Politics
2397 articles
Senator Shaquan O'Neil Donates Medical Supplies to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
Senator Shaquan O'Neil has donated hygiene supplies and educational screens to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, pledging continued support for the hospital and community. Health Minister Michael Joseph and the hospital's Medical Director both expressed appreciation for the contribution.
Antigua and Barbuda Slashes Chinese Debt by More Than Half to US$120 Million
Antigua and Barbuda has reduced its debt to China from more than US$300 million to approximately US$120 million, with the loan for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre now fully repaid. The Cabinet credited the achievement to prudent fiscal management, stronger revenue collection and a disciplined approach to debt servicing.
ILO Launches First High-Level Mission to Haiti Under New Caribbean Office Mandate
An ILO high-level delegation launched its first official mission to Haiti on June 30, following the transfer of the country's portfolio to the ILO's Caribbean office and the recent signing of a new country programme for 2026–2027.
Vatican Excommunicates Breakaway Catholic Group After Defiance of Pope Leo XIV
The Vatican has excommunicated the Society of Saint Pius X and declared its members in schism after the ultra-traditionalist group ordained four new bishops without papal approval, defying direct appeals from Pope Leo XIV. The sweeping decree goes further than any previous sanctions against the group, rendering invalid all sacraments it administers.
Health Minister Applauds ABEMS Paramedic Brandon Browne for Earning Master's Degree
Health Minister Michael Joseph has congratulated ABEMS Critical Care Paramedic Brandon Browne on earning a Master of Science in Acute Medicine from the University of South Wales, praising his commitment to professional development and healthcare excellence.
Senate Passes Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill as O'Donoghue Makes Maiden Speech
Senator the Hon. Angelica O'Donoghue delivered her maiden Senate speech in support of the Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sharing a personal account of being a cyberattack victim as she argued for stronger legal protections. The Senate approved the bill, completing its passage through Parliament.
Sir Ronald Sanders Takes Helm of OAS Development Council for Six-Month Term
Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the US and OAS, has assumed the Chairmanship of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) for a six-month term ending December 31, 2026. His appointment coincides with the council's 30th anniversary.
Minister Greene Chairs CHOGM 2026 Preparatory Committee in London
Antigua and Barbuda's Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene is chairing the CHOGM 2026 Preparatory Committee at Marlborough House in London from June 30 to July 3. The sessions lay the groundwork for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which Antigua and Barbuda will host in St. John's this November.
Letter: Call to Triple Social Security Funeral Disbursements Amid Rising Costs
A resident is calling on Social Security to raise its funeral disbursement from $2,500 to at least $7,500, citing rising costs and inflation. The appeal follows the Senate's passage of a bill providing up to $20,000 to families of fatal accident victims.
Antigua and Barbuda Reaffirms Commitment to Caribbean Security at 35th Regional Intelligence Meeting
Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its support for Caribbean regional intelligence cooperation at the opening of the 35th Regional Intelligence Meeting in St. John's on Wednesday. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, standing in for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, called for stronger collaboration to combat transnational crime, cybercrime and other growing security threats.
Sir Hilary Beckles to Headline Antigua's Emancipation Watchnight Gathering
The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has announced that Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, will headline the annual Watchnight Gathering on July 31, 2026, at the Botanical Gardens. The event is part of a broader series of 2026 Emancipation Observances culminating on August 1 with Emancipation Day.
ABRSC Names Winners of 2026 Reparatory Justice Essay Competition
The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission has announced the winners of its 2026 Essay Competition, recognising top students from universities, colleges, and secondary schools across the nation. The competition was held under the theme "Reparatory Justice: Reflection and Projection."
Antigua Launches Three-Month Immigration Amnesty for Irregular Residents
Antigua and Barbuda's government has launched a three-month immigration amnesty programme, running from July 1 to September 30, giving eligible non-nationals with irregular status the opportunity to legalise their stay under the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2026. Applicants must meet a minimum four-year residency requirement and pay fees totalling EC$650.
COMMENTARY: The Prodigals — A Call to Welcome Home Antigua's Displaced Sons and Daughters
In a commentary published by Antigua News Room, Dr. Lester Simon issues a passionate call for Antigua and Barbuda to prepare for and embrace the forced return of its diaspora, framing the regional crisis as an opportunity for national renewal, investment, and unity across political lines.
PAHO Launches US$24 Million Emergency Appeal After Devastating Venezuela Earthquakes
PAHO has launched a US$24 million emergency appeal to fund six months of health response and recovery efforts following magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, killing more than 1,943 people and injuring over 10,500. The funds will support lifesaving services, disease outbreak prevention, and the restoration of health infrastructure for some 700,000 people in the most severely affected areas.
Airport Authority Conducts Security Drills Ahead of CHOGM Summit in November
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has held two tabletop security exercises at VC Bird International Airport in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, set to take place from November 1 to 4. The drills brought together law enforcement, emergency services, and other key stakeholders to test coordination and response readiness.
Saint Lucia's Pierre Assumes CARICOM Chair, Vows to Bring Integration Closer to Citizens
Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre assumed the chairmanship of CARICOM on 1 July 2026, pledging to make the regional body more tangible and impactful in the daily lives of Caribbean citizens. His priorities include climate resilience, economic growth, digital transformation, and regional security.
Government Launches 2026 Immigration Amnesty Programme Starting July 1
The Antiguan government has launched its 2026 Immigration Amnesty Programme, running from July 1 to September 30, 2026, offering eligible individuals a structured opportunity to regularize their immigration status. Applications will be accepted at Immigration Headquarters on weekdays between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
China to Build 100 Grant-Funded Homes in Antigua and Barbuda Under Phase Two Deal
Antigua and Barbuda has signed an agreement with China for a US$20 million grant-funded second phase housing programme that will deliver 100 new climate-resilient homes in Bolans and Barbuda. The development will operate under a rent-to-own model aimed at expanding home ownership for lower-income families.
Ministry of Agriculture Doubles Summer Internship Programme in Second Year
The Ministry of Agriculture has welcomed more than 30 summer interns in 2026, doubling the size of the programme from its inaugural year and expanding participation to include private schools for the first time.