system.
Antigua and Barbuda Sends Minister Freeland to WIPO Assemblies in Geneva
Minister of State Michael Freeland is representing Antigua and Barbuda at the 68th WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 7 to 15. His agenda includes a bilateral meeting with WIPO Director General Daren Tang and technical talks aimed at modernising the country's intellectual property framework.
Caribbean Science Foundation Urged to Embrace Senior Citizens in Regional STEM Push
Ambassador Dr. Clarence E. Pilgrim reflects on childhood experiments in St. John's, Antigua, to make the case for lifelong scientific inquiry — and to challenge the Caribbean Science Foundation to launch a dedicated programme engaging senior citizens in regional STEM and innovation efforts.
HAPI Programme to Build Concrete Homes Within 60 Days, PM Browne Announces
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the HAPI programme will begin building concrete homes for vulnerable families once a new block plant is commissioned within the next 60 days. The government aims to complete at least 50 HAPI homes per year as part of its broader housing strategy.
Antigua Weighs US$100M Chinese Loan for Renewable Energy and Housing
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is considering a US$100 million loan from China to fund a renewable energy plant and large-scale housing development. The announcement comes as the country's debt-to-GDP ratio approaches the international benchmark of 60%.
Government to Launch Nationwide Child Protection Town Halls Amid Rising Abuse Reports
The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation will roll out a series of Child Protection Town Hall Meetings across four geographic zones following a recorded 105-plus child abuse reports this year. Minister Rawdon Turner says the initiative aims to spark a national conversation on prevention, early detection, and community responsibility.
Minister Turner Demands Sentencing Reform After Child Sex Abuse Case Sparks Public Fury
Minister of Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner has called for urgent reform of child sexual abuse sentencing laws, declaring Antigua and Barbuda is "failing its children" following public outrage over a three-and-a-half-year sentence handed to a man convicted of abusing his five-year-old great-niece. Turner cited over 105 child abuse reports recorded so far this year and demanded Parliament, the legal profession, and social institutions take immediate action.
Trump's Face on a $250 Bill? Treasury Moves Forward Amid Legal Hurdles
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has confirmed that designs for a proposed $250 banknote featuring President Donald Trump's image have been requested, as reported by Antigua.news. The proposal faces significant legal barriers, as federal law prohibits living persons from appearing on U.S. currency and Congressional approval would be required to override a 160-year-old precedent.
Skerrit Calls on US to Lift Visa Restrictions Impacting Antigua and Dominica Nationals
Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is urging the United States to reconsider visa restrictions affecting nationals of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, citing impacts on travel, education, and medical access. Diplomatic discussions are ongoing, with no final decision yet announced by Washington.
Martinique Officially Joins CARICOM as Associate Member
Martinique officially became CARICOM's seventh Associate Member on 16 June 2026, following the receipt of the Instrument of Accession from the French Republic, and will participate in the upcoming Heads of Government summit in Saint Lucia.
PM Browne Heads to Saint Lucia for 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has departed for Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, to attend the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting from July 5 to 8, where regional leaders will address food security, climate change, public health threats and geopolitical challenges facing the Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda Hosts 35th Regional Intelligence Heads Meeting
Antigua and Barbuda hosted the 35th Meeting of the Standing Committee of Regional Intelligence Heads from July 1st to 3rd, bringing together intelligence leaders from across the Caribbean Community to tackle transnational crime, cyber fraud, and other regional security threats. The forum was organised by CARICOM IMPACS in collaboration with the ONDCP, as reported by Antigua News Room.
PM Browne: Former Gang Members Graduate From ABICE in Rehabilitation Win
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that former gang members have graduated from ABICE following government-supported skills training, describing the outcome as evidence that rehabilitation programmes can successfully steer at-risk youth away from crime.
PM Browne: Antigua and Barbuda Remains One of Caribbean's Safest Nations
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the Caribbean's safer nations, citing relatively low homicide figures and ongoing government programmes aimed at steering youth away from crime. Browne made the comments during a Sunday appearance on the Brown and Brown Show, as reported by Antigua News Room.