Local News
1364 articles
ABLP to Ratify Full Slate of 17 Candidates at April 12 Convention
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will formally ratify its full slate of 17 candidates at its April 12 convention as the ruling party moves into campaign mode ahead of expected general elections. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who will contest St John's City West, confirmed the candidates have already been endorsed by the party's executive.
Studies Find No Evidence Cannabis Treats Anxiety, Depression or PTSD
Two major studies published in Lancet Psychiatry and JAMA have found no evidence that medical or recreational marijuana effectively treats anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions. Experts warn that growing cannabis use for mental health purposes carries serious risks, particularly for young people and those predisposed to psychotic disorders.
ABLP Confirms Full 17-Candidate Slate Ahead of General Elections
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has confirmed its full slate of 17 candidates for the upcoming general elections, with the list set for ratification at an April 12 convention. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and several senior ministers are among the incumbents seeking re-election.
Armed Men Rob 85-Year-Old Disabled Resident at Gunpoint in Daylight Home Invasion
An 85-year-old disabled man was robbed at gunpoint in his Creekside home on March 19 after two masked men forced their way into his bedroom and stole $2,000 in cash. According to Antigua News Room, the suspects fled the scene following the daylight attack.
Met Office Chief Urges Investment in Climate Monitoring and Resilient Facility
Meteorological Service Director Dale Destin has called for sustained investment in climate monitoring systems and a new climate-resilient facility, warning that stronger infrastructure is critical to maintaining weather services during extreme events. His remarks came in observance of World Meteorological Day.
Alzarri Joseph's Brilliant All-Round Display Seals Two-Day Title for New Winthorpes Lions
CMW New Winthorpes Lions have claimed the 2026 Two-Day Championship following a dominant win over PIC Liberta Blackhawks, with Alzarri Joseph producing a stunning all-round display of 97, 61, and 8 wickets for 24 runs. As reported by Antigua News Room, Liberta were left stranded on 61 for 4 when play was halted, sealing the title for the Lions.
PM Browne Backs Independent MP Anthony Smith Jr. for Labour Party Run in All Saints West
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that Independent MP Anthony Smith Jr. will run under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party in the next general election, as reported by Antigua News Room. The move signals a notable political shift ahead of the constitutionally due 2028 polls in All Saints West.
Rotary Club Donates 32 Laptops to National Public Library to Boost Digital Access
The Rotary Club of Antigua donated 32 HP EliteBook laptops to the National Public Library on March 19, 2026, as part of its Education Through Technology Programme aimed at bridging the digital divide. Library Director Ryllis Mannix said the laptops will significantly improve services for students and researchers.
PM Browne Dismisses Legal Challenge Against MP Baltimore as 'Frivolous'
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has branded a High Court petition challenging the election of newly elected MP Randy Baltimore as "frivolous," declaring it will not prevent Baltimore's swearing-in. Browne made the remarks on the Browne and Browne programme following Baltimore's victory in the St. Philip's North by-election.
Antigua and Barbuda Names 14-Swimmer Squad for 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships
The Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation has named a 14-swimmer squad to compete at the 39th CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Martinique from April 3–8, 2026. The team spans four age groups and will be led by Head Coach Wayne Mitchell.
PM Browne Says He's Giving UPP Time to Organise Before General Elections
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he is giving the opposition UPP time to organise before general elections, which he confirmed are expected within a 90-day window. Browne argued that a stronger opposition benefits governance, even as he criticised the party's current internal divisions.
ABLP Names Donna Chaia as Third Vice Chair Ahead of General Elections
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has named Donna Chaia as Third Vice Chair, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirming the appointment as part of the party's push to complete its executive structure ahead of general elections.
ABLP Names Kendra Beazer as Barbuda Candidate, Browne Calls Him a 'Unifier'
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has officially endorsed Kendra Beazer as the ABLP's candidate for Barbuda, calling him a 'unifier' who can end political fragmentation on the sister island. Browne made the announcement on his radio programme, framing the selection as part of a broader generational shift in Barbudan leadership.
ABLP Convention to Put Party in 'State of Readiness' for General Elections
The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party will use its April 12 convention to finalise candidates and fill leadership vacancies, as Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the party is moving into a 'state of readiness' for the next general election.
Canadian National Charged After 26 Pounds of Cannabis Seized at VC Bird Airport
A 23-year-old Canadian national was arrested at V.C. Bird International Airport on March 21 after officers discovered 26 pounds of cannabis, valued at $208,000 ECC, concealed in his suitcase following his arrival on an Air Canada flight from Toronto.
Baltimore's Swearing-In Delayed by Court Challenge Over Public Officer Status
The swearing-in of St. Philip's North representative-elect Randy Baltimore has been postponed after a UPP official filed a court petition arguing Baltimore was still a public officer at the time of his nomination. Prime Minister Browne and Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan have both dismissed the challenge as frivolous.
Baltimore Swearing-In Deferred to Friday After Election Petition Filed
The swearing-in of St. Philip's North MP-elect Randy Baltimore has been postponed to Friday after a UPP official filed an election petition in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court alleging Baltimore was ineligible to contest last Monday's by-election. Prime Minister Gaston Browne dismissed the petition as frivolous and confirmed the ceremony will proceed as planned.
Canadian Man Arrested at VC Bird Airport with $208K Worth of Cannabis
A 23-year-old Canadian national has been arrested at V.C. Bird International Airport after officers discovered 26 pounds of cannabis — valued at $208,000 ECC — concealed in his suitcase following his arrival on a flight from Toronto.
PM Browne Announces Tax Relief, Wage Increases to Combat Rising Cost of Living
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced two rounds of ABST relief on food and school supplies, a five percent interim wage increase for public servants, and a raise in the national minimum wage as the government seeks to ease the cost of living.
PM Browne Announces Two Rounds of ABST Relief in April and August
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced two rounds of ABST relief on food and school supplies, scheduled for April and August, alongside a minimum wage increase and a five percent interim salary hike for public servants. The measures form part of the government's broader response to rising cost-of-living pressures.