Politics
1678 articles
New UPP Senator Wehner Vows Bipartisan Approach, Defends Party's Record on Youth
Newly sworn-in UPP Senator Jonathan Wehner has pledged a bipartisan approach in the Upper House while pushing back against claims that his party sidelines young members. Wehner cited his own appointment as proof that the UPP supports youth advancement.
UNDP Report Places Antigua and Barbuda in Top Human Development Tier Amid Regional Democracy Concerns
A new UNDP report has placed Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean's top human development tier with an HDI score of 0.851, while warning that democracies across the region face growing pressure from crime, climate change, economic vulnerability and declining public trust.
Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan to Be Sworn In at Government House
Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan is scheduled to be sworn in today at Government House, with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams presiding over the ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. The event continues the formation of the Senate following the ABLP's return to office in the 2026 general election.
Commentary: Prepared Leaders, Not Privileged Ones, Are What Democracy Demands
Leadership strategist Dr. Isaac Newton, writing for Antigua News Room, argues that democracy is weakened when entitlement, hardship, or popularity replace genuine preparedness as the basis for choosing leaders. He calls on Antigua and Barbuda — and all democracies — to evaluate leaders on discipline, character, and readiness to serve.
Randy Baltimore Takes Office as Agriculture Minister of State
Randy Baltimore has officially begun work as Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, pledging to prioritise collaboration and support for the country's farmers and fishers. His first day included meetings with Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. and ministry technical staff.
Pringle Vows Stronger Opposition as UPP Prepares to 'Come With Force'
Newly appointed Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says the United Progressive Party will "regroup and come with force" following its defeat in the April 30 general election. Pringle received his instruments of appointment at Government House on Monday and pledged a more aggressive and assertive opposition presence in Parliament.
UN Youth Advisory Group Hails Historic Appointment of Antigua's Youngest Senator
The UN Youth Advisory Group has congratulated Shaquan O'Neil, 22, on becoming the youngest person ever appointed to the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda. The organisation praised his long-standing Caribbean youth advocacy and expressed confidence in his role as a national decision-maker.
Education Ministry Launches 6th Research Symposium Tuesday
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology launches its 6th Research Symposium on Tuesday at the John E. St. Luce Building, with sessions continuing virtually on Wednesday evening covering topics ranging from sargassum seaweed conversion to CSEC music education.
At 24, New Opposition Senator Wehner Vows to Champion Youth, Accountability
Jonathan Wehner, 24, was sworn in as an Opposition Senator on Monday and pledged to serve as a voice for youth in Parliament, focusing on healthcare, education, employment, cost of living and government accountability.
UPP's New Senate Team Combines Legal Training and Trade Unionism, Hughes Says
Newly sworn-in Opposition Senator Chester Hughes says the UPP's Senate team was purposefully built around legal training, academic credentials and trade union experience to challenge government legislation and advocate for ordinary citizens. Hughes, speaking to ABS Television after Monday's ceremony, promised "very robust debate" and vowed the Opposition would be "relentless" in holding the government accountable.
Chester Hughes Sworn In as UPP Opposition Senator, Vows to Fight for Workers
Chester Hughes, a veteran trade unionist and labour advocate, was sworn in Monday as a UPP opposition senator, vowing to champion workers' rights and hold the government accountable in Parliament. According to Antigua.news, Hughes signalled his appointment would be an active and confrontational one, not merely ceremonial.
New Opposition Senator Azille Vows Vigorous Debate, Stronger Youth Engagement in Parliament
Newly sworn-in Opposition Senator Ashworth Azille has pledged robust parliamentary debate and stronger youth engagement in politics as Antigua and Barbuda begins a new parliamentary term. The former educator and trade union leader was among three Opposition senators inducted at Government House on Monday.
New Opposition Senator Azille Vows Vigorous Debate, Champions Youth in Politics
Newly appointed opposition Senator Ashworth Azille has pledged vigorous participation in Senate debate and urged greater youth involvement in national politics, following his swearing-in at Government House on Monday. The veteran educator and trade unionist brings more than three decades of experience in teaching and union leadership to the Upper House.
ABWU Hails Senate Appointment of Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union has congratulated its Deputy General Secretary, Chester Hughes, on his appointment to the Senate, praising his decades-long dedication to workers' rights and national development. ABWU General Secretary David Massiah expressed full confidence that Senator Hughes will serve with distinction.
UPP's 24-Year-Old Senator Wehner Sworn In, Vows to Champion Youth Issues
Jonathan Wehner, a 24-year-old United Progressive Party senator, was sworn into Antigua and Barbuda's Upper House on Monday, pledging to serve as a leading advocate for youth issues including healthcare, education, and the cost of living.
Pringle Praises 'Experienced and Committed' Senators at Opposition Swearing-In
Jamale Pringle praised the newly appointed Opposition Senators as experienced and capable during his swearing-in ceremony as Opposition Leader at Government House on Monday. The United Progressive Party leader commended Senators Chester Hughes, Jonathan Wehner, and Ashworth Azille, while noting that Malaka Parker will be sworn in at a later date.
Governor General Swears In Opposition Leader Pringle, Four Senators at Government House
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams swore in Jamale Pringle as Opposition Leader and four Opposition Senators at Government House on Monday, calling the occasion a vital constitutional moment for Antigua and Barbuda's democracy. Sir Rodney emphasized the Opposition's essential role in ensuring accountability, scrutiny, and balance in national governance.
National Theater Vision Advances as Deluxe Building Redevelopment Gains Momentum
Construction on the historic Deluxe Building in St. John's is advancing as the Government of Antigua and Barbuda moves closer to establishing a National Theater for the creative arts. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and senior officials joined grant funders PMI on a high-level site tour to review progress and assess project timelines.
Pringle Sworn in as Opposition Leader Alongside Four UPP Senators
Jamale Pringle was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition on Monday at Government House, joined by three of four newly appointed UPP Senators following the April 30 General Elections.
Wehner Sworn In as UPP Senator, Credits 'Village' That Shaped His Journey
Jonathan Wehner has been sworn in as an opposition senator for the United Progressive Party, publicly thanking the many people he credits with shaping his life and political career. The appointment follows the UPP's defeat in the April 30 general election.