Local News
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Treasury Says Back Pay Disbursed, But Some Public Servants Still Awaiting Funds
The Treasury Department says retroactive salary payments have been distributed to public sector workers, but some government employees report they are still waiting to receive their back pay. The update follows weeks of anticipation among public servants across various ministries and statutory offices.
Over 200 Volunteer Spots Open Ahead of CHOGM 2026 in St John's
Over 200 volunteer positions are still available for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, set to take place in St John's from November 1–4, 2026. High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill has called for a "whole of country" effort to ensure the summit's success.
New Health Minister Launches Review of SLBMC Operations
Newly appointed Health Minister Michael Joseph has begun reviewing operations at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, meeting with Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige to outline priorities shortly after assuming office on May 5th.
CARPHA: Hantavirus Risk Remains Low in Caribbean After Cruise Ship Cluster
CARPHA has issued a public advisory following a hantavirus cluster reported on a cruise ship, assuring Caribbean Member States that the regional risk of infection remains low. The World Health Organization was notified of the incident on May 2, 2026, by the UK's International Health Regulations Focal Point.
Government to Hold Official Funeral for Former Senator Mary-Claire Hurst
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced it will hold an official funeral for former Senator Mary-Claire Hurst, who died earlier this week. Cabinet made the decision at its first post-election meeting, where ministers also paid tribute to the late senator.
UPP Names Four Opposition Senators Ahead of Pringle's Formal Appointment
The United Progressive Party has named four senators to serve on the Opposition bench as Jamale Pringle prepares to be formally appointed Leader of the Opposition on Monday. The selections include Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union Executive Officer Chester Hughes and UPP public relations officer Jonathan Wehner.
Ten Government Senators Sworn In at Government House
Ten of eleven government senators were sworn in at Government House one week after the general elections, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne having selected the appointees. A total of 17 senators are expected to be appointed in all.
Multiple Arrests, Modified Firearm Seized in Pre-Dawn Raids Across Two Communities
Multiple individuals were arrested and a modified firearm with ammunition was seized during coordinated pre-dawn police raids in the Freetown area and along Collins Road on Wednesday, May 6th.
Armed Men Rob Penny Lane Home in Pre-Dawn Machete Attack
Two masked, machete-wielding men broke into a home along Penny Lane, Upper Fort Road in the early hours of May 5th, robbing two occupants after forcing entry through an unlocked window.
Restaurant Week and Culinary Month to Be Held as Separate Events This Year
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotel and Tourism Authority has announced that Restaurant Week and Culinary Month will be held as separate events this year, a change driven by feedback from partners and patrons.
Former St. Kitts PM Douglas Offers Political Counsel to Antigua's Leaders and Opposition
Former St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has shared insights on the responsibilities of governance and opposition in Antigua and Barbuda, calling for deep reflection following a significant electoral shift. The seasoned Caribbean statesman drew on his experience as a four-term leader to address the fine line between a democratic mandate and political entrenchment.
Analyst Warns Gov't Must Deliver 'Immediate Excellence' After 2026 Election
Political analyst Stafford Lewis has warned that Antigua and Barbuda's government must deliver immediate excellence to meet the mandate voters granted in the 2026 elections, with parliamentary numbers mirroring the 2018 results. Lewis argues the administration faces urgent pressure to fulfil its promise of transforming the nation into an economic powerhouse.
Halcyon Steel Orchestra Marks 55th Anniversary with Multi-Band Blockorama
Halcyon Steel Orchestra will host a Blockorama this Saturday featuring eight of Antigua and Barbuda's top steel orchestras, marking the ensemble's 55th anniversary. The milestone was officially observed on May 5th.
Legal Dispute Within Fishermen's Cooperative Stalls Industry Modernisation
A legal dispute over the expulsion of a former cooperative president is blocking international funding and modernisation efforts in Antigua and Barbuda's fishing industry. The protracted court battle has left one of the nation's most vital sectors without critical infrastructure investment or professional training.
Antigua and Barbuda 'Well Advanced' in Preparations for CHOGM 2026
Antigua and Barbuda officials say the country is well advanced in its preparations to host CHOGM 2026, scheduled for November 1st to 4th. High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill and Commonwealth Secretariat Director of Communications Satinder Bindra both expressed confidence in the nation's readiness.
US Withdrawal from Exercise Tradewinds Forces Antigua and Barbuda to Revise CHOGM Security Plans
Antigua and Barbuda is revising its CHOGM security strategy after the United States withdrew from Exercise Tradewinds, the annual Caribbean military drill Washington has long funded and led. Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin confirmed the development, as reported by Antigua Observer.
Strawter and Walker Lead Ottos Past Ovals Ojays in D1 Playoff Opener
Ottos claimed Game One of their Division 1 Playoffs series against former champions Ovals Ojays on Tuesday, led by standout performances from Strawter and Walker. Meanwhile, the Navigators defaulted their match against the Flyers at the JSC Basketball Complex.
Vigo Blake Day Celebration Scheduled for May 31 — A National History, Not Just a Village Story
The Bethesda School Heritage Foundation has invited the entire nation to attend its annual Vigo Blake Day celebration on May 31, with organizers stressing the event honours a story central to Antigua and Barbuda's national history.
PM Browne Challenges New Cabinet to Prioritise Service Over Status
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has challenged his newly sworn-in Cabinet to treat their appointments as a duty rather than a political reward, calling on ministers to lead a national renaissance. The instruments of office were formally issued on Tuesday at the American University of Antigua.
Kiz Johnson Makes History as Second Female MP After St. Philip's South Win
Kiz Johnson has been sworn in as Minister of State in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation after winning the St. Philip's South constituency on April 30, 2026, becoming the second female Member of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda's history.