Local News
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Saint Lucia to Host 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in July 2026
Saint Lucia will host the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Gros Islet from July 5 to 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre. Regional leaders will deliberate on key issues, with the Opening Ceremony to be held at Sandals Saint Lucia and streamed live online.
Anthropic Calls for Coordinated AI Pause, Warns of Human Control Risk
Anthropic has called on the world's leading AI companies to establish a coordinated mechanism to pause or slow the development of advanced AI systems, warning the technology is advancing so fast that humans risk losing control. The proposal, reported by Antigua News Room, comes as rival OpenAI argues regulation should be led by democratic governments rather than private companies.
Government Scraps Royal Caribbean Deal, Takes Charge of Fort James Redevelopment
Cabinet has approved a government-led redevelopment of the Fort James Beach area, setting aside a long-stalled Royal Caribbean beach club proposal first announced in 2019. The plan envisions a heritage and leisure destination featuring an amphitheatre, local vendor spaces, and beach restoration works, funded through a public-private partnership.
Cabinet Backs App to Tackle Child Support Arrears Affecting Thousands of Families
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has endorsed the MainCollect app, a digital platform designed to improve child maintenance payment collection, targeting up to 2,500 fathers in the country listed in court records as having outstanding obligations. The system, approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and eventually extended across OECS member states.
Government Transfers Fisheries Complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited
The government has transferred management of fisheries complexes at Point, Parham, Urlings and Barbuda to Antigua Fisheries Limited, with a newly approved board of directors to oversee the transition. The move aims to improve efficiency, accountability and services for fishing communities nationwide.
Cabinet Backs Digital App to Address Child Maintenance Crisis in Antigua and Barbuda
Cabinet has endorsed MainCollect, a locally developed digital app designed to modernise child maintenance payment collection in Antigua and Barbuda, where between 1,500 and 2,500 fathers are recorded as having outstanding obligations. The platform, already approved by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is expected to be operational within six months and rolled out across the OECS.
Cabinet Transfers Management of Fisheries Complexes to Antigua Fisheries Limited
Cabinet has approved transferring management of Antigua and Barbuda's fisheries complexes — at Point, Parham, Urlings and Barbuda — from the Fisheries Division to Antigua Fisheries Limited, citing the need for greater operational efficiency and accountability.
PM Browne Joins Villa Primary Students to Build CHOGM 2026 Bottle Cap Mural
Prime Minister Gaston Browne joined Villa Primary School students on Thursday to contribute to a recycled bottle cap mural being created in anticipation of CHOGM 2026, scheduled for November 1–4 in Antigua and Barbuda.
ABBA Names Training Squad for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana
The Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association has named its training squad for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 CBC Pre-Qualifiers, taking place July 8-12 in Georgetown, Guyana. Antigua and Barbuda will compete in Group A against Guyana, Dominica, Turks and Caicos, and Bermuda.
ABNAB to Raise Accreditation Fees Starting July 1, 2026
The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board has announced fee increases for its accreditation and evaluation services, effective July 1, 2026. Applications submitted on or before June 30 will still be processed under the current fee structure.
Cabinet Backs Digital Maintenance App, Fisheries Overhaul, and Fort James Redevelopment
Cabinet has backed a new digital child maintenance platform, overhauled management of the nation's fisheries complexes, and approved a government-led redevelopment plan for the Fort James Beach area. The decisions emerged from the Cabinet's sitting on Thursday, June 4th, 2026.
Two Arrested for Murder After Man Found Dead in All Saints Community
Two suspects are in custody following the fatal attack on 35-year-old Sheldon Dias, who was found with multiple wounds at a property in Mock Pond, All Saints, on Friday. Police have confirmed a man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of murder as investigations continue.
Two Arrested in Connection with All Saints Murder of Sheldon Dias
Two suspects — one male, one female — are in police custody following the murder of 35-year-old Sheldon Dias, who was found with multiple wounds at Mock Pond, All Saints, on Friday afternoon.
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Launches Review Over Patient Care Concerns
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has initiated a formal review after concerns about a patient's care were raised on social media. The hospital says it will contact the family directly and is committed to maintaining its standards of safe and compassionate care.
Health Minister Inspects Morgue, Renal Facility and Other Key Infrastructure Projects
Minister of Health Michael Joseph toured several key healthcare facilities and construction projects, including a new renal facility, morgue, and a centre for children with special needs, as part of a broad assessment of the nation's health infrastructure.
New Festivals Commission Board Sworn In to Drive Economic Growth Through Culture
Antigua and Barbuda has sworn in a new 12-member Festivals Commission Board, charged with turning the country's major cultural events into drivers of economic growth. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams called on the commission to harness the expanding global "orange economy" and leverage festivals as tools for tourism and development.
Ghana Parliament Passes Bill Criminalising Homosexuality with Up to Three Years' Jail
Ghana's parliament has passed legislation criminalising homosexuality and LGBTQ+ identity, proposing prison sentences of up to three years. The bill now awaits the signature of President John Dramani Mahama, who has indicated his support.
Bolans Woman Reports Sexual Assault; Police Launch Investigation
A 30-year-old woman has reported a sexual assault in Bolans to the Criminal Investigations Department, alleging the incident occurred in the early hours of June 1. Police are actively investigating and no arrests have been made.
Man Killed in Mackpond Machete Attack; Two Suspects in Custody
Sheldon Diaz of All Saints has died following a brutal machete and knife attack in the Mackpond area, witnessed by multiple bystanders. Police have taken a man and a woman into custody as investigations continue.
All Saints Man Dead After Attack; Two Detained by Police
All Saints resident Sheldon Diaz has died following a violent attack in the Mack Pond Squatter area on Thursday. Two individuals — a man and a woman — have been taken into police custody as investigators work to establish a motive.