Local News
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ABNAB to Raise Accreditation Fees in 2026 to Fund Service Upgrades
The Antigua and Barbuda National Accreditation Board will raise fees for several accreditation and verification services starting July 1, 2026, as part of efforts to upgrade its digital platforms and improve service delivery. A grace period allowing applications to be processed at current rates remains in effect until June 30.
Antigua and Barbuda Name 27-Man Squad for FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers
The Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association has named a 27-player squad for the CBC Pre-Qualifiers in Guyana, as the nation begins its campaign to advance in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 qualification process. The tournament runs July 8–12 in Georgetown, with only the group winner progressing to the next round.
Police Investigate EC$100,000 Electronic Banking Fraud Targeting Paradise View Resident
A Paradise View resident has reported losing EC$100,000 in an alleged electronic banking fraud involving accounts at two local banks. Police have launched an investigation, with detectives tracing the unauthorised transactions that occurred on June 2.
Cabinet Appoints New Leadership for Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Board
Cabinet has approved new leadership for the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre board, naming Dr. Philmore Benjamin as executive chairman and Dr. Edward Mansoor as deputy chairman, alongside a series of other statutory appointments under the Ministry of Health.
Antigua Cabinet Approves Dedicated Night Court to Fast-Track Traffic Cases
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the establishment of a dedicated night court to hear traffic cases, aiming to clear a growing backlog and improve road safety enforcement. The initiative follows a recommendation by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin.
Cabinet Approves Scrap Metal Export Deal for Cook's Landfill Cleanup
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a no-cost agreement with Atlantic Ship Breakers Antigua Limited to remove, process and export scrap metal from Cook's Landfill and other sites across the country. The deal aims to rehabilitate affected lands and improve environmental and public safety conditions.
Government to Absorb Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Into National Early Childhood Network
The Antiguan government will take over the Sir Luther Wynter Pre-School Child Development Centre, a UNESCO-designated model school founded over 50 years ago, as part of an expanding national early childhood education network. New preschool centres are also planned for Judges Hill and Jennings.
Cabinet Takes Lead on Fort James Beach Redevelopment to Boost Tourism and Heritage
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved a government-led redevelopment plan for Fort James Beach, encompassing heritage preservation, beach replenishment, vendor spaces, an amphitheatre, and expanded green areas. The project aims to boost tourism while creating economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and community stakeholders.
Antigua Cabinet Backs Digital Child Support Platform, Eyes Public Defaulter Register
Antigua and Barbuda's Cabinet has approved the Main Collect digital platform to streamline child maintenance payments, while also considering a public register of delinquent fathers and stronger enforcement measures to combat widespread non-compliance.
Russian Sailors Beaten and Robbed in St. John's; One Hospitalised in Serious Condition
Two Russian sailors were beaten and robbed by a group of men on Popeshead Street in St. John's in the early hours of June 4, with one crew member hospitalised in serious but stable condition. Police have made no arrests and investigations are ongoing.
Man Stabbed with Scissors After Wallet Dispute on St. Mary's Street
A young man was stabbed with scissors and hospitalised after a confrontation over a dropped wallet inside a St. Mary's Street mobile phone store, according to Antigua News Room. The suspect allegedly removed cash from the wallet before wounding the victim and fleeing.
Man Stabbed with Scissors on St. Mary's Street After Wallet Dispute
A young man is hospitalised in stable condition after being stabbed with a pair of scissors on St. Mary's Street following a dispute over a wallet that fell from his pocket inside a phone store.
Crew Members Robbed and Wounded Near Heritage Quay in Early Morning Attack
Two crew members from a vessel docked at Heritage Quay were robbed and assaulted in the early hours of Thursday, June 4, along Popeshead Street. One victim remains in serious but stable condition at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre as police search for the suspects.
Antigua and Barbuda Signs Aviation MoU to Boost Caribbean Regional Cooperation
Antigua and Barbuda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with France's Directorate General for Civil Aviation during a regional directors' meeting held in Antigua from June 1 to 3. The agreement establishes a Regional Technical Cooperation Committee aimed at strengthening collaboration on aviation safety, security, and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
Police Defend Major Cannabis Raid Near Pares Village, Warn Illegal Growers
Police have seized more than 500 cannabis plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana in a major raid near Pares Village, with four men arrested. ASP Frankie Thomas warned that illegal cultivation will continue to be prosecuted regardless of the country's decriminalisation laws.
ASP Frankie Thomas Defends Major Cannabis Bust Near Pares; Four Men in Custody
Four men remain in police custody following a major cannabis bust near Pares Village, where officers seized more than 500 plants and close to 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana. ASP Frankie Thomas defended the operation, stating the unlicensed, commercial-scale plantation was a clear violation of Antigua and Barbuda's laws.
High Lending Rates Threaten ECCU's 'Decade of Decision' Growth Ambitions
A new financial commentary series examines whether high lending rates across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union — some 820 basis points above Euro Area business lending — threaten the region's stated goal of doubling its economies within a decade. The analysis, reported by Antigua News Room, calls on ECCU institutions to address structural cost-of-capital barriers without sacrificing the region's hard-won macroeconomic stability.
National Performing Arts Centre on Track for CHOGM Opening, Minister Turner Says
Minister Rawdon Turner says the National Performing Arts Centre, currently under construction at the former Deluxe Cinema on High Street, remains on schedule for completion ahead of the November 2026 CHOGM opening ceremony. The nearly 900-seat venue, featuring a double-roof acoustic system and two-tier balcony, is being described as the most advanced performance facility in the Eastern Caribbean.
Tourism Minister Fernandez Highlights New Investments and Carnival 2026 at Caribbean Week
Tourism Minister Charles "Max" Fernandez used a Caribbean Week appearance on New York Living to highlight new investments, sustainability efforts, and Antigua Carnival 2026 as part of the twin-island nation's push to strengthen its global tourism appeal.
Four Men Arrested After Police Seize 500 Cannabis Plants Near Pares Village
Four men were taken into custody on Thursday after a joint law enforcement operation uncovered more than 500 cannabis plants and nearly 1,000 pounds of cured marijuana at an illegal plantation near Pares Village. Authorities say the operation far exceeded the legal limits for cannabis cultivation permitted in Antigua and Barbuda.