Politics
2399 articles
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.
PM Browne Warns of Hostile Global Climate Threatening Small Island Governance
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that the current global geopolitical climate is among the most hostile his administration has faced, making it increasingly difficult for small island nations like Antigua and Barbuda to protect their interests. He reaffirmed his government's commitment to the country's long-term development goals despite mounting international pressures.
PM Browne Hails 103-Year-Old Irenie Mussington as 'National Treasure'
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called 103-year-old Irenie Mussington a "national treasure" after her milestone birthday celebration was attended by the Governor General and senior government ministers, who presented her with a EC$10,000 government cheque.
Governor General and Lady Williams Cap Successful London Visit with Diplomacy, Philanthropy
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams have returned from a wide-ranging London visit that included the 10th annual Halo fundraising ball, meetings with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and a series of diplomatic and cultural engagements aimed at elevating Antigua and Barbuda's international profile ahead of CHOGM.
CCJ President Calls for CARICOM Day to Become a Regional Public Holiday
Caribbean Court of Justice President Justice Winston Anderson has renewed a call for 4 July to be declared a regional public holiday across CARICOM, arguing that the 1973 signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas deserves annual collective recognition. Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana already observe CARICOM Day as a public holiday, and Justice Anderson is urging other Member States to follow suit.
U.S. Embassy Marks America's 250th Anniversary with Pledge to Deepen Eastern Caribbean Ties
U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Karin Sullivan has issued a statement marking America's 250th anniversary, outlining a wide-ranging series of partnerships with Eastern Caribbean nations, including energy collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda and more than $8 million in regional security funding.
Cuban Embassy Accuses U.S. of Pressuring Governments Ahead of UN Embargo Debate
The Cuban Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda has accused the United States of pressuring governments to block UN debate on the U.S. embargo against Cuba, alleging Washington issued direct warnings to countries that have traditionally supported Havana at the General Assembly. The embassy cited a report by The Nation newspaper claiming Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. embassies worldwide to lobby host governments ahead of a scheduled July 7 debate.
Trade Unions Complete Workshop on Tackling Workplace Violence and Harassment
Trade union representatives from Antigua and Barbuda have wrapped up a three-day workshop on ILO Convention 190, focusing on preventing workplace violence and harassment and advancing the rights of LGBTIQA+ workers across the Caribbean.
Police Warn Public of Road Closures and Restricted Access During CHOGM Security Drill
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has begun a public awareness campaign to prepare residents and businesses for a Hard Lockdown Security Exercise scheduled for next Friday, ahead of CHOGM 2026. The drill will involve temporary road closures, restricted zone access, and traffic diversions.
New Board of Directors Sworn In to Lead Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams has sworn in the newly appointed Board of Directors of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre at Government House, following Cabinet approval of the appointments on 4 June 2026. The Board assumes strategic oversight of Antigua and Barbuda's premier public healthcare institution.
Government Fires Back at Observer Over White Paper on Third-Country Nationals
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a forceful rebuttal to The Observer online, accusing the publication of politically partisan distortion in its criticism of the Government's White Paper on U.S. proposals for the reception of third-country nationals. The Government defends the White Paper as an act of transparency and sovereign caution, rejecting claims of concealment or capitulation.
Education Minister Hails Top Students as 2026 Grade 6 National Assessment Results Released
Education Minister Daryll Matthew has congratulated students, educators and school communities following the release of the 2026 Grade 6 National Assessment results, with Denushka H. Gibbs of Minoah Magnet Academy named the top national student. The minister praised collective efforts across the education sector while urging all students to take pride in their individual achievements.
Opinion: Should Antigua Restrict Social Media for Children Under 16?
A new opinion piece argues that Antigua and Barbuda's government should move forward with restricting social media access for children under 16, citing mounting research linking excessive use to anxiety, depression, and diminished well-being among adolescents. The author calls on parents, educators, health professionals, and faith leaders to support legislators in pursuing thoughtful protective legislation.
Minoah Magnet Student Tops 2026 Grade Six National Assessment with 383 Marks
Denushka H. Gibbs of Minoah Magnet Primary School has claimed the top spot in the 2026 Grade Six National Assessment with a score of 383 marks. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology announced the results alongside the full Top 100 student rankings.
CARICOM Secretary-General Calls for Collective Action on 53rd Anniversary
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has called on member states to maintain collective action in the face of climate, economic, and social challenges, marking the Caribbean Community's 53rd anniversary. Her message highlighted both regional achievements and the significant headwinds that continue to test Caribbean unity and progress.
Government Pledges Full Funding for V.C. Bird Airport Runway Rehabilitation
The Antiguan government has pledged to fully fund the rehabilitation of the V.C. Bird International Airport runway, following questions about whether an approved EC$80 million loan covers the project's total cost. Officials say completing the runway is a national priority, with work continuing ahead of the tourism and Carnival season.
Antigua Fully Repays US$20M Chinese Loan for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has fully repaid the US$20 million Chinese loan used to finance the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, with the final payment made within the past six months. The repayment is part of a broader effort that has reduced the country's Chinese loan obligations from over US$300 million to approximately US$120 million.
Perry Bay Squatters May Be Included in Government Housing Programme
The government may incorporate Perry Bay-Keeling Point squatters into its housing programme as it moves forward with plans to redevelop the waterfront area into a mixed-use community featuring housing, a marina and commercial lots. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant made the announcement Thursday at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing.
Government Calls High-Income Status 'Bittersweet' as Antigua Loses Access to Development Funds
The government has welcomed Antigua and Barbuda's classification as a high-income economy by the World Bank, but warns the designation cuts off the small island nation from critical concessional financing and development grants. Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant described the milestone as "bittersweet" at Thursday's post-Cabinet briefing.