Politics
2396 articles
Government Commits Nearly US$50,000 for Injured Police Officer's Treatment Abroad
The Antiguan government has approved nearly US$50,000 to fly injured Senior Sergeant Jeffrey Benjamin to Trinidad and Tobago by air ambulance for specialised treatment aimed at saving one of his legs following a serious traffic accident. The funding, confirmed by Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, includes US$40,000 from the Medical Benefits Scheme and US$8,104 for air ambulance costs.
PM Browne Hails Antigua and Barbuda's First-Ever UN Secretary-General Nomination
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has celebrated Antigua and Barbuda's historic first-ever nomination of a candidate for UN Secretary-General, endorsing H.E. María Fernanda Espinosa for the role following the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia.
CARICOM Leaders Agree on Ferry, Energy and Welfare Plans to Tackle Cost of Living
CARICOM Heads of Government, meeting in Saint Lucia, have agreed to share strategies on fuel duties, welfare support, and a planned intra-regional ferry service to address the rising cost of living across the Caribbean. Leaders also discussed expanding regional healthcare access and harnessing renewable energy to reduce electricity costs.
PM Browne Calls on CARICOM to Keep Reparations a Regional Priority
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on CARICOM leaders to keep reparatory justice at the forefront of the regional agenda, arguing the campaign is grounded in legal responsibility for crimes against humanity. Browne also confirmed that reparations will feature in the communiqué for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Small States Must Shape New World Order, Forum Ahead of CHOGM 2026 Declares
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and senior Commonwealth officials have called for small states to play a central role in reshaping the international multilateral order, speaking at a London forum hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat ahead of CHOGM 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.
OECS Marks 45th Anniversary with Geneva Reception at WTO Headquarters
The OECS Permanent Delegation in Geneva hosted a 45th Anniversary reception at WTO Headquarters on June 19, featuring a cultural performance by Antiguan pannist Khan Cordice. The event brought together diplomats and international partners to celebrate four and a half decades of Caribbean regional integration.
EU Ambassador Presents Credentials to OECS Director General, Pledges Deeper Regional Ties
EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey formally presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules on July 2, 2026, reaffirming the bloc's commitment to regional integration and announcing an expanded EU delegation role in the Caribbean from September 2026.
PAHO Launches $24M Appeal as Venezuela Earthquake Response Shifts to Recovery
The Pan American Health Organization has announced that its response to Venezuela's earthquakes, which killed 3,811 people, is shifting from emergency relief to recovery, while launching a US$24 million appeal to sustain health services through year's end. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa warned that the needs of more than 17,000 displaced people remain urgent.
Antigua and Barbuda Engages WIPO in Talks to Bolster IP Rights and Protect Black Pineapple
Antigua and Barbuda has engaged WIPO officials in talks aimed at strengthening intellectual property protections, including copyright collaboration and securing geographical indication status for the iconic Antigua Black Pineapple. The discussions, involving Minister of State Michael Freeland and ABIPCO Registrar Ricki Camacho, signal a push for greater international recognition of the country's cultural and agricultural assets.
High Court Closes Friday for CHOGM Security Exercise
The High Court of Justice will be closed to the public on Friday, July 10, 2026, due to Exercise STRONGHOLD, a national security drill ahead of CHOGM 2026. All scheduled matters have been postponed, with the Court set to reopen on Monday, July 13.
Ambassador Sanders: Asking Former Colonies to Pay Reparations Is Historically Illiterate
Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders has issued a sharp rebuttal to former British minister Suella Braverman's claim that Caribbean nations owe reparations to Britain, calling the argument historically illiterate and a deliberate inversion of the colonial record. As reported by Antigua News Room, Sanders argues that Britain extracted wealth from the Caribbean for three centuries while compensating slave owners — but never the enslaved.
UWI Forum Warns Cuba Crisis Threatens Caribbean Sovereignty and Regional Solidarity
Regional experts at a UWI Vice-Chancellor's Forum warned on June 25 that Cuba's worsening crisis is testing Caribbean solidarity and threatening the sovereignty of small states across the region. The University of the West Indies has launched a humanitarian fundraising effort in response.
CARICOM Leaders: U.S. Deportee Transit Deals Must Not Threaten Regional Security
CARICOM Heads of Government have met to discuss U.S.-proposed transit agreements for Third Country Nationals, insisting that any such deals must not undermine regional security or divert resources from citizens. Leaders stressed the MOUs concern transit — not settlement — and called for greater public engagement on the issue.
EU Gives Caribbean CBI Nations Until 2028 to End Investor Citizenship Schemes or Lose Schengen Access
The European Union has warned Antigua and Barbuda and four other Eastern Caribbean nations to phase out their Citizenship by Investment programmes by June 2028 or face the loss of visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has rejected the demand, arguing the programmes are vital to the region's economic survival.
Minister Nicholas Meets Huawei Executives in China to Drive Digital Transformation
Minister Melford Nicholas met with Huawei Vice President Harry Bei in China to explore collaboration on ICT infrastructure, artificial intelligence and smart government solutions. The visit forms part of Antigua and Barbuda's broader push to modernise its digital ecosystem and transform public service delivery.
Antigua and Barbuda Officials Attend Climate Transparency Workshop in Guatemala
Representatives from Antigua and Barbuda's Department of Environment attended a regional climate transparency workshop in Guatemala City from July 6 to 8, focusing on strengthening reporting capacities under the Paris Agreement. The two officials participated in training on adaptation reporting, climate data systems, and Biennial Transparency Report preparation.
Genevieve Smith Foundation Honours Four Potters Primary Graduates in Late Educator's Name
The Genevieve Smith Foundation awarded four Potters Primary School graduates scholarships totalling EC$2,000 at the school's July 8 graduation ceremony, marking the first such presentation since the passing of the Foundation's founder, beloved educator Genevieve "Teacher Gen" Smith, in December 2025.
Ministry Reverses PiAngo Fest Cancellation, Merges Event into New National Agricultural Festival
The Ministry of Agriculture has walked back its announcement cancelling PiAngo Fest, clarifying the event will not be scrapped but merged into a new National Agricultural Festival. The ministry apologised for confusion caused by its earlier release, which had drawn public criticism.
Barbuda MP: Education and Land Access Key to Keeping Youth on the Island
Barbuda MP Trevor Walker says education and access to land are central to keeping young Barbudans at home, pushing back against claims that the island lacks economic opportunity. Speaking on Observer AM, Walker highlighted land allocation, entrepreneurship, and diaspora investment as pillars of Barbuda's development strategy.
Security Forces Declare First Day of CHOGM Exercise Stronghold a Success
Antigua and Barbuda's security forces declared the first day of 'Exercise Stronghold' a success, completing the CHOGM security drill two hours ahead of schedule. The exercise involved a soft lockdown of a designated security zone in the capital as authorities prepare for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.