Local News
1364 articles
Appeal Court Reduces Sentences for Five Men Convicted in Firearms Cases
The Court of Appeal has reduced prison sentences for five men in separate firearms cases, citing errors in sentencing calculations by Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel. The reductions stem from issues including misapplied firearms classifications and charges filed under legislation not yet in force.
Ministry of Agriculture Expands Heavy-Duty Fleet to Boost Farmer Support
The Ministry of Agriculture has begun receiving new heavy-duty equipment and tractors to expand its support capacity for farmers across Antigua and Barbuda. Minister Anthony Smith says the machinery will be used for land clearing, construction, land preparation, and farm road repair.
Workers Union Appeals Industrial Court Ruling on Job Abandonment
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union has filed a Court of Appeal challenge against an Industrial Court ruling that deemed a hotel employee had abandoned his job rather than being dismissed. The case is expected to have broad implications for how job abandonment and dismissal claims are handled in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Delegates Head to Bangkok for Critical Climate Talks
Antigua and Barbuda will be represented at the IPCC-64 climate talks in Bangkok from March 24–27, as the nation pushes for progress on unresolved climate report timelines and improved financing mechanisms for small island states.
PM Browne: Emirates Direct Flight to Follow One & Only Resort Completion
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says a direct Emirates flight from Dubai is expected to materialise once the One & Only resort at Half Moon Bay is completed, as he outlined a series of major luxury tourism investments currently underway across Antigua and Barbuda.
ABHTA Completes Conflict Management Course for Tourism and Hospitality Professionals
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has wrapped up a four-week Conflict Management and Resolution Course, certifying hospitality and tourism professionals in workplace conflict strategies. The programme, led by Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, concluded with an in-person session at the Trade Winds Hotel Conference Centre.
Letter: Treasury Failures Leave Former Ministry Contractor Unpaid for Over a Year
Former Ministry of Tourism contractor James E. Knight details more than a year of failed attempts to recover unpaid salary and retainer from the Public Treasury, citing repeated administrative failures that persisted even after a ministerial intervention by the Prime Minister.
Electoral Commission Extends Office Hours to Boost Voter Registration Access
The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has announced extended weekday and weekend office hours beginning March 24, 2026, to improve public access to voter registration services. All offices will remain closed on upcoming public holidays including Good Friday and Easter Monday.
ABS Staff Allege Retaliation by Management Following Union Dispute
A letter published by Antigua News Room alleges that management at the state-owned Antigua Broadcasting Service engaged in retaliatory actions against staff following an unfavourable union ruling, with the writer calling on Minister Melford Nicholas to intervene.
CIBC Caribbean Sets Fundraising Record with $177,000 Donation to Cancer Groups
CIBC Caribbean has donated a record $177,000 to the Breast Friends support group and the Oncology Department at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, surpassing last year's total of $105,000 raised through its annual cancer fundraising campaign.
Pringle Dismisses Resignation Rumours, Vows to Lead UPP Into Next Election
UPP Political Leader Jamale Pringle has publicly denied rumours of his resignation, calling the claims false and politically motivated. Pringle vowed to continue leading the party and holding the government accountable ahead of the next general election.
St. John's Garbage Bins Deteriorating, Residents Call for Repairs
Public garbage bins installed across St. John's as part of a Ministry of the Environment sanitation initiative are deteriorating, with broken lids and non-functioning waste compartments prompting calls for urgent repairs. Residents and business owners are urging authorities to assess, repair, or replace the damaged units.
UPP Leader Pringle Denies Resignation Reports, Blames PM-Linked Source
UPP Political Leader Hon. Jamale Pringle has categorically denied reports of his resignation, alleging the claims originate from a source linked to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and are intended to destabilize the opposition party. Pringle also defended the party's participation in the St. Philip's North by-election, rejecting attempts to use the result to challenge his leadership.
Crabbs Channel Dredging Near Complete, LNG Plant to Come Online by June
Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas says dredging at Crabbs Peninsula is nearly complete, with LNG vessels expected to begin using the channel by June and the US$50 million plant projected to deliver annual savings of around EC$60 million. The 40-megawatt facility, a partnership between APUA, the Antigua Power Company, and Eagle LNG, is also planned to serve as a regional LNG distribution hub.
Pringle Refuses to Resign, Dismisses Calls as Politically Motivated Disinformation
UPP Political Leader Hon. Jamale Pringle has issued a firm public letter rejecting calls for his resignation, dismissing the pressure as politically motivated disinformation and defending the party's performance in the St. Phillip's North by-election. Pringle called on dissenting members to raise concerns through proper constitutional channels rather than anonymous media briefings.
LNG Plant Inches Toward Full Operation as Crabbs Channel Dredging Nears Finish
Minister of Utilities and Energy Melford Nicholas has announced the dredging channel at Crabbs Peninsula is 98 percent complete, with LNG vessels expected to begin moving through by June and the US$50 million power plant set to reach full operation shortly thereafter. The project is projected to deliver EC$60 million in annual savings for APUA and establish Antigua and Barbuda as a regional energy hub.
Christopher 'Yung Luiy' Howell Passes Away After Critical Illness
Christopher Howell, known as Yung Luiy, has died after a critical illness involving kidney failure and a liver condition at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. His family, who had publicly appealed for blood donations and launched a GoFundMe campaign, has expressed gratitude to those who offered support.
Court of Appeal Slashes Sentences for Five Men in Firearm Cases
The Court of Appeal has reduced sentences for five men convicted on firearm charges, including popular tattoo artist Ozsie Kelvin "Mongoose" Russell, after attorneys successfully argued a magistrate had improperly imposed additional time. One man, Jeson Cedeno, had his sentence reduced to time served after the court found he was sentenced under legislation not yet in effect at the time of his offence.
Beaches Resorts Opens $150M Treasure Beach Village at Turks and Caicos Resort
Beaches Resorts has officially opened Treasure Beach Village, a US $150 million oceanfront expansion at Beaches Turks and Caicos, featuring 101 multi-bedroom suites, six new dining concepts and an extensive collection of commissioned local artwork. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 28 drew Turks and Caicos government officials, resort executives and local artists, with the first guests welcomed on March 1.
Court of Appeal Reduces 'Mongoose' Firearm Sentence to Under Two Years
The Court of Appeal has reduced the firearm possession sentence of Oszie Kelvin Russell, known as 'Mongoose,' from three-and-a-half years to one year and ten months. Russell had pleaded guilty to possessing an unlicensed 9mm Glock pistol, ammunition, and a suppressor found at his Lightfoot home.